Why Some Hotel Guests Store Their Luggage in the Bathtub

  • Hotels Are Vulnerable: Bed bugs do not care if a hotel is cheap or a fancy five-star resort. Even the most luxurious properties sometimes have to deal with outbreaks. Since the bugs can easily spread from one guest’s items to the next, any hotel is at risk.
  • Luggage Is the Perfect Target: Bed bugs are naturally drawn to fabric and dark, cozy hiding places. A soft suitcase left on the floor near the bed is an ideal spot for them to settle down.
  • The Bathtub Is a “Safe Zone”: The surface of a bathtub is usually smooth, hard porcelain. This slippery, non-porous material makes it extremely difficult for a bed bug to climb up or hide. If a bug were to try to crawl onto the bag, it would also be easy to see it against the bright white surface.

For travelers who are extra careful, the bathroom is often their very first stop. They will “put their luggage in the tub while they inspect the bed, headboard, and room with a flashlight for signs of pests.” This is a key step to keeping their bags safe while they quickly check the rest of the room.


A Strong Defense Against Unexpected Water

Another solid, practical reason guests use the tub is to guard against water damage. While hotel rooms usually look clean and dry, unexpected water problems can happen more often than people realize. If your bag is on the carpet and a leak occurs, your belongings can get ruined.

Examples of water issues include:

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