Avoid rooms that open directly into a parking lot. If possible, do not accept a room in close proximity to a fire escape; these rooms may be targeted by thieves because they offer a quicker escape. If the hotel clerk announces your room number loudly while checking in, ask them for another room.

To ensure a safe and hygienic stay in 2026, travelers should avoid a few specific "hot zones" in hotel rooms. First, avoid using the TV remote control or the bedside telephone without disinfecting them; these are statistically the germiest items in the room, often overlooked during quick housekeeping turnarounds. Second, never use the glassware or coffee mugs provided on the counter unless you wash them with hot, soapy water first, as they are sometimes only rinsed or wiped with a multipurpose cloth. Third, avoid placing your open suitcase on the bed or carpet; use the designated luggage rack to minimize the risk of picking up or spreading bedbugs. Experts also suggest avoiding the top decorative comforter or "bed scarf," which is rarely laundered compared to the sheets. Finally, in 2026, be wary of "hidden fees" like automatic minibar sensors that charge you just for picking up an item to look at it, and always check the door's deadbolt and "peep-hole" security as soon as you enter.