Former hotel staff recommend entering rooms with lights off to better detect security and cleanliness issues.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs avoid light. It signals them to hide. That’s why travel experts suggest waiting before turning the lights on when you first enter a room.
If you flip the switch immediately, you will only cause them to scatter into areas you cannot see. Wait a few seconds in the dark and you may be able to spot movement or see them crawl around on the bedding before they run off into the crevice of furniture where you’ll never see them again.
Eyes Adjust
You’ll essentially be hindering your own ability to spot small details by hitting the light switch right away.
Turn off the lights, insist former maids. Allow yourself a few moments to adjust to the darkness so your eyes can become more sensitive.
Then, you’ll have a much better chance of seeing those flecks of dust, loose hairs, and faint bed bug traces. Give your brain time to process what the bright light washes out.
Smells
The moment you turn on the lights in a hotel room, your brain begins a rapid scan of the visual elements: the bed, the TV, and the outside view. Previous employees explain how this visual noise tricks your brain into not realizing how bad the room smells.
If you refrain from turning on the lights, your other senses kick in. You will become significantly more aware of that musty smell of mildew, stale cigarette smoke or overpowering cleaners.
Luggage Contamination
Here’s a fun fact you might not know: Your suitcase attracts hotel pests. When you bust through the door and flip every switch on, chances are you’ll instinctively drop your bag down on a hot spot.
Former hotel workers recommend staying in the dark during your first minute inside. It helps you remember to keep your bags zipped and off the furniture until you know for sure there are no pests hiding in the room.
Miswired Switches
Hotel insiders know that lighting setups are frequently the first things to go wrong. That’s why they recommend starting with the lights off, so you can confirm each light does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
By following this tip, you’ll dodge the disappointment of finding a broken lamp or non-working outlet once you’ve unpacked. The goal is to discover any problems before you get too comfortable.
Surprising Staff
Nothing is worse than walking into your room to find your housekeeper still cleaning. Stomping in and flicking the light on can embarrass someone who is simply trying to work.
According to former employees of housekeeping, peek into your room in the dark to see if the “do not disturb” cleaning signs are still in place. A quick glance at a partly made bed or a housekeeping cart will often tip you off.
Window Coverage
Keep your lights off to see how much window coverage you really have and whether or not those curtains actually work.
Take your daylight test and see if your room will be bright and lively when you wake up or if you’ll be under buzzing fluorescent lights all day.
Trust me, you want to know this now rather than tomorrow morning when you open your eyes.
Hidden Cameras
If you enter a room that is brightly lit, you will never see a small lens concealed in a vent or picture frame.
Those who used to work there recommend killing the lights and shining a flashlight around fast. It helps you to detect those hidden reflections bright lamps would normally make you miss.
Take a minute; it’s worth every second of peace of mind before you kick back on vacation.
Hazards or Obstacles
Do not rush into the room until you scan the floor. Bright lights fool you into thinking everything is flat and clear.
Stepping into the darkness makes you instantly assess the floor. Holding back your impulse to charge ahead makes you spot any potential hazards or obstacles before you step inside.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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