Why You Should Put Luggage in Your Hotel Room’s Bathtub

It’s occured to me before, so I’ve been there—I checked into a cozy little hotel room, set my luggage down near the bed, and got ready to enjoy my stay. Then, I began reading reviews about that very hotel and came across the dreaded word: bedbugs.

My stomach dropped, and I couldn’t shake the idea of those tiny pests crawling into my suitcase and coming home with me. That’s when I understood about the handy travel hack of putting luggage in the hotel room’s bathtub. It seemed strange at first, but trust me, it’s a simple trick that can save you from a big headache.

Let me show why putting your luggage in the bathtub is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid bringing home unwanted guests—or suffering from hotel room cleanliness issues.

Bedbugs: The Ultimate Nightmare

If you’ve ever suffered from bedbugs, you know how frustrating and stressful they can be. Hotels, especially the budget-friendly or well-worn ones, can sometimes have bedbugs hiding out in places you wouldn’t predict—like mattresses, headboards, and even behind the curtains. These sneaky pests love to hitch a ride on your belongings, especially anything cloth or fabric like suitcases, backpacks, and clothes.

Now, here’s where the bathtub comes in. Bedbugs usually hang out in cozy areas where they can easily access people, so they tend to stick around the bed or furniture in the room. A smooth, cold surface like the bathtub? Not exactly their favorite spot. Putting your luggage in the bathtub when you first enter your room gives you a opportunity to thoroughly inspect the room for any signs of bedbugs without worrying about your stuff being invaded.