Why Some Hotel Guests Store Their Luggage in the Bathtub

Introduction

Placing luggage in a hotel bathtub might seem odd at first—but many seasoned travelers do it intentionally. It’s not about convenience. It’s about protection from pests, leaks, and unexpected room issues. The bathtub acts as a temporary safe zone when entering a new hotel room before you unpack or settle in.

Origin

This habit gained traction through frequent travelers, flight crews, travel forums, and pest-awareness guides. As news about bed bug infestations spread—along with social media stories about water leaks, dirty carpets, and unexpected hotel surprises—people started using the bathtub as a neutral, easy-to-clean landing spot.

Flight attendants are especially known for this tip; many are trained to do it when arriving in unfamiliar hotels.

Cultural Significance

With rising awareness of hygiene and travel risks, hotel habits have evolved. The practice reflects:

Self-protection while traveling
Increased concern about hotel cleanliness
Growing knowledge about bed bugs and cross-contamination
Smart travel routines passed between insiders

“Ingredients” (Reasons People Do It)

Here are the main motives behind this habit:

Bed Bug Prevention
- Bed bugs rarely inhabit bathtubs or tile surfaces.
- Keeping luggage in the tub while you inspect the room reduces the chance of infestation.
Avoiding Carpet Germs or Moisture
- Hotel carpets and furniture can harbor bacteria, spills, mold, or pests.
Protection from Leaks or Flooding
- If a room above has plumbing issues, the floor or closets might get wet.
Safer During Room Checks
- Travelers often store luggage in the tub while inspecting:
  - Mattress corners
  - Sofa seams
  - Baseboards
  - Curtains
Cleaner Surface Compared to the Floor
- Bathrooms are often cleaned more thoroughly than carpets or upholstery.

Optional Additions

Some travelers take it a step further with:

Hard-shell luggage only in tubs
Plastic bags or liners under suitcases
Use of bathtub only until inspection is done
Pest flashlight checks before unpacking
Keeping luggage elevated after inspection (on racks or hard floors)

Tips for Success

Place luggage in the bathtub immediately upon entry.
Inspect the room before moving bags elsewhere:
- Check the mattress seams
- Look behind headboards
- Scan chairs and curtains
- Inspect baseboards and nightstands
Avoid placing luggage on:
- Beds
- Carpets
- Upholstered chairs
- Closets
After inspection, move luggage to a rack or hard floor area.

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Enter the hotel room.
Place all luggage in the bathtub—even briefly.
Conduct a bed bug and cleanliness inspection.
Once satisfied, move the luggage to:
- A luggage rack
- A tile or tabletop surface
- A desk or dresser top
Avoid prolonged storage in the tub if you’ll need to use the shower.

Description

The bathtub provides a hard, slick, elevated surface where pests are unlikely to crawl and liquids are easier to spot. It’s a controlled area away from common infestation zones like beds, carpets, and sofas. For travelers prioritizing hygiene, it acts as a temporary quarantine spot for bags.

Nutritional Information (Metaphorical!)

Stress Reduction: High
Cost: $0
Time Effort: Minimal
Pest Protection: Strong
Hygiene Awareness: Boosted
Inconvenience Level: Low
Peace of Mind: Significant

Conclusion

Storing luggage in the hotel bathtub isn’t strange—it’s strategic. Whether the concern is pests, spills, germs, or inspection efficiency, this method offers a practical safeguard before unpacking and settling in.

Recommendation

Use this habit especially when:

Checking into older hotels
Staying in budget lodgings
Traveling internationally
Arriving late or tired
Sharing rooms with others
You or someone with you has allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Just as you carry sanitizing wipes or check bedding before sleep, using the bathtub as a luggage landing zone is a low-effort, high-benefit self-care move. It’s not about fear—it’s about staying ahead of preventable problems.