Originally Posted by alpenrose

I thought perhaps I should post my observations about hotel cleanliness. I was Director of Housekeeping at a major downtown chain hotel (one with all those points, etc.) As a result of those years I insist that those I love travel with the following:
1. A small bag of Clorox antispectic wipes
2. A disposable sheet (in case you can't get extra sheets from hotel)
3. A small hand towel and face cloth from home.
4. A small (legal)amount of liquid dish soap
5. A small (legal ) amount of 90% alcohol

Here's why:
1. The first thing the maid will do is wipe down the tub, she will then take whatever wet clothes and towels are on the floor to the cart, but the towels that have been used and are on the sink will be used to wipe down the counters! I clorox the door handles in the bathroom also.

2. Those fabric covered sofas and chairs--forget about sitting on those! Fabric furniture NEVER gets cleaned properly, or if it does get a shampoo every year or so that is not nearly enough to take care of the problem. Cover the chair with a bath towel and ask the front desk for two extra sheets (one for the sofa and the other to top sheet your bed (after you pulled the comforter off the bed). If the seating is plastic or leather wipe it down with the clorox cloth!

3. Those hand towels have been used for cleaning everything! It's your call, but sometimes you will be happy to have your own!

4. Those glasses--better hope they are the plastic kind pre-sealed in shrink wrap. If not, re wash the glass with your clorox wipe and rinse the glass well! NEVER, ever drink from a glass you have not washed.

In countries where traveller's tummy is a real threat don't forget to rinse out your glass, your toothbrush, anything you are going to put to your lips with bottled water.

Remember: most major hotels now use a wipe down product for their bath tups and sinks--it does not disinfect the way good old comet used to! it just makes every thing shine and takes away the scum. I usually put a hand towel in the bottom of the tub or shower stall so I can stand on that.

You should know that it is not unusual for human urine to show up on the bedroom walls under the special spectrum light. If you want to know how good your maid is look under the bed first thing! That'll give you a clue as to how to proceed.

I am not compulsive, but I have learned the hard reality of hotel housekeeping.