question about coffee cups?
Jan 22, 2018, 9:28 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2004
Programs: delta,southwest--companion pass,hilton---diamond,marriott---gold,choice
Posts: 236
question about coffee cups?
hello all,
for now i will not name the property except that it was a holiday inn in a world capital, i saw the maid, housekeeper washing out the coffee cups/ mugs in the sink, this is in a country without potable water from the tap, was i wrong to complain? i am from the usa, and i think that this is terrible, even with potable drinkable water as we have in the usa, i met with the manager and he said they used very hot water from the sink, i think it is un-safe and un-sanitary and he will notate it in my files that i want my coffee mugs, cups to be cleaned in the dishwasher, not by the maid in the sink, am i wrong to have complained? is anyone else as upset about this as i was/am?
thank you,
kctigers-
for now i will not name the property except that it was a holiday inn in a world capital, i saw the maid, housekeeper washing out the coffee cups/ mugs in the sink, this is in a country without potable water from the tap, was i wrong to complain? i am from the usa, and i think that this is terrible, even with potable drinkable water as we have in the usa, i met with the manager and he said they used very hot water from the sink, i think it is un-safe and un-sanitary and he will notate it in my files that i want my coffee mugs, cups to be cleaned in the dishwasher, not by the maid in the sink, am i wrong to have complained? is anyone else as upset about this as i was/am?
thank you,
kctigers-
Jan 22, 2018, 9:40 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
That is common practice, there are multiple news stories on the topic and it is entirely sanctioned by the chain and the property.
Whether one likes non-disposable cups or not, if it is outside a restaurant setting, you don't want to consider the "china".
Whether one likes non-disposable cups or not, if it is outside a restaurant setting, you don't want to consider the "china".
Jan 23, 2018, 10:57 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,559
I hope it wasn't this situation: Chinese hotel cleaners caught using toilet brush to wash cups and basins | South China Morning Post
Jan 24, 2018, 2:59 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: SQ QPPS, IHG Spire
Posts: 23
I use the in-room cups for my tea and coffee. But before using them, I always boil a pot of hot water in the water kettle and use the hot water to rinse the cups. Then I pour away the water and boil a fresh kettle of water.
A waste of water I know, but having read articles on what people do with the cups and kettles, I just want to err on the safe side.
A waste of water I know, but having read articles on what people do with the cups and kettles, I just want to err on the safe side.
Jan 24, 2018, 6:03 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Perth, WA, Australia
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Posts: 3,846
Jan 30, 2018, 2:26 am
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
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Posts: 7,739
I use the in-room cups for my tea and coffee. But before using them, I always boil a pot of hot water in the water kettle and use the hot water to rinse the cups. Then I pour away the water and boil a fresh kettle of water.
A waste of water I know, but having read articles on what people do with the cups and kettles, I just want to err on the safe side.
A waste of water I know, but having read articles on what people do with the cups and kettles, I just want to err on the safe side.
I also considered your approach till then, nowadays I call for cups and hot water from room service if needed.
Jan 30, 2018, 5:41 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
hello all,
for now i will not name the property except that it was a holiday inn in a world capital, i saw the maid, housekeeper washing out the coffee cups/ mugs in the sink, this is in a country without potable water from the tap, was i wrong to complain? i am from the usa, and i think that this is terrible, even with potable drinkable water as we have in the usa, i met with the manager and he said they used very hot water from the sink, i think it is un-safe and un-sanitary and he will notate it in my files that i want my coffee mugs, cups to be cleaned in the dishwasher, not by the maid in the sink, am i wrong to have complained? is anyone else as upset about this as i was/am?
for now i will not name the property except that it was a holiday inn in a world capital, i saw the maid, housekeeper washing out the coffee cups/ mugs in the sink, this is in a country without potable water from the tap, was i wrong to complain? i am from the usa, and i think that this is terrible, even with potable drinkable water as we have in the usa, i met with the manager and he said they used very hot water from the sink, i think it is un-safe and un-sanitary and he will notate it in my files that i want my coffee mugs, cups to be cleaned in the dishwasher, not by the maid in the sink, am i wrong to have complained? is anyone else as upset about this as i was/am?
The travelling world seems divided into those who worry about these things and those who don't. I'm a don't and I've never knowingly suffered in a life packed with travel.
Crockery isn't going to be autoclaved and it's unlikely to be replaced with steam-cleaned, machine washed items daily. So not much point complaining, just use the kettle to rinse out with boiling water if that makes you feel safer.
Jan 30, 2018, 6:08 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
I don't think you are wrong to have complained but I don't think it will accomplish anything. This is common practice and taking all the coffee cups (and water glasses) from every room to run through the dishwasher is impractical. So, you have 3 choices:1) pack some paper cups in your luggage (like I do);
2) rinse them with boiling water; or
3) don't let it bother you.
Jan 30, 2018, 8:12 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
Programs: Infinity Milage Lands Gold,Star Alliance Gold, IHG Diamond RA, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 370
I have seen the maid doing this plenty of times but never really thought much of it to be honest, I have never got sick in all my travel through SE Asia even with all the street food I have eaten over the years, which is why I probably have never given it a second thought.
I just give the cups a wipe and that's it not even a rinse with water from the kettle, I must be made of strong stuff
I just give the cups a wipe and that's it not even a rinse with water from the kettle, I must be made of strong stuff
Jan 30, 2018, 8:31 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: EWR
Programs: AA, Delta, NWA,HHonors, Hyatt BF
Posts: 1,762
I always bring a little bottle of anti-bacterial washing soap (dishwasher, hand, etc.) for stuff I'm suspicious of, and I give the tub a go before I use it. If you dare use the china, give it a go as well. I believe this would fix the issue. Also, wipes for the remote, toilet flusher, door knobs and fridge handles. I have issues.
Jan 30, 2018, 11:34 am
#12
Join Date: May 2016
Programs: BAEC - Gold, IHG - Spire Ambassador
Posts: 577
I have used in room cups and water for years. I am in my 50s and have never got ill so far. If you have a delicate disposition then I would avoid travel as there are loads of germs everywhere. If you are healthy, then travel away, enjoy a cuppa and do not worry.......
