The First Thing I Do When I Walk Into a Hotel Room (And Why You Should Too)

June 15, 2026

Traveler letting the hotel shower run before use as part of hotel room safety and cleanliness tips

I absolutely love checking into a beautiful hotel. The excitement of opening the door, seeing the view, fluffing the pillows, and imagining the relaxing getaway ahead never gets old. But before I unpack my favorite travel outfit or jump into vacation mode, there's one simple thing I always do first, and it only takes a few minutes.

As much as hotels work hard to keep their rooms clean, there are some things that housekeeping simply can't control. One of them is what may be hiding inside the bathroom fixtures, especially if the room hasn't been occupied for a while.

Before using the shower, sink, or bathtub, I let the hot water run for about five to ten minutes.

It might sound a little excessive, but here's why: a type of bacteria called Legionella can grow in water systems like showerheads, faucets, and tubs when they aren't used regularly. In some cases, breathing in tiny water droplets contaminated with this bacteria can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia.

The good news? Cases are still relatively rare, and experts agree that simply flushing the system by running the water significantly reduces the risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hotels and resorts have accounted for a large percentage of reported Legionnaires' disease outbreaks over the years. While busy hotels with constant guest turnover are less likely to have this issue, seasonal properties or rooms that sit vacant for weeks could potentially allow bacteria to grow.

So here's my little vacation ritual: I turn on the shower to the hottest setting, close the bathroom door, and let it run while I unpack my suitcase or change into something comfortable. I do the same with the sink faucet and, if there is one, the tub faucet. By the time I'm done settling in, everything is ready to use.

While we're talking hotel room hygiene, there are a few other items I never travel without. Disinfecting wipes are perfect for wiping down high-touch areas like light switches, door handles, remote controls, and faucet handles. I also always pack a travel-sized hand sanitizer for flights, hotel lobbies, and excursions.

One item that has become a permanent part of my travel bag is a portable UV sanitizer wand. It's compact, easy to use, and gives me extra peace of mind when traveling. And because my skin tends to get dry from airplanes and constantly changing climates, I never leave home without my favorite hydrating facial mist and moisturizer to keep my skin feeling refreshed throughout the trip.

If your hotel has a hot tub, especially at a vacation rental property like an Airbnb or Vrbo, it's worth asking how frequently it's maintained. The CDC has found that a significant number of travelers who contracted Legionnaires' disease reported using hot tubs during their vacations. Proper maintenance is key.

Now, I don't share this to scare anyone away from traveling. If you've been following Casa de Ocio for a while, you already know I'm all about creating beautiful experiences, exploring new places, and enjoying every minute of the journey. This is simply one of those small travel habits that helps me vacation smarter.

So the next time you check into your hotel room, take a few minutes before jumping into relaxation mode. Let the water run, wipe down a few commonly touched surfaces, unpack your favorite pajamas, and then go enjoy your trip.

Because the best vacations are the ones where you can truly relax, knowing you've taken care of the little things first.