When you arrive at a hotel, you likely set your suitcase on a luggage rack, a chair, or perhaps the closet floor. However, you might occasionally notice something unexpected: a guest’s luggage resting inside the bathtub. It may seem peculiar, even impractical—after all, bathtubs are meant for bathing, not storing bags. Yet, this unusual travel practice has logical and practical motivations.
The Primary Concern: Bed Bugs
The leading reason experienced travelers place their bags in the bathtub is to shield them from bed bugs. These small, persistent insects lurk in mattresses, cushioned furniture, curtains, and even along carpet edges. If they sneak into your suitcase, they can hitch a ride home, leading to a costly and distressing infestation in your living space.
Hotels face challenges in preventing bed bugs. These pests don’t distinguish between budget inns and high-end resorts. Even top-tier hotels can encounter infestations, as frequent guest turnover provides ample opportunities for the bugs to spread.
Luggage is a prime target. Bed bugs are drawn to fabric surfaces and secluded crevices, making a suitcase placed near a bed an inviting hideout.
The bathtub serves as a “secure zone.” Its smooth, non-porous surface makes it difficult for bed bugs to climb, and any movement would stand out against the typically white porcelain.
Cautious travelers often make the bathroom their first stop, placing their luggage in the tub while they examine the bed, headboard, and room with a flashlight for signs of pests.
Safeguarding Against Water Damage
Another sensible reason some guests opt for the bathtub is to protect their belongings from potential water leaks. Hotel rooms may appear pristine, but water-related issues can occur unexpectedly:
- A dripping air conditioning unit near the window.
- A malfunctioning fire sprinkler.
- Overflow from an upstairs room.
- Seepage from condensation or poorly sealed windows.
Travelers who have dealt with water-damaged luggage in the past often take extra precautions. The bathtub, built to handle water, becomes the most reliable spot in the room for safeguarding belongings.
Hygiene Considerations
Some guests are less concerned about bed bugs and more focused on overall cleanliness. Carpets, upholstered chairs, and luggage racks may not always be thoroughly cleaned between guests. In contrast, bathtubs are typically sanitized daily with disinfectants, making them a more appealing choice for hygiene-conscious travelers seeking a clean storage option.
Psychological Comfort and Travel Rituals
Beyond practical benefits, there’s a psychological aspect to this habit. Traveling can disrupt personal routines and create feelings of uncertainty. Simple practices, like placing luggage in the bathtub, help restore a sense of control and familiarity. Even if the risk of bed bugs or leaks is minimal, this ritual can ease anxiety and make travelers feel more at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.
Expert Tips: Recommendations from Travel Professionals
- Check before unpacking. Bed bug specialists suggest inspecting bed seams, mattress edges, and headboards for tiny black spots or reddish stains before placing luggage nearby.
- Use the luggage rack strategically. If a metal luggage rack is available, position it away from walls and furniture where bed bugs might lurk.
- Consider protective covers. Specialized suitcase liners or encasements add an extra layer of protection against pests.
- Keep items contained. Packing cubes or large resealable bags help minimize the risk of insects accessing clothing.
While hotels don’t officially endorse the bathtub method, pest control professionals recognize it as one of the safest temporary storage options during a room inspection.
For frequent travelers—or those concerned about bringing home unwanted pests—this practice is worth considering. At the very least, it offers reassurance while you settle into your room. Once you’ve confirmed the space is safe, you can relocate your bag to a more convenient location.
What may appear to be a strange habit is, in fact, a clever precaution grounded in experience. Guests who store their luggage in the bathtub are not acting on a whim—they’re taking proactive steps to avoid bed bug infestations, water damage, or hygiene concerns.
The next time you spot a suitcase in a bathtub, you’ll understand: it’s not an oddity, it’s a thoughtful strategy.
