When travelling abroad, the cost of toiletries can quickly add up. From suncream and moisturisers to makeup and deodorant, it’s often a relief knowing that your hotel room will provide essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
However, a travel agent has exposed the grim reality of what could be hiding in those refillable bottles. Hotel rooms are used by a variety of people, and sadly, not everyone treats them with respect.
This lack of care can result in damage to the room or leave it in a less than desirable state for incoming guests. Hannah Westphal, owner of byHannah Vacations and former vacation rentals manager, has revealed why visitors should be wary of complimentary toiletries.
She warned: “I have to admit, I would never use those refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles in the shower. It’s a bit off-putting not knowing exactly what’s in those dispensers. There’s always the worry someone might have refilled them with something… and believe me, I’ve seen hair removal creams and God knows what else.”
Her advice has been widely shared on social media, with many people shocked at the thought of others tampering with the bottles. While Hannah suggests that securely locked bottles that can’t be tampered with should be safe to use, others strongly disagree.
The woman shared: “Some toiletry pumps have a design that makes them look securely locked. You actually need to unlock them to refill, which prevents guests from altering the contents of the ones already in the hotel room. So, you definitely can use them.” However, one commenter under a related video revealed: “I work at a holiday inn; you can easily use a pin to unlock it.”
Another TikTok user admitted she had heard a disturbing tale about tampered hotel toiletries. This user stated: “This woman who was the manager of a hotel said she’s found nair, bleach, dye, etc in those bottles. When you think about it, anyone could really put anything in there..”
Indeed, another horrifying story shot across the platform when another video claimed: “My friend, he was like, never, ever use the shampoo. And I was like, why? He goes people [ejaculate] in that? Yeah. And I was like, who would do that? He goes, I did it.”
Reacting to the repellant revelation, a viewer posted: “This is why we have so much single use plastic waste. People are monsters.”
Learning from these cautionary tales, Hannah advised: “It might be wise might be wise to bring your own miniature toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, for your trip.” In case guests forget to pack their essentials, Hannah suggests checking with the reception for any extras they might have on hand.
In related news, New York is set to ban single-use toiletry bottles in hotels from January 1, 2025. The new law will require hotels with more than fifty rooms to eliminate mini toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and moisturisers.
Do you have a story to share? Email eve.wagstaff@reachplc.com