When staying at a hotel, many guests instinctively reach for the bottled water placed neatly on the table or minibar. It seems convenient, harmless, and even inviting after a long day of travel. However, not everyone is aware of the hidden risks that may come with that small bottle of water. From unexpected charges to potential health concerns, here are the key reasons you might want to avoid drinking bottled water provided in hotel rooms—and what you should do instead.

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1. Hidden Costs That Add Up Quickly

One of the most common traps in hotels is the hidden price tag on bottled water. Unless you’re staying at a higher-end hotel that clearly states that bottled water is complimentary, chances are you’ll be charged for it—often at a much higher rate than you’d expect.

While a regular bottle of water might cost around 10,000 VND (~$0.40) outside, the same bottle in a hotel room can be priced at 50,000 VND (~$2) or even more. And because hotels rarely place a price list right next to the water, many guests drink it assuming it’s free, only to be shocked at checkout.

🔎 Tip: Hotels rated 3 stars and above often offer 1–2 free bottles of water per guest per day. Any additional consumption may be added to your bill. Always check labels or ask the front desk.

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2. Bottled Water May Be Stored for Too Long

Another often overlooked issue is how long the bottled water has been sitting in the room. Hotels restock rooms regularly, but in low-occupancy periods, a bottle may sit unopened for weeks or even months. During that time, factors like heat, sunlight, or chemical interactions with the plastic bottle may cause deterioration in water quality.

Even though bottled water is sealed, long storage under improper conditions can lead to the growth of bacteria or chemical leaching, particularly if the bottle has been exposed to warm temperatures for extended periods. Drinking such water could pose mild to moderate health risks, especially to people with sensitive stomachs or weakened immune systems.

🧊 Better alternative: Buy bottled water from a nearby convenience store or bring your own reusable bottle and fill it with safe, filtered water if available.

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3. Risk of Tampering or Broken Seals

Let’s be honest—hotels accommodate dozens to hundreds of guests every day. Not all of them are responsible or respectful. There have been reports in some regions of bottles being tampered with—where previous guests opened the bottle, drank from it, and resealed the cap. Others may even refill the bottle with tap water for unknown reasons and put it back to avoid being charged.

If hotel staff miss checking these bottles thoroughly, the next guest (you) might unknowingly drink contaminated or unfiltered water. It's also possible that the hotel sources the water locally and manually fills bottles without adequate sanitation, especially in smaller or budget hotels.

🚨 Warning: Always inspect the bottle cap seal. If it's broken, loose, or looks re-glued—don’t drink it.

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Other Things You Should Avoid in Hotel Rooms for Hygiene & Safety

Bottled water isn’t the only thing you should be cautious about. Hotel rooms, while cleaned regularly, are still shared spaces—and some items aren’t always sanitized as thoroughly as you might hope.

4. Avoid Using Hotel Towels

No matter how luxurious the hotel looks, there’s no guarantee that the face towels or bath towels have been properly sterilized. Some guests have reported skin issues or allergic reactions after using hotel-provided linens. In some cases, towels may be rinsed rather than washed, or used for multiple purposes behind the scenes.

✅ Solution: Bring your own small clean towel or purchase a disposable travel towel.

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5. Be Cautious with the Electric Kettle

It might sound extreme, but there have been instances where guests used electric kettles for inappropriate purposes, such as boiling undergarments or washing food. If the kettle looks dirty or smells odd, do not use it without thoroughly cleaning it first.

🧽 Quick clean tip: Rinse with boiling water once or twice before use.

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6. Avoid Wearing Shared Plastic Slippers

Many hotels provide reusable plastic slippers rather than disposable ones. These slippers are used by countless guests and, even when wiped down, can still harbor fungus, bacteria, or foot-related infections. If you're barefoot, you’re at risk of catching conditions like athlete’s foot or other skin irritations.

👣 Best practice: Bring your own flip-flops or ask if the hotel offers disposable slippers.

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In Conclusion: Be Proactive to Stay Safe and Comfortable

Staying at a hotel is supposed to be relaxing and convenient—but a little awareness goes a long way. That complimentary-looking bottle of water on the desk? It could be overpriced, stale, or even tampered with.

To ensure your health and budget stay intact, consider these simple precautions:

• Bring your own bottled water or buy it locally.

• Inspect all bottles for broken seals or signs of tampering.

• Avoid using hotel towels, kettles, or slippers unless you’re sure of their cleanliness.

• Stick to trusted, hygienic sources of drinking water and personal hygiene items.

By being mindful and cautious, you can make your hotel stay not only comfortable but also safe and worry-free—leaving you more energy to enjoy your trip.