The Shocking Truth About Hotel Cleanliness: Which Hotels Were Caught Not Changing Bedsheets for New Guests?
When travelers check into a hotel, they expect a clean, comfortable, and hygienic stay. One of the most basic expectations is that the bed linens will be fresh and clean, ensuring a good night’s sleep. However, investigative reports have uncovered a disturbing reality—some hotels are failing to change bedsheets between guests, raising serious concerns about hygiene and cleanliness.
A series of investigations, notably conducted by Inside Edition, have exposed several well-known hotels that did not change bedsheets after guests checked out, leaving new occupants to sleep on used, potentially unclean linens. This article dives deep into these investigations, the hotels that were caught, and what travelers can do to protect themselves.
The Investigation: How Hotels Were Caught Red-Handed
To uncover the truth about hotel hygiene practices, Inside Edition conducted an undercover investigation in which reporters checked into multiple hotel rooms, secretly marking the bedsheets with harmless, washable fluorescent paint. The message “I SLEPT HERE” was written on the sheets, which would only be visible under UV light. The next day, new reservations were made for the same rooms, and the investigation team checked whether the sheets had been changed.
What they discovered was shocking—several hotels had not replaced the sheets, meaning new guests were sleeping on used linens.
Hotels That Failed the Bedsheet Test
The investigation targeted a variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to well-known chains. Among the hotels that failed to change sheets between guests were:
1. Candlewood Inn & Suites (Near Manhattan’s Times Square)
One of the most alarming discoveries was at Candlewood Inn & Suites, where the UV light test revealed that the sheets had not been changed. The fluorescent message remained clearly visible, confirming that new guests were sleeping on the same sheets as the previous occupants.
2. La Quinta Inns & Suites (Near Central Park)
Another well-known hotel, La Quinta Inns & Suites, was caught failing to change its sheets. Despite having a reputation as a reliable chain, the investigation found that the same bedsheets were used for new guests without being replaced.
3. Residence Inn by Marriott (Near Times Square)
At Residence Inn by Marriott, the investigation showed that while pillowcases had been changed, the bedsheets themselves remained unchanged. This raises concerns about whether housekeeping staff are taking shortcuts to save time rather than following proper cleaning protocols.
4. Hyatt Place Times Square
During a follow-up investigation, Inside Edition tested additional hotels, including the Hyatt Place Times Square. Again, the sheets and pillowcases were found to be unchanged between guests, despite the hotel claiming to adhere to high cleanliness standards.
5. Hampton Inn Times Square Central
At Hampton Inn, not only were the sheets and pillowcases unchanged, but other high-touch areas—such as the remote control and thermostat—were also found to be uncleaned. This is particularly concerning as these surfaces can easily harbor bacteria and viruses.
6. Trump International Hotel
Surprisingly, even a luxury hotel such as the Trump International Hotel had hygiene lapses. While the sheets and bathroom towels had been changed, the investigation found that pillowcases and some high-touch surfaces were left dirty, indicating incomplete cleaning.
Why Aren’t Hotels Changing Sheets?
The revelation that some hotels fail to change sheets between guests is disturbing, but why does it happen? Several factors may contribute to this negligence:
1. Cost-Cutting Measures
Hotels, especially those operating on tight budgets, may try to reduce laundry expenses by reusing sheets. Laundry services consume water, electricity, and detergent, so minimizing washing can save money.
2. Time Constraints
Housekeeping staff often have a limited amount of time to clean each room before new guests arrive. With pressure to turn over rooms quickly, some staff may prioritize visible cleaning while skipping tasks that are harder to notice, such as changing sheets.
3. Staff Shortages
Many hotels, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, have struggled with staffing shortages. Fewer employees mean less time to thoroughly clean each room, increasing the likelihood of shortcuts.
4. Lack of Proper Supervision
If hotel management does not strictly enforce cleaning protocols, housekeeping staff may take liberties with certain tasks, assuming that guests will not notice.
How Can You Protect Yourself as a Traveler?
Given these unsettling findings, travelers should take precautions to ensure their hotel rooms are genuinely clean:
1. Inspect the Bedsheets
Before settling into your hotel room, closely inspect the bedsheets for any stains, hairs, or wrinkles that suggest they have not been changed. Freshly laundered sheets should be crisp and smell clean.
2. Bring a UV Flashlight
If you travel frequently, consider bringing a small UV flashlight. This can help you check for unseen stains or fluorescent markings that indicate uncleaned sheets.
3. Request Fresh Linens
If you are unsure whether your sheets have been changed, call the front desk and request a fresh set. Most hotels should accommodate this request without issue.
4. Pack Your Own Travel Sheet or Sleep Sack
For added peace of mind, consider bringing your own travel sheet or sleep sack, especially if you are staying in budget hotels where cleanliness may be questionable.
5. Check Online Reviews
Before booking a hotel, read recent online reviews from other travelers. If multiple guests complain about cleanliness, it’s best to avoid that property.
Hotels’ Responses to the Investigations
After the Inside Edition reports were aired, some of the hotels responded with official statements:
- Candlewood Inn & Suites stated that they were taking the allegations seriously and would reinforce cleaning protocols.
- La Quinta Inns & Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott did not provide immediate responses but later claimed they would investigate and take necessary corrective actions.
- Hyatt Place and Hampton Inn insisted that they have strict cleaning policies in place and promised to retrain staff if necessary.
- Trump International Hotel defended its cleaning practices but acknowledged that additional training may be needed.
Despite these assurances, the findings highlight the need for continued scrutiny and accountability in the hospitality industry.
Holding Hotels Accountable
For many travelers, a hotel room serves as a temporary home. Whether staying for business or leisure, guests have the right to expect clean and hygienic accommodations. Unfortunately, as these investigations reveal, some hotels fail to meet even the most basic standards of cleanliness.
Hotels must prioritize hygiene, especially in a post-pandemic world where cleanliness is more important than ever. Meanwhile, travelers should remain vigilant, check their rooms upon arrival, and demand better service when necessary.
By holding hotels accountable and making informed choices, guests can help ensure that the hospitality industry maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and care.
For a more detailed look into these investigations, watch the Inside Edition report:
See Which Hotels Were Caught Not Changing Bedsheets for New Guests.
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