Rick Steves' Hotel Pet Peeve: Too Many Pillows on the Bed

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Imagine checking into a hotel after a long day of traveling, only to be confronted with a bed covered in a mountain of pillows. This is Rick Steves’ pet peeve when it comes to hotel accommodations. In a short clip, the travel guru humorously expresses his disdain for excessive pillows on hotel beds. While some may view the number of pillows as a measure of luxury, Steves argues that it is not a true indicator of a quality hotel. So why do hotels provide guests with so many pillows? It turns out, there may be more to it than meets the eye. Some hotels use pillows as a way to add character to the room and create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, extra pillows can serve a functional purpose, providing comfort and support for guests. However, beyond being an annoyance, these pillows can actually be covered in dirt and germs, as they are not always cleaned regularly. Perhaps Steves is onto something by tossing them to the floor.

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Rick Steves’ Hotel Pet Peeve

When it comes to hotels and accommodations, Rick Steves is a seasoned traveler with years of experience under his belt. With his extensive knowledge of European destinations, it’s no surprise that he has uncovered some interesting insights about hotels. Steves has even shared his favorite hotels in major European cities, giving fellow travelers valuable recommendations. However, amidst all the positive experiences, Steves has one pet peeve that can make a comfortable stay a bit more challenging: too many pillows.

The Issue of Too Many Pillows on Hotel Beds

One question that often comes to mind when entering a hotel room is, “Why are there so many pillows on the bed?” Hotel rooms are typically minimalistic, with little more than basic furniture and amenities. However, some hotels go overboard with the number of pillows they provide in their rooms. But why?

One possible reason is to create a sense of fullness and warmth in the room. While vases and candles might pose a hazard, pillows are safe and hard to tear open. Therefore, hotels may opt for a stack of pillows to add character and coziness to the space. Additionally, extra pillows can be comforting for solo travelers who prefer not to have an empty-looking bed. Furthermore, some of these pillows may serve a functional purpose, such as propping up one’s head or providing support for the knees while sleeping. In fact, luxury hotels often offer a pillow menu to cater to guests’ specific preferences for padding and support.

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Inconvenience and Annoyance of Extra Pillows

While some guests may appreciate the extra pillows, Rick Steves is not a fan. Steves has been known to toss the majority of the decorative pillows aside, leaving only a few on the bed. His disdain for the excessive pillows is evident in his actions, and he encourages others to make the room their own by getting rid of the unnecessary cushions.

Many travelers share Steves’ sentiment and resort to similar methods of dealing with over-decorated hotel beds. It is not uncommon to see pillows strewn on the floor, next to shoes and suitcases. While this may be a simple way to reclaim the bed space, it also raises concerns about cleanliness and hygiene.

Floors in Hotel Rooms and Pillow Hygiene

One factor that contributes to the aversion towards extra pillows is the cleanliness of hotel room floors. Jacob Tomsky, a hotel expert, confirms that floors are only vacuumed and rarely receive a deep clean. This means that the pillows, which have been in contact with the floor, may carry dirt and germs that can be transferred to the guests’ faces and bodies. The decorative pillow covers are not washed as frequently as regular pillowcases, making them potential breeding grounds for bacteria and allergens.

Daniel Romero, the manager of the Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, California, explains that throw pillows are particularly challenging to clean. Any stains or spills, such as drool or makeup, may require special cleaning methods or, in some cases, replacement. The difficulty in keeping throw pillows clean further reinforces the argument against their excessive presence on hotel beds.

Expert Confirmation on Pillow Hygiene

The concerns raised by Rick Steves and others are not without backing from experts in the hotel industry. Jacob Tomsky, being a hotel expert himself, acknowledges the validity of these concerns. Moreover, the manager of the Park James Hotel, Daniel Romero, agrees with the difficulties in cleaning throw pillows and emphasizes the need for special attention when dealing with them.

It is clear that pillow hygiene is an important aspect of maintaining a clean and comfortable stay for hotel guests. Regular cleaning and maintenance practices are crucial to ensure that the pillows remain sanitary and free from allergens.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, the issue of too many pillows on hotel beds may seem trivial. However, for frequent travelers like Rick Steves, it is a minor inconvenience that can detract from an otherwise pleasant stay. The reasons behind the excessive number of pillows vary, from adding visual appeal to providing extra comfort. Nevertheless, the inconvenience and cleanliness concerns associated with these pillows cannot be ignored.

Hotel owners and staff should take note of the opinions voiced by guests like Rick Steves and the insights shared by industry experts. By ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of their pillows, hotels can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for their guests. After all, a good night’s sleep is essential for any traveler, and unnecessary pillows should not get in the way of that.

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