Hotel hygiene leaves one in five women ill

One in five women fall ill while staying in a hotel highlighting hygiene risks, claims new research.


The bathroom is the most hygienic place to eat according to Check Safety First, a company offering health and safety risk management systems to hotels.


However 80% of women opt for the bed which is usually the filthiest part of a hotel room with mattresses and duvets rarely changed.


98% of women travellers surveyed  by the company watched TV in their room with the remote control also being at high risk of germs.  


Surfaces including tea making facilities are usually left when cleaning so guests are recommended to wash their hands after coming into contact with them or avoid them completely.


Room service - ordered by 65% of women also carries risks. Check that food is piping hot before eating, and make sure that it is consumed in a clean area of the room.


With 60% of women ranking price as the most important preference, Check Safety First claims the overall cleanliness of the hotel is sometimes being ignored.


It advises if you spot signs of a poorly cleaned room, report it immediately. It might be a recurring problem that hotel management need to be aware of.


"It is important that guests realise how poor hygiene levels in a hotel can be," said Steve Tate, chairman of Check Safety First.


"People often associate illness and their stay with the hotel food, but our auditing finds that the room can also be a major cause.


"With a high turnover of hotel cleaning staff, maintaining high standards is difficult, with some of the most reputable hotels not living up to these standards."

Monday, January 14, 2013

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND