Hotel horror boiling point

Hotel workers have warned holidaymakers against checking in late – as they may lose their room.

According to receptionists, some budget hotels will purposely overbook to maximise profits based on the assumption not all guests will show up. If they end up with too many people checking in, they’ll move you to another nearby hotel and cover taxi costs.

This system usually impacts the guests who are last to check in so, if you’re heading to an evening show or event and think you can just check in afterwards, you should reconsider.

To help travellers get the most out of every overnight stay, the experts at eshores travel agency have issued this bit of advice, along with a few other tips.

The firm has asked staff within the hospitality and tourism industry including waitresses, chefs, receptionists and cleaners, to uncover top insider tips to help avoid an unpleasant stay.

They say guests should doublecheck the kettle as some room occupants are rumoured to have washed their underwear in it, so never use it until you’ve checked inside – although boiling tends to kill most bacteria.

If you stay clear of meat products, consider giving the buffet breakfast a miss especially at more budget hotels, as crosscontamination can be rife.

You may think you’re safe with options such as tomatoes and eggs, but behind the scenes tells a different story. Staff working in the kitchen say they’ve seen tomatoes cooked on trays covered in bacon grease.

If you’re heading to a hotter climate, hotel staff say to flush the toilet when you first get to your room after check-in, or when returning after a day out. In hotter locations, the toilet bowl and under the seat make the perfect hiding spot for creepy crawlies, especially spiders.

“Together we go further” is a new campaign launched after the merger of Eurostar and Thalys rail operator, now under one brand – Eurostar. It has a new look, website, app and a loyalty programme, and promises to take passengers even further on its 51 trains spanning five countries and 28 destinations. eurostar.com