When staying in a hotel or motel, personal safety should always come first — especially when traveling to unfamiliar places. While most guests focus on checking the bathroom, locks, or visible furniture, one often-overlooked spot deserves special attention: the area under the bed. According to Esther, a seasoned Dutch flight attendant with KLM, there’s a surprisingly simple way to ensure that space is safe — toss a bottle of water underneath as soon as you enter the room.

This quick and easy test can reveal more than you might think. If the bottle rolls smoothly from one side to the other, the space is likely clear. But if it stops suddenly or bumps into something unseen, it could signal an obstacle — or, in rare cases, someone hiding beneath. It’s a fast, discreet way to check for hidden items or unexpected movement without getting too close. Should anything seem off, the best course of action is to leave the room immediately and request hotel staff or security to investigate.

Beyond safety concerns, this small habit also says a lot about the room’s cleanliness. The area beneath the bed is often neglected during housekeeping, becoming a common hiding place for dust, debris, or forgotten items from previous guests. By checking it, you can quickly assess how thoroughly the room has been cleaned — an important detail for anyone who values hygiene during travel.

Taking just a few seconds to test under the bed offers both reassurance and protection. Whether it’s about ensuring cleanliness or uncovering something suspicious, this smart precaution adds an extra layer of awareness to your routine. In a world where safety and comfort go hand in hand, sometimes the simplest habits — like rolling a bottle of water across the floor — can make all the difference between unease and peace of mind.