Keeping the Bathroom Light On in Hotel Rooms: A Smart Travel Tip

When staying in unfamiliar hotel or motel rooms, it might seem unusual to leave the bathroom light on, but this simple habit offers several benefits that contribute to your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. While it may appear trivial, leaving a light on during the night can be a practical choice for various reasons, especially when you’re in a new place and might not feel entirely at ease.

Here’s why keeping the bathroom light on in a hotel room can make a noticeable difference:

1. Helps Keep Pests Away

Motels, especially those with exterior access, can sometimes have issues with pests like insects or small critters. While not every hotel faces this issue, certain places may have more frequent encounters with bugs or other unwelcome visitors. One practical reason for leaving the bathroom light on is that it can help deter pests from exploring your space at night.

Small insects, such as cockroaches, tend to be attracted to dark, hidden areas. By illuminating the bathroom, the light can draw pests away from the main sleeping area, giving you a more peaceful night. As one online user pointed out, “Lights do keep cockroaches away, but they might attract other insects.” While it may not be a perfect solution, it’s a small step toward a more comfortable environment.

2. A Safe Guide for Navigation

Navigating a hotel room in complete darkness can be tricky, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. Keeping the bathroom light on creates a soft, indirect glow that makes it easier to find your way around, reducing the risk of stumbling or bumping into furniture in the middle of the night.

This is particularly helpful for those who need to get up during the night for something as simple as a drink of water or using the bathroom. Instead of fumbling through darkness, the small light provides enough illumination to safely move around the room. In case of an emergency where you need to evacuate quickly, the light also ensures you can find your way out without feeling disoriented in the dark.

“I don’t think being alone in a pitch-black room, trying to find my eyeglasses or other essentials, in an unfamiliar space is ideal,” says one traveler who frequently stays in hotels for work. “In case of emergency, I want to make sure I can find my exit immediately, it’s part of my self-protection strategy.”

3. Enhances Comfort and Reduces Anxiety

A dark, unfamiliar room can make some travelers feel uneasy, especially when they’re alone or far from home. Leaving the bathroom light on can provide a soft, reassuring glow that helps you feel more comfortable and at ease in an unknown environment. This is particularly beneficial for solo travelers or those who struggle to sleep in complete darkness.

For those who don’t mind a little light but prefer not to have the entire room illuminated, a popular suggestion is to keep the bathroom door shut, leaving enough light seeping out under the door to navigate the room without disturbing sleep. This method provides just enough comfort without being intrusive.

4. A Low-Cost Security Measure

While it may not be a foolproof strategy, leaving a light on in your hotel bathroom can provide a sense of security. In some cases, lights can give the illusion of an occupied room, deterring potential intruders who are more likely to target dark, unlit spaces. Even if you are alone, a little light can create the impression that someone is still awake or around.

This small visual deterrent may not prevent every security issue, but it does provide an added layer of safety. For many travelers, this simple act can help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with staying in a new place.

5. Reduces Sleep Disruptions

In some instances, travelers may struggle to sleep due to the change in environment, noise, or other unfamiliar factors. The soft glow of a bathroom light may help create a more comfortable atmosphere, easing the transition to sleep without the harshness of a bright light. It can be just enough to comfort you without disturbing your rest.

Final Thoughts

Though leaving the bathroom light on may seem like a minor decision, it has multiple practical advantages when you’re staying in a hotel or motel. From offering additional safety and comfort to minimizing the chances of pest encounters, this small habit could enhance the quality of your stay. So, next time you’re in a new hotel room, consider keeping the bathroom light on as a simple yet effective strategy to ensure a smoother, safer, and more comfortable night.