Travel Horror Story Series #2: Dirty sheets! Too tired to change 'em

Several years ago a business trip took to me Pennsylvania. The headquarters of the company I was working for was in State College, PA and so I spent a lot of time in and out of various PA airports (PIT, SCE, MDT) and at different hotels across the state. But this trip was different. I got the full travel horror story treatment!

Travel Horror Story: Dirty Sheets in the Hotel Room (really dirty)

From the outset the trip was a mess and it brought me in late. Very late. My flights were delayed, the drive to the hotel was long, traffic ugly and I still had work to do! We were working on a proposal that needed my edits that night so I had some more work ahead of me.

After I checked into the hotel and got to the room I immediately started to follow my routine (I a normally do; see my 101 Travel Hacks for the Business Traveler for my advice on adopting a routine). I quickly set my clothes out, ironed them, laid out my toiletries, pre-loaded my coffee machine, etc. — all while fighting the urge to crash.

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Then, I then fired up my laptop, sat down in my skivvies to do the last bit of work I needed to get done. After 20-30 minutes, the work was done. I folded the laptop and made my way to the bed. I was toast. Absolutely done. It must have been after midnight by now. Sleep was on my mind.

Continued…below

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BTW…ever wondered how to make your bed at home look like a hotel bed? Here’s a great video that helps you replicate that hotel bed experience (w/out the dirty sheets…):

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However, after pulling back the bed cover it became very apparent these sheets had not been changed. Very apparent! SUPER GROSS.

I was in a bit of quandary. On any other night, I’d have just asked to the hotel to switch rooms, and maybe scored something nice like an upgrade. But at this point, I am unpacked, ready for the next day, in my underwear, and dog-tired. And it’s after midnight. There is no way I am packing all of this up.

Speaking of hotel beds…when they are not gross…they are usually pretty comfortable. Check out 11 Hotel Beds – where to find that Hotel Mattress you Slept on Last Night

So, like a good Marine…I suck it up. Basically, I pulled the spare blanket out of the closet and laid it over the top of bed. Then used my heavy winter coat as a blanket…and passed the heck out. I’ve slept in worse places. But it was still pretty gross.

I can’t remember if I mentioned it to the hotel staff the next day. I am sure I did. Anyway…I didn’t stay at that Hampton Inn anymore. #Nope. Marine or not, that’s gross. What do you think you’d have done?

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What’s your grossest hotel story!? Drop us a comment or tweet us. We’d love to hear it!

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3 comments

Tim September 7, 2018 - 5:46 am

Gross! I was recently in Nashville and had a similar experience. I checked in very late (around midnight). Got the LAST room at the hotel. Checked out the room, the bed wasn’t made, the trash can was full of McDonalds and the toilet had been used, but not even flushed (#2). I go back to the front desk and was told there was nothing they could do, as housekeeping had gone home, but they’d make sure it was cleaned tomorrow. I explained how that wasn’t happening and if they didn’t have a room they could walk me to the Hermitage hotel next door (and they’d pay the additional $500 for the room). Miraculously a beautifully renovated suite opened up – which I was entitled to anyway being a Platinum member. I did a thorough inspection of the room, with the Night Manager before bed. What’s worse….they tried to charge me $1000 for damage / stolen goods from my original room…never staying their again.

J Smith - Biz Travel Blogger September 7, 2018 - 6:14 am

That’s brutal! Thanks for sharing, Tim

r m h May 26, 2019 - 7:02 pm

i think if you re-read your post, you will be amazed at the typos. i can edit for you. for free. let me know. i edit for other boarding area posts.

Travel Horror Story Series #2: Dirty sheets! Too tired to change ’em

Travel Horror Story: Dirty Sheets in the Hotel Room (really dirty)

Jeremy Ballou

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