How to Deal With a Bad Hotel Room

There's nothing worse than a hotel room filled with bad odors, dirty bedding and other unpleasant surprises. Hotels concerned about customer service might be willing to switch you to a new room, but if they won't comply--or if the new hotel room is no better than the old one--here's how to deal with a night in the kind of suite that inspires horror movies.

Instructions

1. Immediately ask to switch to a new room. Clearly but politely explain what's wrong with the one you were assigned. Be prepared to show a manager the dirt, stains, pests, trash, plumbing problems--or whatever else it is you object to.

2. Contact your credit card company if the hotel management will not switch you to a new room or if the new room is equally unacceptable. See if you can contest the charges and find a new place to lodge. If the hotel description is considerably different from how it appears in person, you might have grounds to get a refund.

3. Spend as little time as possible in your hotel room if you are unable to switch rooms or go to a new hotel. Fill your day with activities elsewhere. You might even find yourself having more fun exploring the city if you are not comfortable in your hotel room.

4. Remove the bedspread before sleeping in the bed. Sheets and blankets are laundered frequently but the bedspread is most likely to harbor dirt, germs and odors. If you are only spending one night and don't feel comfortable in the bathroom, skip the shower or bath and spot clean instead.

5. Brush your teeth with bottled water if you suspect plumbing problems.

6. Check out as early as possible.

7. Write a letter to the hotel management complaining about your stay. If it was at a major hotel chain, contact the corporate headquarters as well. Be sure to post scathing reviews at travel websites so that other prospective hotel guests avoid your fate.

Tips & Warnings

• Read hotel reviews on travel websites prior to booking your room to avoid this experience in the future.

• If you're worried about your safety in the hotel room, leave immediately and find a safer place to stay. Even if you don't get your money back, it's not worth it to put yourself in harm's way.