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When you arrive at a hotel, the last thing you want to do is think about germs, creepy crawlies or unhygienic habits left behind by past guests.

Most of us throw our bags on the bed and head out to enjoy the holiday. But, according to the germ-conscious travel professionals at Transfeero, skipping a couple of quick checks could be a mistake.

Andrea Platania says hotel staff often see things that most guests never suspect. After speaking to waiters, receptionists, cleaners and even chefs, he shared thetop things you should always do as soon as you step into your hotel room.

“People book holidays to make memories, not to deal with unpleasant surprises. That’s why it’s worth taking two minutes to check your room properly before settling in. Trust me, hotel staff see far more than you’d imagine," Andrea said.

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One of the less glamorous tips is to open the kettle before you use it. According to Andrea, while most guests assume everything is spotless, kettles are rarely checked thoroughly by housekeeping.

“There have been cases where guests have put things inside kettles that should never be there,” he said. “I’ve heard of everything from socks to much worse. Unless you want your morning tea tasting like regret, always check before boiling.”

And it’s not just the kettle that needs a second look. Platania warns that minibars can also hide unpleasant surprises.

“A hotel worker once told me a guest urinated into a minibar bottle, screwed the cap back on, and left it there. The next person opened it thinking they’d found a refreshing drink,” he revealed.

For that reason, the expert recommends making sure the seals on all minibar bottles are intact before taking a sip. “If the seal looks tampered with, avoid it. It’s not worth the risk. Buy your drinks at the bar instead, so that at least you know what you’re getting.”

If your trip takes you somewhere hot, another unexpected danger could be hiding in the toilet. Andrea explained that the porcelain bowl and the underside of the seat are ideal hiding spots for insects.

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“In warmer climates, it’s not unusual to find spiders or cockroaches setting up camp in the toilet bowl,” he said. “The safest thing to do is flush before you use it, especially if you’ve just checked in or returned after a day out.”

It may sound like an overreaction, but those who’ve had an unexpected encounter with a spider on the loo seat will know it’s advice worth taking.