Recently, several well-known hotels in Guangdong Province have been exposed for not changing bed linens, pillowcases, and other linens as well as utensils like cups for each guest, including mid-to-high-end hotels such as Hilton and Hampton by Hilton.
On May 16th, reports from Southern+ (Southern Plus) and DV Scene (a program under Guangdong Radio and Television Station) revealed that after conducting undercover investigations in various locations, some hotels did not provide new pillowcases and bed linens the day after check-in, some hotels did not replace unused bath towels or face towels, and some hotels did not clean and disinfect water cups. The implicated hotels include Vienna, Hilton Hampton, City Convenience, and Lefeng.
Undercover investigators used fluorescent markers to test and found that several hotels did not change bed linens, pillowcases, towels, or utensils. None of the bath linens were completely replaced, and only one hotel changed the pillowcases.
At the Hampton by Hilton Hotel (Baiyun Airport North Branch), both the used and unused beds were not provided with fresh bed linens and pillowcases, and even seemingly unused towels were not replaced. At the Vienna Hotel (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal Building Branch), bed linens and pillowcases were not changed, and unwiped utensils were found.
The Southern Metropolis Daily stated that not changing linens brings more than just psychological discomfort but also harbors various health risks.
The report mentioned that Dr. Song Yanping, Deputy Director of the Dermatology Department at Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Affiliated First Hospital, said, “If linens are not changed, bacteria infections such as folliculitis, skin nodules, and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and scalp ringworm could potentially be transmitted through linens via contact.”
On May 16th, the topic of “Several Hotels Failing to Change Bed Linens for Every Guest” became a trending search.
Netizens commented, “Terrifying! I often stay at these chain hotels while traveling!” “For frequent business travelers, this is a disaster. I always felt itchy after sleeping there, but never with my own linens, yet there’s still a risk, even with bringing my own bed sheets and pillowcases. Punishment is recommended. After traveling for 3 to 4 years, skin problems and inflammations will likely arise, which deserves serious attention.” “This is a very, very difficult problem to solve. It is suggested to bring disposable items including towels, slippers, bed sheets, pillowcases, toiletries, toilet seat covers, and self-brought alcohol.”
“This issue resurfaces every year, yet no one takes action.” “Years ago, upscale hotels were tested, and it was the same, with minimal adherence to changing linens for every guest. Apologies are given if caught, but otherwise, it’s just luck.” “Industry norms long exposed yet no penalties or monitoring.” “This news was reported twenty years ago, and after so many years, there’s been no change and still no regulation enforcement.” “Industry regulations must catch up!”
Following the attention this issue received, on May 16th, the Education, Culture, Health, and Hygiene Bureau of Zhongkai High-tech Zone in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province reported that the media’s claims were true. The implicated hotels are currently under investigation, mandated to rectify their practices immediately. The main individuals in charge of these hotels have been summoned for questioning. They are required to provide all staff with health legal compliance and practical skills training, which they must pass before resuming work.