By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team
When staying in hotels while traveling abroad, habits and facilities can vary slightly from country to country. For example, rooms in the U.S. are usually larger, toilets may have different features, and floor numbering systems differ. Learning these little tips not only helps you understand the cultures of different countries but also makes your trip go more smoothly.
Hotels have many surprising facts (Photo / Pexels)
1. The "bidet" next to the toilet
Sometimes you might see a squatting basin next to the toilet in a hotel. This is called a bidet, a standard fixture in the bathrooms of five-star hotel rooms. Its purpose is to allow users to clean themselves after using the toilet, maintaining hygiene—this is especially common in European hotels.
2. Hotel floor numbering systems
Floor numbering differs between the East and the West, generally divided into European and American styles. The American style, like in Taiwan, considers the lobby as the first floor. However, in Europe, the Ground Floor (GF) is the entrance level, and what we consider the first floor is actually their second floor.
Bidet next to the toilet (Photo / Pixabay)
3. Hotel bed sizes
In addition to the usual differences in bed types like single or double beds, there are also differences between American and European styles. The U.S. popularizes King Size and Queen Size beds, while in Europe, a large bed is often made by pushing two beds together.
4. Drawers with Bibles
Some hotels or inns place Bibles in the drawers of bedside tables. Originally, this was for missionary purposes, hoping to let more people come into contact with the word of God and receive divine grace. But if a Bible or Quran is left open on a certain page, pay extra attention—it might be used for exorcism purposes.
Mind the bedside Bible (Photo / Unsplash)
5. Four pillows on the bed
It’s common to see four pillows on a hotel bed. They allow guests to adjust pillow height or match their sleeping posture. Aside from health and comfort considerations to improve sleep quality, another purpose is to help relax the back, providing enough support for the waist when watching TV in bed.
6. Hotel star rating methods
Hotels have star ratings, but many travelers may not know the differences. A one-star hotel offers basic guest rooms and shared bathrooms, with a vending machine available. A two-star hotel provides basic guest rooms and color TVs, along with a restaurant or bar. A three-star hotel offers various room types, with a restaurant, gym, and business facilities. A four-star hotel provides various room types, with a restaurant and bar, business facilities, concierge service, swimming pool, gym, and childcare. A five-star hotel offers luxury guest rooms, including all the above facilities plus additional services.
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