What should I check when reviewing a hotel room before settling in?

Most people rush through this, but I'd actually spend a solid minute checking things before you unpack. Look at the mattress for stains or sagging, test the shower water pressure and temperature, check that locks on doors and windows actually work, and scan for obvious cleanliness issues like dust on surfaces or hair in the bathroom. I also always photograph anything that looks damaged before I settle in - saved me hassle on a few trips when checkout got awkward about pre-existing wear.

Ever notice how you only regret skipping the room check once you're already unpacked and tired?

The basics matter - mattress condition, water pressure, AC/heating functionality. But here's what actually saves you headaches: immediately check if the door lock works from inside and that the deadbolt engages properly. Sounds obvious, but a ton of people discover dodgy locks only when they're about to sleep. Test the TV remote too, and make sure the wifi actually connects before you get settled. Nothing worse than realizing the signal barely reaches your room after you've hauled your stuff in.

One hack nobody mentions: take a photo of the room condition when you arrive, especially any damage or stains. Get a wide shot showing the overall state. If there's ever a dispute about a deposit or damage claim, you've got timestamped proof that whatever's being claimed wasn't your fault. Just snap it right when you walk in, before you touch anything. Also flip through the channels and test the bathroom lighting - sometimes bulbs are out or flicker like crazy, and you want to know that immediately so housekeeping can swap them. Most minor issues get fixed in 5 minutes if you ask right away; wait until checkout and you'll get nowhere.

Don't just spot-check the obvious stuff like the bed and shower - I'd actually look at the small things people miss, like whether the door locks properly (check the deadbolt and chain), if the window closes all the way, and test the lights in every corner since dead bulbs are super annoying to deal with when you're trying to settle in. The water pressure thing matters but honestly it's less critical than making sure you actually feel secure in the room, which some earlier answers kind of skipped over. What's your main concern - cleanliness, comfort, or safety?