Many social media users are debating whether it’s smart to leave the bathroom light on when staying in a hotel or motel. According to experienced travelers and hotel staff, the answer is yes — and for good reason.

Safety and Emergency Readiness
Leaving the bathroom light on can literally be a lifesaver. “It offers vital visibility in an emergency,” like fires, earthquakes, or intruders. It helps you find the exit quickly without fumbling for your phone or a light switch in the dark.

Calms Anxiety in New Places
Unfamiliar environments can feel unsettling. A dim bathroom light provides comfort without disrupting sleep. As one Reddit user noted, “It’s a nightlight because it’s a soft frosted light… Don’t like it? Turn the light off!”