Are you gearing up for a hotel stay? Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, hotels offer a great mix of comfort and convenience. However, the reality is that while they’re designed to be a home away from home, they don’t always have everything we need to feel completely at ease.
Hotel rooms can be smaller than what we’re used to, with limited storage and a few quirks that might make settling in a bit tricky. That’s where a few smart hotel hacks come in handy!
In this post, I’ll share 25 practical tips to help you maximize space, stay organized, and make your stay as comfortable as possible so you can focus on enjoying your trip!
Make Your Room More Comfortable
1. Use Hangers with Clips to Close Curtains
Those pesky gaps in hotel curtains can let in annoying strips of light. I grab the pants hangers with clips from the closet and use them to clip the curtains together for complete darkness.
It’s a game-changer for light sleepers!
2. Turn the Ironing Board into an Extra Desk
Need more workspace? The ironing board makes a perfect adjustable-height desk! I set it up near a power outlet and suddenly have a second workspace for my laptop or to lay out travel documents.
3. Create a Makeshift Bed Rail for Kids
If you’re traveling with little ones, turn the couch toward the wall, leaving a small gap. This creates a secure sleeping area where they won’t roll off during the night. Sleep peacefully knowing they’re safe!
4. Use a Rolled Towel Under the Door
Light and noise from the hallway can be super disruptive. Roll up a towel and place it at the base of your door to block out both unwanted light and noise. Your sleep quality will thank you!
5. Request a Corner Room
Corner rooms typically offer more space and fewer shared walls with other guests. This means more room to spread out and less noise from neighbors. I always ask at check-in if one is available!
Power and Technology Hacks
6. Bring a Mini Power Strip
Hotel rooms never seem to have enough outlets, especially for families or business travelers. A compact power strip turns one outlet into multiple charging stations for all your devices.
7. Charge Devices with the TV’s USB Port
No available outlets? Many hotel TVs have USB ports on the back or side that work perfectly for charging phones and tablets. It’s my backup plan when all wall outlets are taken!
8. Amplify Phone Sound with a Glass
Need louder music or alarm? Place your phone in an empty water glass or coffee mug to amplify the sound. The glass works as a natural speaker to boost volume without any extra equipment.
9. Take a Photo of Your Room Number
Large hotels can be confusing, and it’s easy to forget your room number. I snap a quick photo of my door number when I first arrive so I can refer to it later without embarrassment.
10. Bring a Portable Travel Mirror with LED Lighting
Hotel bathroom lighting isn’t always the best for makeup application. A portable LED mirror gives you perfect lighting wherever you need it and helps when multiple people need the bathroom mirror.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Tips
11. Cover the Remote Control
Remote controls are among the germiest items in hotel rooms. I slip the remote into a clear sandwich bag or use the shower cap provided by the hotel to avoid direct contact with this high-touch item.
12. Remove Decorative Pillows
Those pretty decorative pillows on the bed rarely get washed between guests. I immediately remove them and set them aside in the closet or a chair where they won’t touch my sleeping area.
13. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
Pack disinfectant wipes and quickly clean doorknobs, light switches, phone, and bathroom surfaces when you first arrive. This five-minute routine provides peace of mind throughout your stay.
14. Use a Shower Cap for Dirty Shoes
Keep your clean clothes protected by placing dirty shoes in the complimentary shower cap before packing them in your suitcase. It’s a free way to contain dirt and germs!
15. Bring a Hanging Toiletry Bag
Counter space is precious in hotel bathrooms. A hanging toiletry organizer creates vertical storage and keeps your items accessible without cluttering limited counter space.
Smart Storage Solutions
16. Use Hangers to Organize Snacks
Clip bags of snacks closed with the pants hangers from the closet and hang them up to keep them fresh and visible. It’s a great way to prevent snacks from being crushed in drawers.
17. Turn Unused Drawers into a Snack Station
Line a drawer with a clean towel and use it as a dedicated spot for snacks and drinks. It keeps everything organized and prevents items from rolling around on countertops.
18. Thread Necklaces Through Straws
Keep necklaces from tangling by threading them through drinking straws before packing. Cut the straws to size for shorter necklaces and clasps will still work at each end!
19. Store Valuables in Unexpected Places
Hide important items in empty lotion bottles, wrapped in clean socks, or under the liner of the trash can (if it’s clean). Thieves look in obvious places first, like suitcases and safes.
20. Bring a Packable Tote Bag
A lightweight, foldable tote serves countless purposes: impromptu laundry bag, beach tote, souvenir carrier, or grocery bag for in-room snacks. It takes up almost no space but proves invaluable.
Clever Comfort Hacks
21. Use the Tea Kettle as a Humidifier
Hotel air can be extremely dry. If your room has a kettle, run it with the lid open to add moisture to the air. Just be careful to monitor it and never let it run empty!
22. Steam Wrinkled Clothes in the Bathroom
Hang wrinkled clothing in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam helps release wrinkles without the hassle of ironing. Close the door to keep the steam concentrated.
23. Bring a Portable Door Lock
For solo travelers especially, an additional portable door lock adds an extra layer of security beyond the standard hotel lock and chain. It’s small, lightweight and provides peace of mind.
24. Pack a Nightlight
Unfamiliar hotel layouts can be tricky to navigate in the dark. A small nightlight helps prevent stumbles during middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. I place mine in the bathroom or hallway area.
25. Block Electronics Light with Tape
Blinking lights from smoke detectors, TVs, and other electronics can disrupt sleep. Pack a small roll of painter’s tape to cover these lights without damaging hotel property.
These simple but effective hotel hacks can transform your stay from ordinary to exceptional! With just a little preparation and creativity, you’ll handle common hotel room challenges like a seasoned traveler.
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Final Thoughts on Hotel Room Hacks
Hotel stays don’t have to come with compromises! These hacks help you create a more comfortable, clean, and functional space no matter where you’re staying. I’ve found that just implementing a few of these tips makes a huge difference in my travel experience.
The best part is that most of these hacks require little to no extra packing. They simply use what’s already available in clever new ways. Next time you check into a hotel, try a few of these tricks and see how much they improve your stay!
What’s your favorite hotel room hack? I bet you have some clever ideas I haven’t thought of yet! Please let me know in the comments below.
