Hotel Hacks You Need for a Seamless and Convenient Travel Experience
Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, staying in hotels can sometimes be stressful. To help you have a smoother and more enjoyable stay, here are some practical hotel hacks:
Block Out Light
Hotel blinds can let in annoying slivers of light. To create a dark environment, use the hangers in your room to clip the blinds together. This simple trick ensures you get a restful night’s sleep.
Use Food Delivery Apps
If you’re not keen on room service or dining out, use food delivery apps to bring meals from your favorite restaurants straight to your room. Some apps also offer grocery delivery, so you can prepare your own meals without leaving the hotel.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
Avoid buying a travel toothbrush case by using clothing clips to keep your toothbrush elevated and dry. Clip the toothbrush to prevent it from touching the sink and keep it clean.
Boost Your Phone’s Sound
Forgot your portable speaker? No problem! Amplify your phone’s sound by placing it in an empty cup with the speaker facing down. This trick enhances the volume for a better music or podcast experience.
Utilize Hotel Conditioner
Don’t overlook the hotel’s conditioner; it can double as a makeup remover, shaving cream, or cuticle cream. Take advantage of these versatile products to save on packing additional toiletries.
Avoid Paying for Hotel Internet
Skip the hotel’s pricey internet charges by using your phone as a personal hotspot. Set this up with your mobile provider before your trip to stay connected without extra fees.
Create Separate Sleeping Areas
Traveling with kids or sharing a bed? Request extra pillows and blankets to create distinct sleeping zones on the bed. This setup provides everyone with their own space and enhances comfort.
De-Wrinkle Clothes with Steam
No iron? No problem. Hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help smooth out wrinkles, keeping your clothes looking fresh.
Make a Dining Area for Kids
Traveling with children? Use the hotel’s ironing board as a makeshift dining table. Cover it with towels for a clean eating space, keeping the mess off the bed or floor.
Cool Down Your Room
If your hotel room is too warm, place a damp towel near an open window or air conditioning unit. The moisture will help cool the air, making your room more comfortable.
Use the Coffee Machine for Meals
The hotel coffee machine isn’t just for brewing coffee. Use it to prepare instant meals like ramen or oatmeal. It’s a convenient way to have a snack or meal without a full kitchen.
Bring Your Streaming Device
Avoid paying for hotel movies by bringing your own streaming device, like a Chromecast or Roku. You can also use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop to the TV for personalized entertainment.
Keep Kids Occupied with Painter’s Tape
Traveling with young children? Pack a roll of painter’s tape to keep them entertained. Create lines or patterns on the floor for them to follow or let them make their own designs.
Find Hidden Outlets
Need extra charging options? Check for USB ports on the back of the hotel room’s TV. These hidden ports can charge your devices without needing an additional adapter.
Use Incognito Mode for Better Rates
When booking hotels, use Google Chrome’s Incognito mode to search for better rates. This mode can sometimes reveal cheaper prices by avoiding cookies and tracking from previous searches.
Repurpose Shower Caps
If you have extra shoes or dirty laundry, use the provided shower caps to keep them separate. Place shoes or laundry inside the caps to prevent them from soiling your other belongings.
Manage Dirty Diapers
Traveling with a baby? Request a larger trashcan from the hotel to manage dirty diapers. This will help you avoid frequent trips to dispose of them and keep your room cleaner.
Use the Desk as a Changing Table
For parents needing to change their baby, the hotel desk can serve as a convenient changing table. Place your changing pad on the desk for a more hygienic diaper-changing experience.
Wash Clothes in the Sink
Save money on laundry services by washing small items in the hotel sink. Use a plastic bag over the drain to catch the water and coins to weigh it down, allowing you to clean your clothes on the go.
Block Out Noise
To sleep better despite noisy surroundings, place a bath towel at the bottom of your hotel door. This helps muffle sounds and reduces disturbances for a more restful night.
Cook Simple Meals
Save money and eat healthier by preparing simple meals in your hotel room. With a bit of planning, you can use basic kitchen items or a coffee machine to cook quick and nutritious meals.
Also Read: Why Thai Airways’ New Restaurant Is Perfect for Airplane Food Lovers
Keep Clothes Fresh
Prevent your clothes from smelling musty by packing fabric softener sheets in your suitcase. They keep your clothes smelling fresh and help prevent odors from affecting your belongings.
Ask for a Review Discount
If you’re an active reviewer on sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor, let the hotel know. They may offer a discount or additional perks in exchange for a review of your stay.
Book During Off-Peak Times
To get the best rates, book your hotel during off-peak seasons. Traveling just before or after peak times can save you money and help you avoid crowds.
Book Directly with the Hotel
For potential upgrades or special deals, book your hotel directly rather than through third-party sites. Calling the hotel can reveal hidden discounts and perks not available online.
Check for Bedbugs
Upon arrival, inspect the corners of the mattress and fitted sheet for signs of bedbugs. This quick check can help ensure a more comfortable and pest-free stay.
Join AAA for Travel Benefits
AAA members often enjoy hotel discounts and can obtain an International Driving Permit for driving abroad. Membership provides useful perks and simplifies travel arrangements.
Book Flights and Hotels Together
Consider bundling your hotel and flight when booking through third-party sites to receive discounts. Be mindful of potential cancellation fees and the need for advance payment.
Negotiate Long-Term Stay Discounts
For extended stays, ask the hotel about discounted rates. Booking directly with the hotel can improve your chances of securing a better deal for longer stays.
Use Past Experiences to Negotiate
Leverage any past issues with a hotel to negotiate upgrades or compensation. Mentioning previous problems can sometimes lead to free perks or vouchers for future stays.
Speak Up for Better Perks
Don’t hesitate to ask for room upgrades or additional amenities. Being polite and upfront can sometimes result in complimentary upgrades or better room options.
Compare Prices on Aggregator Sites
Before booking, compare hotel prices across various aggregator sites like Kayak and Expedia. Use this information to negotiate directly with the hotel for the best rate.
Amplify Your Phone’s Sound
Forgot your speaker? Place your phone in a hotel cup to boost the volume. This simple trick enhances the sound, making it perfect for enjoying music or podcasts.
Prevent Steam on Mirrors
Keep your bathroom mirror clear by rubbing it with soap before your shower and wiping it with a cloth. This helps prevent fogging, so you can see clearly afterward.
Use the “Do Not Disturb” Sign
To avoid interruptions, always use the “Do Not Disturb” sign. It prevents housekeeping visits and keeps your room secure from potential intruders.
Adjust the Room Temperature
If the hotel’s thermostat is restricted, override the settings with a specific button sequence. This may also disable motion sensors that control the system based on room occupancy.
Request Dishes for Snacks
If you’ve brought snacks, ask the hotel for dishes to avoid eating directly from packaging. It makes for a more enjoyable and less messy snacking experience.
Give a Tip at Check-In
Leaving a $20 tip at check-in can sometimes lead to perks like room upgrades or special requests being fulfilled. Ensure the tip is given discreetly.
Mention Special Occasions
When booking, inform the hotel of special occasions such as a honeymoon or anniversary. Many hotels offer complimentary upgrades or special touches to celebrate your event.
Utilize Price Match Policies
If you find a cheaper rate elsewhere, ask if the hotel offers a price match. Some chains will match lower rates and may provide additional discounts.
Book Last-Minute Deals
For flexible travelers, booking last-minute can lead to significant savings. This strategy requires flexibility but can result in excellent deals.
These hotel hacks will help you navigate your stay with ease, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.
