When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is for your hotel room to feel like a sterile and uninviting space. You want to feel comfortable and at ease, like you’re in your own home.
Especially for extended stays, the thrill of room service and movie channels can get old fast. The first couple of nights can feel like such a treat, a big comfy white bed, eating dessert in the bath, no dishes to clean or beds to make, but fast forward a few days, and you crave the familiarity of home sweet home. After all, nobody wants to feel like they’re living out of a suitcase for their entire vacation! Here are a few of my favorite tricks to make it feel like home:
1. Unpack
Start by unpacking everything as soon as you arrive. This includes hanging up clothes and putting away all of your belongings. By taking the time to do this, you will immediately feel more settled in.
2. Declutter
Put away all the hotel leaflets and brochures in a draw, so they are not cluttering up your counter space. Put them away in a draw in case you need to reference them later and enjoy the space to put your own things.
3. Let in the Sunshine
Make sure to open the curtains and let in some natural light. Sunlight can work wonders when it comes to making a space feel warm and inviting.
4. Switch up the Feng Shui
Don’t be afraid to rearrange the furniture (if you can). Want the bed nearer the power socket or the chair near the window? Go for it! Sometimes the set-up of a room can be made much more functional with a little imagination.
5. Get Comfortable
It’s easy to overlook your downtime when packing clothes, especially if you’re getting by with just a carry on, but bring a pair of sweatpants and some comfy pajamas to wear for when it’s time to chill. Struggling for space? Read out space-saving packing tips.
6. Don’t Dry Out
If you’re finding the air in the room a little dry, think about bringing a portable humidifier with you, or in a pinch, place a damp towel next to the air-conditioning system for the same effect.
7. Ask for Extras
Don’t be afraid to ask for extra things like a DVD player or an extra lamp from the front desk. As long as you request nicely, most front desks are more than happy to make your stay more comfortable. Don’t by shy to ask for more pillows or a warmer blanket if you need it.
8. Power On
Make sure you bring a power strip so your phone charger can reach your bed. You shouldn’t have to walk across the room to switch off your alarm! It will also let you plug in multiple devices for those hotel rooms with a serious lack of outlets.
9. Take Home Comforts
If possible, bring along some home comforts like a favorite pillow, blanket, or slippers. These small touches can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
10. Bring Your Morning Brew
Bring your own coffee to not risk having to use the instant kind, even a travel coffee maker if that’s your passion! Ditto with tea bags, as there will almost certainly be a small kettle provided.
11. Make it yours
Personalize the space as much as possible. This can be done by hanging up some photos or even just putting out some of your own personal belongings. Making the space, your own will help you relax and feel more comfortable in it.
12. Smells like home
Think about bringing an incense diffuser or scented candle to create a familiar smell- just check the hotel’s policies on lighting these beforehand!
13. Play some Tunes
Keep yourself entertained by bringing a portable speaker to play your favorite playlist. You can also put on some soothing sounds or white noise at night to cover any loud air con units or a clock ticking.
14. Choose a Movie
You don’t want to feel at a loose end while you’re in your room, so bring some entertainment with you. Use your laptop to stream your favorite shows, or plugin a Chromecast or Firestick to watch them on the big screen.
15. Get some Shut-Eye
Protect your sleep! Bring an eye mask in case there are any bright lights on electronic devices or the room has thin curtains. In a pinch, place a rolled-up towel along the bottom of the door to prevent any noise and light from entering the room. Use the clips on a clothes hanger to close any gaps between the drapes.
16. Stay Hydrated
Bring some drinks with you to avoid over-priced mini-bar options. A quick trip to the convivence store will up your comfort levels without bowling your budget.
17. Balance your Diet
Try to avoid eating out for every meal. You can start to feel bloated and over-indulged very quickly! Try bringing your favorite healthy snacks with you, or buy some basic ingredients to make a sandwich or salad. You’ll save money this way too!
18. Feel the Burn
Consider a workout. If you usually spend time working out and your hotel doesn’t have a gym, bring a yoga mat or join an online Pilates class to burn those calories.
19. Keep your Routine
It’s important to keep the same before-bed routine to signal to your body it’s time to sleep. So, meditate, take care of your skin, and read your book the same as at home! Try and keep the same morning alarm and sleep time as home to not shock your system.
20. Keep it Tidy
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to make your hotel room feel like home is to keep it clean and tidy. This will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable in the space and make it look and feel more like your own home.
So there you have it! These are just a few of the best ways to make your hotel room feel like home. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay wherever you go!
Do you have any other tips for making a hotel room feel like home? Let us know in the comments below! And happy traveling!