After your key card works, it’s easy to think you’re all set with your hotel stay. But those first few minutes can help you avoid having to switch rooms later. The front desk can help with more than most people realize, and a few simple habits can make an unfamiliar room much more comfortable. And don’t forget, even that small bottle of shampoo is backed by a whole team working behind the scenes.
Look over the room before you get comfortable
Before you unpack, take a moment to make sure everything in the room works. Check the door and any connecting room locks, bathroom fixtures, outlets, and temperature controls. Give the bed and the rest of the room a quick look. If you find a problem right away, it’s much easier to fix or switch rooms than after you’ve settled in.
- This Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Enter a Hotel Room [Travel + Leisure]
- 8 Things You Should Do Immediately After Checking into a Hotel Room [Reader's Digest]
- Flush the Toilet the Moment You Walk Into a Hotel Room — Here’s Why [Fodor's]
- This Is The Very First Thing You Should Do When You Walk Into A Hotel Room [HuffPost]
Let the staff know if there’s anything that could make your stay better
Hotels usually have more options and supplies than you might expect. You can often get early check-in, a quieter room, extra bedding, chargers, adapters, or forgotten toiletries just by asking. Some hotels offer extra services that guests miss out on because no one mentions them. Let the staff know exactly what you need instead of hoping they’ll guess.
- Insider Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hotel Stay [This Life In Trips]
- The Hotel Amenities Most Travelers Forget to Request [Travel + Leisure]
- How Early Can You Check Into A Hotel? How Early Is Too Early To Request? [One Mile At A Time]
Set up the room so it feels comfortable
A hotel room doesn’t have to feel just like home, but bringing a few of your own routines can help. Pick one spot for your keys and other things you often misplace, keep your valuables safe, take photos of details you might forget, set the temperature how you like it, and stick to your usual sleep habits as much as possible. Often, comfort comes from getting rid of small annoyances before they add up.
- How to Get Good Sleep in a Hotel: Tips on Tech & Soundproofing [Travel Awaits]
- 17 Genius Hotel Hacks to Maximize Your Comfort in Your Hotel Room [SoNomad]
- The 6 Things I Do Every Time I Check Into a Hotel to Make My Stay More Comfortable [Real Simple]
There’s more to a hotel stay than you might think
Housekeeping follows a schedule, breakfast is shared with other guests, and checkout lets the hotel know they can prepare the room for the next person. Most items in the room belong to the hotel, even if they look tempting to take. Let staff know when you want service, leave the room tidy for housekeeping, and learn the rules for shared spaces. The room might feel private, but there’s a whole team working around you.
- Do You Really Have to Check Out of a Hotel? [Fodor's]
- We Asked Hotel Housekeeping Pros How to Be a Better Hotel Guest [Travel + Leisure]
- What You Can (and Can’t) Take From Your Hotel Room [Fodor's]
- Hotel Staff Reveal The 6 Biggest Mistakes Guests Make During Their Stay [HuffPost]
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