Though I love to get away for a vacation, I always love coming home to my bed. Even if the hotel/resort I am staying at has a comfy bed and pillows, my bed at home is always better. It took me a while to figure out how to get a great night’s sleep at a hotel and I want to share those tips with you. From comfort items to things that make a comfortable atmosphere, I am sharing with you what helps me sleep like Aurora when I travel.
How to Get a Great Nights Sleep at a Hotel
I need several things before I can sleep comfortably including complete darkness, some noise, comfortable temperature, and a couple of comfort items.
1. Darken the Room
When it comes to ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep in a hotel, creating a darkened room can make a significant difference. Take a moment to survey the window situation in your room. Gently close the curtains as much as possible, and if they don’t fully meet, consider using a handy clothespin to secure them tightly. This small trick helps block out any lingering external light, fostering an environment conducive to rest.
If there is light coming from the bottom of the door, take a towel and lay it against the door base.
You can also wear a sleep mask to block out any unwanted light, especially if your room faces a brightly lit area. I love this sleep mask from Amazon.
2. Creating White Noise
What is white noise? White noise is noise containing many frequencies with equal intensities (source). Your home naturally has different white noises than an unknown hotel room. Some people have white noise machines they travel with, I use an app.
3. Creating a Home Smell at a Hotel
Familiarity can be comforting, so bringing your own pillow can make your sleep environment feel more like home. I always try to bring my pillow. If I am flying and that is not possible, I will bring along a few of my pillowcases to put over the hotel ones. Your fabric soap and/or softener are familiar scents that will help you fall asleep faster.
4. Set the Perfect Temperature for a Great Night’s Sleep
Find the optimal room temperature for your comfort. Most hotels have adjustable thermostats, so don’t hesitate to set it to your liking. Keeping the right temp is especially harder now with a lot of places shutting off the air while you are out. You can do as I do sometimes and politely post a little note asking that the temp not be messed with while away. I am paying for that room electricity included, how much of it I use should be up to me, not the hotel staff.
5. Create a Relaxing Routine
This is especially important for kids but even adults need some sort of routine while on vacation. Develop a pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This can include reading a book, practicing deep breathing, or listening to calming music. While traveling I also like to go over my plans for the next day and have my clothes laid out.
6. Consider the Noise Level
When you are first booking your hotel look for rooms that are not near pools or common areas. If you are cruising choose a stateroom far away from nighttime venues. Pack earplugs or use white noise apps to drown out potential disturbances, especially if your room is close to common areas or noisy streets.
7. Inform the Staff of Preferences
Don’t be shy about communicating your preferences to the hotel staff; they’re there to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Whether it’s adjusting the room temperature to your liking, requesting extra pillows or blankets, or having the staff quiet your neighbors, your needs matter. Informing the staff about your preferences not only helps personalize your experience but also contributes to a more enjoyable stay. Most hotels strive to accommodate guest requests, so don’t hesitate to share your preferences to make your time away from home feel just right. A quick conversation with the staff can go a long way in enhancing your overall stay.
What is your best tip for getting a good night’s sleep in a hotel? Let me know in the comments!