Seven hotel room hacks to remember for your next stay

Travelling can be exhausting, and sometimes hotel rooms might not meet all your expectations. With a few creative hacks, however, you can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are seven hotel room hacks to remember…

1. Use a shower cap to cover remote controls

Hotel remotes can be breeding grounds for germs. To avoid contact with potentially unclean surfaces, cover the remote with a disposable shower cap. Most hotels provide these in the bathroom, and it’s an easy way to maintain hygiene. You can still press the buttons through the plastic, keeping your hands clean and reducing the risk of picking up any bacteria or viruses left by previous guests.

2. Create a DIY humidifier

Hotel rooms often have dry air, especially during the winter. To combat this, fill the room’s trash can with water and place it near a heating vent. The heat will cause the water to evaporate, adding moisture to the air and making the room more comfortable. If you have a washcloth or small towel, you can dampen it and hang it near the vent or on a chair close to the heat source for a similar effect.

3. Use a towel to block light under the door

If you’re sensitive to light when you sleep, the gap under the door can be a problem. Roll up a towel and place it along the bottom of the door to block out unwanted light and reduce noise from the hallway. This can be particularly helpful if you’re staying in a busy hotel with a lot of foot traffic at night. You might even find it helps keep out drafts, making your room warmer and more comfortable.

4. Make a phone amplifier

If you want to listen to music or watch videos on your phone without bringing portable speakers, use an empty glass. Place your phone in the glass with the speaker end facing down. The glass will amplify the sound, giving you a better listening experience. This can be especially useful if you’re trying to drown out ambient noise with some white noise or just want to enjoy some entertainment while you relax in your room.

5. Use hangers to keep curtains closed

Hotel curtains often don’t close properly, letting in unwanted light. Use the clips from the hangers in the closet to secure the curtains together. This simple trick can help you achieve complete darkness for a better night’s sleep. If the hangers don’t have clips, you can also use binder clips from your luggage or even a few clothespins if you packed them.

6. Create more charging stations

Hotels sometimes lack enough power outlets for all your devices. Bring a power strip with you to charge multiple devices at once. You could also use the USB port on the back of the TV to charge your devices if you’re in a pinch. Some modern hotels also have USB ports built into lamps or alarm clocks, so be sure to check around the room for these hidden gems.

7. Pack a small multi-tool

A small multi-tool can be a lifesaver in many situations. It can serve as a bottle opener, a small knife, or even scissors. Just make sure it’s compliant with airport regulations if you’re flying. Multi-tools can help with various tasks, like opening stubborn packaging, fixing minor issues with your luggage, or even cutting tags off new clothes. Having one on hand can save you time and hassle during your trip.