10 Hotel Hacks from a pro

Staying in a hotel room can sometimes be inconvenient, but necessary. You might forget to pack something, or you might need a particular fix for something that is bothering you.

​Next time you're set to stay in a hotel for an overnight stay or a long vacation, be sure to remember these 10 hotel room hacks!   ​

Just about every hotel room has blackout curtains, but sometimes they just won’t shut all the way. You could be left waking up with the sun because it's peeking through your window! If that is the case, grab a hanger with clips out of the closet and clip those curtains closed to fully block out the sun!  

Most hotel rooms are now equipped with updated TV’s that have HDMI connections on the back. This is great for bringing our own streaming or casting device to plug in and watch exactly what you want during your stay. While there is usually an updated TV, the channels can be lacking. With your own device, it is easy to watch things like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube!

Did you forget a toothbrush holder, but don’t really want to put your toothbrush on the counter? Grab one of the hotel paper or Styrofoam cups and poke a hole in the bottom for your own DIY toothbrush holder! Usually there are cups on the counter already, but you can also check beside the coffee maker!  

Sometimes hotel rooms can have an odor and that’s no fun! Cranking up the air conditioner can help alleviate some of the stench, but even better is to bring in your car air vent clips to attach to the fan of the air conditioner! This will allow your room to smell fresher without having to spray or freeze your family out!  ​

There is usually a lot of traffic in hotel rooms, so the floor tends to be kind of dirty. Carpeted rooms are more prone to hold on to dirt and grime, so be sure to pack a pair of room shoes to wear while you are just hanging around! Slippers, Crocs, flip flops, etc. come to mind! These will keep you from walking barefoot in any hotel room!  

If your hotel offers a free breakfast option, you can usually count on tiny cups beside the drink stations. Grab a coffee cup for your juice or milk to save you extra trips to the machine! Coffee cups tend to be bigger than the cups provided for other drinks.

All hotel rooms usually have a mini fridge available. It is a good idea to pack your own water that can be stored in the fridge for your convenience. Sometimes hotels offer water in the room, but if they are used you can be charged an extra fee. In a pinch, you can use the hotel provided water and then run to the store or gas station to replace it! It will be cheaper than what the hotel charges for their water.  
 

When packing your things in a suitcase, your clothes tend to get very wrinkled. It is a good idea to invest in a small portable steamer if you travel several times throughout the year! If you don’t have room in your suitcase, you can utilize the shower steam to help un-wrinkle your clothes!  

If you have forgotten to pack an extra bag or pop-up hamper for your dirty clothes, you can always find a plastic laundry bag in the closet. These are available for dry cleaning or laundry services provided by the hotel. It is the perfect size to throw your dirty clothes in to keep them separate in your luggage.

Our favorite hack for hotel rooms to make you feel more at home is to bring your own pillowcase! You can put it right over the hotel pillows and it doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase. A fresh clean pillowcase that feels and smells like home will surely get you a good night of rest in a hotel room! 

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-Kailee Stephens

Disney Parks, Cruise, & All-Inclusive Specialist
Text: (731) 607-5367
​Email: kailee@mdvtrips.com​

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