I met this woman who was nomadic and she told me she traveled with small little tiems and had a brain full of hacks that allowed her to feel right at home in every hotel room she stayed in.
That’s amazing! Because as a digital nomad she was litterarlly always on the go.
Did you know that when you check into a hotel room that feels sterile and unwelcoming, that there is something you can do about it? Those bland walls and tiny bathrooms can make your trip less fun than it should be. Most travelers don’t know simple tricks to transform any hotel room into a cozy home base for their adventures.
Hotel room hacks can turn an average stay into a great one. Studies show that small changes to your space can boost your mood and help you sleep better while traveling.
Smart Ways to Maximize Comfort
These hacks reduce outside distractions from coming in!
TIP #1: Use a hanger to close blackout curtain gaps
Those pesky gaps in hotel curtains can ruin your sleep by letting in unwanted light. If you don’t have a sleep mask, grab a hanger from the hotel’s closet – get the one with the clips – and use it to pinch those curtain edges together. The clips create a tight seal that blocks out streetlights, morning sun, and other bright distractions.
By the way, a dark room is the first secret to quality sleep while traveling.
If no hangers with clips are in your room, binder clips work just as well. Pack a few small ones in your travel bag for this purpose. You’ll feel more comfortable in your hotel room with this easy trick that turns any space into a cozy sleep sanctuary.
TIP #2: Block noise and light with a towel under the door
Hotel hallways can be noisy places with guests coming and going at all hours. You’ll sleep much better by placing a rolled-up towel along the bottom of your door. This simple trick blocks unwanted light that sneaks through the gap and also muffles sounds from the corridor.
Many travelers find this hack especially useful when staying in busy hotels with thin doors or bright emergency lights outside. The towel creates a barrier that helps you feel more comfortable and secure in your room.
For parents with babies or infants, this trick proves even more valuable during nap times or early bedtimes when hallway noise might otherwise wake your little ones.
TIP #3: Use your phone’s white noise machine for better sleep
DId you know that your smart phone has a background sound feature – I’ve checked – Apples, Samsungs and even Google phones – allow you to play ambient sounds natively. This means, you don’t need to be connected to wifi or have a separate application. It’s so conveintnet if this is a way for you to calm anxiety, focus on work, or get some deep sleep…like a baby!
If you’re sensitive to unfamiliar sounds, a white noise machine can be a game-changer. Hotel walls are often thin, and hallway noise or city sounds can easily disrupt your rest. Instead of traveling with a separate white noise device, surprise! You already have one! Just make sure you plug your phone in overnight, as well.
Convenient Space-Saving Hacks
Hotel rooms often lack space for all your stuff. So, these tricks turn ordinary items into useful tools.
TIP #4: Repurpose the ironing board as extra workspace
Hotel rooms often lack enough flat surfaces for all your stuff. The ironing board offers a perfect solution as bonus workspace. Simply unfold it and adjust to your preferred height.
This portable table works great for organizing toiletries that won’t fit in the bathroom. You can also use it as a meal prep area if you’ve brought food to your room. My favorite use is as a portable desk – especially if I have t make zoom call and want the perfect background anywhere in the room! The board’s narrow design fits in tight spaces where a regular table wouldn’t work.
Many travelers overlook this tool that sits quietly in the closet. Next time you need more space in your room, grab that ironing board and put it to work!
TIP #5: Use a paper cup as a toothbrush holder
Hotel bathrooms often lack proper spots for your toothbrushes, leaving them on dirty countertops or balanced against sinks. You can create an instant toothbrush holder by turning a paper cup upside down and poking holes in the bottom.
This simple hack keeps your toothbrushes clean, upright, and easy to grab during your stay. The cup prevents your brush from touching germy surfaces that might make you or your baby sick during travel.
Most hotels provide paper cups in every room, making this trick completely free. You’ll feel more comfortable knowing your personal items stay clean in a strange environment. The cup also works great for organizing other small toiletries like razors or makeup brushes, saving precious counter space in tight hotel bathrooms.
Practical Cleaning and Safety Tips
Hotel rooms need smart cleaning and safety tricks to protect your health.
TIP #6: Cover the TV remote with a plastic bag
Hotel TV remotes rank among the dirtiest items in your room. Thousands of guests have pressed those buttons before you arrived; and most of the time the hotel’s housekeeping does not clean or sanitze them. You can create a simple barrier by slipping the remote inside a clear plastic bag from your luggage.
This trick lets you see all buttons while keeping germs at bay. The plastic doesn’t affect button function, and you’ll avoid touching a surface that rarely gets proper cleaning. Shower caps work great too if you forgot bags, plus they can double as shoe covers when packing up later.
TIP #7: Inspect for bedbugs before unpacking
I hate doing this. Because, ugh! What if I actually find them. Also, who wants to touch all the nooks and crannies of a hotel room. But it take 5 minutes and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Bedbugs can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare fast. You should always check your hotel room for these tiny pests before settling in. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, looking for small brown bugs or tiny black spots.
These spots are actually bedbug droppings, a clear sign of trouble. Don’t forget to check behind the headboard and inside drawers too.
Keep your luggage safe by storing it in the bathroom until you’ve completed your inspection. The bathroom lacks carpet, making it harder for bedbugs to hide there. This simple step helps protect your clothes and personal items from unwanted hitchhikers that could follow you home.
Your comfort matters, and taking five minutes for this check can save you from bringing these unwelcome guests back to your own bedroom.
Creative Packing and Utility Hacks
Hotel rooms offer more than just a place to sleep. Your room’s items can serve many uses beyond their normal jobs.
TIP #8: Use the coffee maker for instant noodles or tea
Your hotel room coffee maker isn’t just for morning brew. This handy appliance doubles as a quick meal solution without leaving your room. Simply fill the coffee maker with water and run it without coffee grounds to get hot water in minutes.
Pour this steaming water into your cup of instant noodles or over a tea bag for a fast, warm drink and snack. This trick works great after a long day of sightseeing when you need comfort food but don’t want to go out again.
This hack helps you feel more comfortable in your hotel by giving you food options at any hour. The coffee maker heats water faster than most bathroom taps can, making it perfect for late-night hunger or early morning tea cravings.
You’ll also save money on room service and enjoy a taste of home while traveling.
TIP #9: Charge devices using the TV’s USB port
Most hotel rooms have limited wall outlets, often in odd spots behind furniture. Some TV USB ports can offer a smart fix for this problem. Almost all modern hotel TVs come with USB ports on the side or back panel.
These ports work great for charging phones, tablets, and other small gadgets while you sleep. Simply plug your charging cable into the TV’s USB slot, and your device will power up.
This trick saves you from crawling under desks or moving furniture to find hidden outlets.
The USB charging method proves especially helpful during trips with multiple devices. You won’t need to pack extra power strips or adapters. Just make sure the TV is turned on or in standby mode for the port to provide power.
Some newer hotel TVs even supply power through their USB ports when completely off, giving you constant charging options throughout your stay.
TIP #10: Use a trash bag or ice bucket liner for laundry
Even the neatest travelers end up with dirty clothes. Instead of mixing them with clean ones, line a drawer or corner of your suitcase with a trash bag or the plastic liner from the ice bucket. It’s lightweight, takes up no space, and keeps odors contained. It’s also a great hack for wet swimwear!
This quick hack keeps your hotel room tidy and helps you stay organized, especially on multi-stop trips. It also makes unpacking and laundry easier when you get home.
Final Thoughts
It’s the little things that make travel feel easier and more enjoyable. These hotel room hacks might seem simple, but they can completely change how comfortable and relaxed you feel while you’re away.
Whether it’s getting better sleep, staying organized, or just making the space feel a little more like yours, these tricks help you settle in quickly and make the most of every stay. You don’t need fancy gear or upgrades — just a few smart moves and a little know-how.
Try them on your next trip and see how much better your hotel experience can be. You’ll never look at a towel, hanger, or coffee maker the same way again.
