There are so many things I love about a hotel stay, especially if it’s at a beautiful, luxury property. I love crisp sheets and luxurious toiletries, gorgeous design elements and stunningly renovated bathrooms. But then, there are lots of things not to like, too. Hotels can sometimes just feel a little … off. Maybe the air is too dry, the carpet feels dirty or the pillows aren’t quite right. All is not lost. With a few clever tweaks, you can turn any hotel room, from a budget stay to a five-star suite, into a cozy, comforting space that feels more like home.
1. Make friends with the front desk staff
Never underestimate the power of a polite request. Ask at check-in whether there’s a quiet corner room available or if late checkout is possible. Many hotels can accommodate small upgrades or extra perks if you ask kindly and at the right moment (hint: mid-afternoon check-ins are often best).
2. Reorganize your space
The first thing seasoned travelers do? Claim their space. Move furniture if you need to create a better flow; slide the chair closer to the window, clear the desk to make a vanity or tuck away unnecessary clutter. I’ve often reorganized hotel rooms to accommodate my young children and it can make a big difference. Just be sure to put things back before you leave.
3. Set the mood with scent
Hotels can feel sterile but scent instantly changes that. A small travel candle (unlit) or a rollerball of essential oil adds warmth without breaking safety rules. Lavender and sandalwood can make even the most basic room feel spa-like.
4. Customize the minibar
Skip the overpriced snacks and use the minibar as your personal fridge. Stock it with water, fruit or a bottle of wine you’ve picked up locally. If there’s a coffee maker, bring your favorite pods or tea bags. It’s a small luxury that feels surprisingly personal. I take things one step further and also travel with my own portable kettle. My cup of tea tastes so much better knowing that the water was boiled in a clean kettle.
5. Create a calm soundscape
Thin walls or noisy hallways? Download a white-noise app or use Spotify’s “Sleep” playlists. A portable sound machine can be a game-changer, especially if you’re a light sleeper or are traveling with kids.
6. Make it feel familiar
Bring one small item from home that brings comfort: a photo, a lightweight throw, even your own pillowcase. These tiny touches help your brain register “home,” which can make sleep easier and mornings smoother. I like to travel with my own satin pillowcase since it’s clean, cool and better for my skin and hair. It’s one way to keep my at-home routines going while I’m on the road.
7. Keep things clean (your way)
Hotel rooms get cleaned, but not always to your standards. A few disinfectant wipes go a long way for remotes, handles and switches. It’s not about paranoia; it’s about peace of mind. Wiping down high-touch surfaces is the first thing I do in a hotel room. Also, I never travel without slippers or flip flops so I don’t have to walk barefoot on the carpet. And I always pack my own hair dryer. Did you know that the hair dryer is reportedly the dirtiest thing in a hotel room?
8. Master your lighting
Overhead hotel lights are notoriously harsh. Use bedside lamps or travel with a small rechargeable nightlight for softer illumination. You can clip a reading light to your book to create the perfect evening glow. I pack an illuminated travel mirror with different light settings to do my makeup
9. Create a mini spa
After a long day of sightseeing or meetings, recreate your evening routine. Run a warm bath, use a face mask or mist your pillow with calming spray. A few travel-size toiletry treats can transform jet lag into relaxation.
10. Stay organized
Nothing makes a room feel chaotic faster than scattered belongings. Use packing cubes as drawers: one for clothes, one for tech, one for toiletries. Keep chargers and cables in a single pouch so you can grab them easily when you leave.
A few extra touches
Pack a foldable laundry bag. It keeps outfits sorted and makes repacking easier. Consider bringing a small Bluetooth speaker for morning playlists. Tuck a compact extension cord in your bag; hotel outlets are rarely where you need them.
Making a hotel room feel like home isn’t about spending more, it’s about being intentional. With a few mindful tweaks, you can walk into any room, anywhere in the world and make it your own little sanctuary.