How To Get the Best Sleep of Your Life in a Hotel (And Enjoy the Rest of Your Trip)

How To Get the Best Sleep of Your Life in a Hotel (And Enjoy the Rest of Your Trip)

Elegant hotel features like modern swimming pools and lodges, fine restaurants and bars, and jaw-dropping views are just a few luxuries that make your hotel experience more memorable. However, these amazing amenities wouldn’t mean a thing if you’ve had a bad sleep quality, don’t you think?

Let’s talk about dinging elevators, rattling ice machines, loud music from the party down the hall, noisy construction sounds across the street, and not-so-comfortable beds: don’t these things get on your nerves when you’re trying to sleep soundly for tomorrow’s big, long day?

Whether you’re suffering from insomnia or you’re simply prioritizing sleep quality above all else (which you should), we’ve listed down 14 tips to get the best sleep of your life in a hotel room.

1. Ask for the quietest room upon reservation

Other guests ask for a bigger room, a corner room, or a room with a view upon reservation. In your case, ask upfront about the quietest room possible. Two requests that are widely known: a room away from the elevators and a room that’s farthest from the restaurant and bar. 

2. Know where the pool is… and avoid a room facing it

Taking a quick dip before going to bed does help with relaxation and better sleep. However, it's better to book a room far from the pool area. While a room facing the pool might give you prettier views, these places are notorious for being late-night gathering places, despite the posted closing hours.

3. Avoid rooms placed near banquet rooms

A room near the banquet hall and bar might be ideal when you don’t want to travel far to have a meal, but it’s not ideal when you’re trying to get a good sleep. You’d be surprised how many floors a thumping bass can penetrate. Avoid the inconvenience by getting a room at least two or three levels above these rooms. 

4. Opt for a room midway down the hallway

Generally, this is the quietest part of a floor. It’s more likely to be away from the ice and vending machines, guest laundry facilities, housekeeping closets, exits, and other noise-making places. 

5. Ask about ongoing renovations

Are there ongoing construction projects at a property across the street, which can be heard from your room? Does the hotel have ongoing renovations that can disrupt your peace? Ask ahead to avoid floors that are adjacent to those currently being updated.

6. Request to be placed in a non-smoking room

Are you a non-smoker? If you can’t find a smoking-free hotel, make sure you request a non-smoking room. The scent of cigarette smoke from the unit beside you might keep you from feeling at ease, and the worst part is it will continue to linger even after you close the door. 

It doesn’t matter if your room in a hotel in Waterford has a stunning view and interior design—if the midnight smoking sessions next door can keep you up at night, then your vacation might be ruined. 

7. Inquire about blackout shades

Sleep disturbances aren’t just caused by noises - they can also be caused by sunlight. If you’re a night owl who’d want to wake up at noon without being bothered by harsh sunlight, make sure to inquire whether guestrooms have blackout shades. The heavier and thicker the curtains are, the better, as they keep the light out.

8. Pack sleep essentials 

Let’s assume the worst: you can’t get the best room in the house. It’s better to come prepared with the things that can help you sleep more soundly. Pack contoured eye masks (so they won’t disrupt your eye movements while asleep) and earplugs. You can even use your earphones and listen to calming podcasts and noise-canceling white noises to help you be drowsy. 

9. Drink the night away

Perhaps a warm glass of milk or tea may help you relax and induce sleep. We’re not promoting heavy drinking (which will lead to headaches and hangovers the next day) but you may find a subtle hint of wine to be effective in putting your body and mind at ease.

10. Buy travel-sized sprays to fill the room with calming scents

The chemicals used to clean hotel rooms and launder sheets, especially in today’s pandemic era, can be a little overpowering. Mask the smell while adding your own scent by spraying your room wIth your favorite soothing scents.

11. Set the ideal temperature

A temperature that’s either too cold or too warm can disrupt your sleep and/or make you feel sick upon waking up. According to sleep.org, most people sleep best in temperatures between 60-70 degrees.

12. Hang the “do not disturb sign”

Nothing ruins an afternoon nap than an unsolicited knock on your hotel room door for housekeeping. To prevent such inconvenience, don’t forget to hang that sign. 

13. Master the art of hitting the sack

Whether you’re at home or in a hotel, there are universal do’s and don'ts when preparing to go to bed:

• Try not to use your bed for anything but sleep. Don’t work and eat on your bed. Unless you’re doing it to get sleepy, try not to read during bedtime. 

• Avoid screens too. TV, smartphones, and laptops emit an artificial blue light which can have a stimulating effect. 

• Don’t eat an overly large dinner late at night. 

• Don’t drink caffeinated beverages late in the afternoon, especially if you have low caffeine tolerance. 

• Turn off notifications for emails, calls, and texts, especially if you’re in a different time zone than your family and friends back home.

• Take a warm bath. 

• Take a meditation exercise

• Take some deep, slow breaths before bed

• If you can't sleep, try taking a stroll around

14. Report any unbearable noises right away

If the noises from the guest next door can be heard from your room, don’t hesitate to call the front desk so they can alert them on your behalf. You may also have the option to relocate to another room if any uncontrollable noises — like construction sites, traffic, and elevator — are persistent.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited damsel who loves documenting her adventures. Her fondness for travel, food, and cultural appreciation makes it easy for her to write inspiring pieces of content about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Viking Hotel Waterford.