If you travel a lot, you know that staying in hotels can be a bit of a hit-or-miss experience. From hotel chains that offer luxurious amenities to budget motels with bare-bones accommodations, it’s not always common for your hotel room to feel like a home away from home. That said, there are some things you can do to give any kind of hotel room some much-needed sprucing up.
Bring Your Own Little ‘Luxuries’
One of the best ways to make any hotel room feel more homey and comfortable is to bring a few of your favorite things with you. Pack a few items that have special meaning or are particularly comforting – like your favorite pillow, an old teddy bear, or even a beloved book – and spread them around the room. This will make it easier for you to settle in, helping you feel a bit of comfort and familiarity as you explore your new surroundings.
For example, if your favorite thing is a scented candle, you can make your hotel room feel homier by lighting the candle and enjoying its comforting aroma.
Rearrange the Furnishings
Any interior designer will tell you that one of the simplest and quickest ways to spruce up any room is to rearrange the furniture.
Try moving around the dresser, nightstands, and other pieces to create more of a resemblance of your home, whether that means rearranging for more open space in the center of the room or moving things closer to the bathroom. You can even move things closer to the windows or balcony doors to face the direction of home.
Utilize Any Extra Features
A great way to spruce up a bland hotel room is to make use of any extra features that it might offer. For example, if your room has an outdoor patio or balcony, take advantage of the opportunity by setting up some chairs or tables and enjoying the view. You can even hang a few string lights or light some candles to create a cozy atmosphere.
Or, if the room has a kitchenette, use it to make some of your own meals so that you don’t have to rely on restaurant food and remind yourself of home.
Make the Most of Free Amenities
Nowadays, many hotels and motels offer a wide variety of complimentary amenities that can help spruce up your room and ease homesickness. Take advantage of these features to make it cozier and inviting. For instance, many hotels provide robes and slippers that you can use during your stay. These items will make it easier for you to feel relaxed in the room and look forward to each night’s sleep.
Some hotels even offer complimentary yoga classes or an on-site spa if you’re looking for a more distracting experience.
Sprucing up any kind of hotel room to feel like home doesn’t have to be difficult. With just a few simple steps, you can easily spruce up your space and make it more comfortable during your stay, and combat homesickness.