How to sleep better in a hotel room

Hotel beds are comfortable, but a strange room can still make for a restless night. A few small adjustments help you sleep closer to the way you do at home.

Control light and noise

Draw the blackout curtains fully and use the clip or a spare hanger to close the gap in the middle. If the corridor or street is noisy, earplugs or the steady hum of the bathroom fan can help mask it.

Set the temperature early

Adjust the thermostat when you arrive rather than at bedtime, since rooms take a while to settle. A slightly cool room suits most people better for sleep than a warm one.

Keep your usual wind-down

Try to follow the same routine you would at home, and unpack a few things so the room feels less temporary. Dimming the lights and stepping away from screens a little earlier both help.

Ask for what you need

If the pillows are too soft or firm, the front desk can usually bring alternatives. When you book, a room away from the lift, ice machine or car park tends to be quieter.

Key points

• Close curtains fully and block the middle gap.
• Cool the room down when you arrive, not at bedtime.
• Keep your normal pre-sleep routine.
• Ask for different pillows or a quieter room.

Common questions

Can I ask for extra pillows? Yes. Housekeeping or the front desk can usually bring extra or firmer pillows on request.

How do I get a quieter room? Ask for one away from the lift, ice machine and street when you book or check in.