How to Make Your Hotel Feel Like Home During an Extended Stay
A stay in a luxurious hotel is an indulgent experience: the beds are fluffy, the pillows are plentiful, and you can order ice cream right to your room and eat it in bed as you flip through TV channels. However, after a long trip, you’re often ready to return home and sleep in your own bed.
For some business travelers, hotels become a home away from home where you can stay for weeks — or even months — on end. Consequently, there’s only so many times you can eat crème brûlée in bed before it becomes excessive.
An extended stay at a hotel will never feel exactly like home. Nevertheless, when you’re living on the road, there are several steps you can take to bring a bit of coziness to the space.
Rob Burgess, the founder of the air miles blog Head for Points, shared valuable advice on how to make a hotel room feel homier. He suggests putting away all leaflets and information cards to create a more inviting atmosphere.
“All of those brochures, leaflets, and stand-up cards on the desk and side table — put them in a drawer,” said Burgess.
Utilize the Hotel’s Services
Hotels like Hyatt House often feature apartment-style layouts, with designated spaces for sleeping, relaxing, eating, or working. Fully equipped kitchens mean you don’t have to eat out, which is advantageous for your waistline, wallet, and schedule. Furthermore, 24/7 on-site laundry allows you to establish a routine even when far from home.
Bring Something from Home to Decorate With
One of the best parts about being home is surrounding yourself with personal touches — photographs of family and friends, thoughtfully chosen decor, or your favorite scented candle. Therefore, consider bringing a few items from home to enhance the atmosphere of your hotel room.
Take Your Technology with You
We often rely on specific tech items, and their absence can make a space feel less comfortable. For instance, many travelers enjoy asking their Google Home Mini for the news or checking the weather forecast while getting ready. These portable devices can help your hotel room feel more like home, especially if they connect to Wi-Fi.
Opt for Your Own Pillow
A good pillow is essential for quality sleep. While it’s impractical to bring your entire mattress, you can certainly bring a pillow or two to recreate that sense of comfort and restfulness during your travels.
De-clutter the Room
As Burgess recommended, this simple act can significantly enhance your living space. Hotels often provide pamphlets and cards detailing everything from how various appliances work to nearby dining options. While this information is useful, clearing away loose papers can make an extended-stay property feel more like an apartment.
Unpack Immediately
No one enjoys living out of a suitcase. It can be cumbersome and chaotic. Therefore, one of the first things you should do upon arrival is unpack your clothes and put them away as you would at home. Stowing your suitcase afterward will help create a tidier environment.
Maintain Your Routine
Just because you’re in a hotel room doesn’t mean your routine should falter. If you prefer to hit the gym at 5 p.m. daily, continue doing so. Moreover, if you spend a weekly evening at home relaxing and unwinding, find a way to replicate that routine while away. This consistency will help diminish the feeling of being constantly on the move.
Bring Your Dog Along
Many Hyatt House properties are pet-friendly, making it easy to bring your furry friend along. Having a dog at your side can greatly enhance the feeling of home, providing a sense of companionship during an extended hotel stay. However, remember that there may be a pet cleaning fee, and it is advisable to check for size restrictions ahead of time.
