10 Hotel Room Hacks for Families

Hotel beds are often higher than beds at home, and the smooth sheets make rolling off alarmingly easy. Create impromptu bed rails by tucking extra pillows under the fitted sheet along the edge of the bed. This creates a soft barrier that prevents rolling while remaining comfortable to sleep against. Most hotels provide extra pillows upon request if the room does not have enough. For very young children or restless sleepers, consider pushing the bed against the wall and creating the pillow barrier only on the exposed side. Alternatively, pulling the mattress onto the floor eliminates fall risk entirely while creating a cozy floor sleeping setup many children actually enjoy.

Hotel room blackout curtains rarely block all light, and unfamiliar light sources can disrupt children's sleep. Bring large binder clips to seal curtain gaps along the sides and middle where curtains meet. Painter's tape works to secure curtain edges to walls without damaging surfaces. For really problematic light, a travel blackout blind that attaches with suction cups covers windows completely. Beyond window light, cover any glowing device indicators with small pieces of dark tape - alarm clocks, smoke detectors, and power strips all produce surprising amounts of light in an otherwise dark room. A portable sound machine helps mask unfamiliar hotel noises that might wake light sleepers.

Hotel bathrooms present several hazards for young children. Hard tile floors become slippery when wet - bring a small non-slip bath mat or even just a hand towel to place outside the tub. Turn the hot water heater down if accessible, or always run cold water first and test temperature before children enter. Many hotels provide toiletry bottles in glass containers - move these out of reach. Bath products in pump bottles can be irresistible to toddlers; place them high or outside the bathroom when not in use. If the toilet is very close to the bathtub, a curious child might grab it for balance while climbing out. Stay within arm's reach during bath time regardless of the child's usual independence at home.

Getting babies and toddlers to sleep in the same room as parents or siblings often means no one sleeps well. Light, noise, and the awareness of your presence can keep little ones awake. Create a separate sleep space by setting up the travel crib in the bathroom (obviously not while in use) or a walk-in closet. These spaces are often darker and more enclosed, mimicking nursery conditions. Keep the door open for air circulation and safety. Some parents hang a sheet or blanket to create a visual barrier between the sleeping child and the rest of the room. This separation helps everyone - the baby cannot see you, and you can have lights on and move around without disturbing them.

You cannot fully childproof a hotel room, but you can address the biggest hazards. Bring outlet covers for any exposed sockets at child height. Use hair ties or rubber bands looped between cabinet knobs to prevent opening. Move all breakables, glass items, and hotel literature to high surfaces immediately upon arrival. Push furniture away from windows and ensure window locks are engaged. Check under beds and behind furniture for small objects left by previous guests that could be choking hazards. For the mini bar, ask the front desk to empty and lock it, or use a hair tie to secure the handles. Position the coffee maker and kettle well back from counter edges and unplug when not in use.

Hotel room meals are sometimes necessary with tired children or tight schedules. Request extra towels and lay them on the floor or carpet to create a picnic area for eating - crumbs and spills on towels are much easier to manage than on carpet or bedding. Use the ice bucket liner as a temporary trash bag for food waste. Many hotels can provide a microwave or refrigerator upon request if not standard in the room. The bathroom counter makes a decent food prep area and cleans easily. If the room has an ironing board, covered with a towel it becomes a child-sized table perfect for small guests to eat at comfortably.

Hotel room climate control can be dramatic and difficult to regulate, leaving you sweltering at midnight and freezing by morning. Learn how the specific system works upon arrival - some have separate fan and temperature controls. Crack a window if possible for fresh air circulation. Dress children in layers they can add or remove independently during the night. Bring a small clip fan from home for air circulation regardless of the main system. The bathroom often maintains a different temperature than the main room and can serve as a cooling or warming retreat. Running hot water briefly increases humidity in very dry hotel rooms, which helps with nighttime congestion.

Hotel rooms offer surprising entertainment opportunities beyond television. The bathtub becomes a play space with a few small toys - bring glow sticks for special bath time in the dark. Masking tape on the carpet creates roads for toy cars or hopscotch games. Build forts using extra blankets and chairs. Many hotels have board games or card decks available from the front desk. The ice machine expedition can become an adventure for older children. Explore the hotel itself - locate the pool, vending machines, and fitness center even if you do not use them. Some hotels offer children's activity kits; ask at check-in. A roll of painter's tape travels well and enables countless creative activities.

Hotel mornings with children can be chaotic without systems in place. The night before, lay out complete outfits for each child. Stage bags and items you need to take near the door. Identify where continental breakfast is served and plan your timing to avoid peak crowds when possible. Bring quick breakfast options like granola bars for mornings when you need to leave before the restaurant opens or when the breakfast line is too long for hungry children. If using the hotel breakfast, send one parent down first to scout the options and prepare plates while the other gets children ready. Establish a specific spot where room keys and essential items always go to prevent frantic searches.

The last morning in a hotel room often involves frantic packing and the strong likelihood of leaving something behind. Begin packing non-essential items the night before. Do a complete room sweep before final packing - check under beds, behind curtains, inside drawers, in bathroom cabinets, and on all shelves. Chargers plugged into outlets behind furniture are commonly forgotten. The safe, if used, frequently contains forgotten items - check it even if you do not recall putting anything there. Many hotels offer late checkout for a small fee or even free when asked politely; this extra hour or two can make departure morning significantly less stressful. Leave a generous tip for housekeeping, especially if children have made extra mess.