1. If you use the safe, take a picture of the empty safe before you check out.
This is an essential trick to avoid leaving any valuables behind, especially when you’re in a hurry. For instance, if you’re staying at The Peninsula Hong Kong, you might store your passport or luxury items in the safe. Snap a quick picture when it’s empty, ensuring you leave with everything. Nearby, you can savor delicious dim sum at Spring Moon, offering a true Cantonese experience.
2. Point your shoes towards the direction of the elevator when you take them off.
Placing your shoes facing the elevator can help mentally prepare you for a quick exit. This trick is especially useful in large hotels like The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. After you’re ready, walk over to Sala Rim Naam for a riverside Thai dining experience with a view of the city’s skyline.
3. Get familiar with escape routes when you arrive in your room.
Safety should always come first. Upon checking into a high-rise hotel like Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun in Seoul, take a moment to locate the emergency exits. You’ll feel much more secure, knowing the best way to evacuate if needed. While you’re there, don’t miss visiting Balwoo Gongyang, an exceptional vegan restaurant nearby. For more tips on vegan dining in Korea, check out this helpful guide from Ventana Travel.
4. Use any card for the electricity switch in the room.
Hotels with card-activated power switches can be tricky if you forget your room key. For a quick fix, use any card—like a business card. This works well at The Chedi Muscat, a chic hotel where you’ll want to ensure your room stays cool while you’re out at the nearby The Beach Restaurant, serving stunning seafood on the Omani coast.
5. Ask the hotel to empty the minibar so you can use the space for your own drinks.
Many hotels are happy to empty the minibar upon request, leaving you more room for your own snacks and drinks. At The Hoxton, Amsterdam, this is a convenient option, especially if you want to chill a bottle of wine from the nearby Albert Cuyp Market. For dinner, try De Kas, where you can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience.
6. Order food to the hotel if you don’t want to use in-room dining.
Sometimes the best dining isn’t from the hotel restaurant. In Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, you can order from local delivery services to try authentic dishes like those from Ippudo Ramen. It’s a great way to taste local flavors from the comfort of your hotel room.
7. Always check the seams of the mattress and upholstered chairs for bed bugs.
Even in luxurious hotels, it’s smart to check for bed bugs. Do a quick inspection of the mattress and chairs when staying at a place like Hotel Sacher Vienna. Once you’ve confirmed everything is clean, head to Café Sacher to try their famous Sacher-Torte, a delightful local dessert.
8. Check if everything in the room works before unpacking.
Ensuring all amenities work as soon as you enter the room will save time. If anything isn’t right, it’s easier to switch rooms before unpacking. This tip works great in Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Sadko, known for authentic Russian dishes.
9. Use hangers with clips to close curtains tightly.
If the curtains in your room don’t block out light completely, use the clips from hangers to secure them shut. At The Savoy Hotel in London, this little trick can help you get better rest. For an elegant evening out, consider dining at Simpson’s in the Strand.
10. Use the ironing board as an extra shelf.
If your hotel room lacks table space, repurpose the ironing board as an additional surface. This is especially useful in cozy boutique hotels like Henri Hotel in Berlin. After settling in, you can stroll to Lutter & Wegner, a famous wine bar serving classic German dishes.
For more travel tips and helpful hacks, visit Ventana Travel and start planning your next adventure with these useful insights!