How To Transform Your Hotel Room Into A Home
Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2008
by Rebecca Ashby
http://www.rmashby.com
Having all your essential travel accessories immediately available upon arrival at your hotel room will greatly enhance your hotel experience and assist you in transforming your hotel room into a temporary home. Think ahead; organize and make sure that your generic room feels as warm, spacious and inviting as your own home.
While most hotels provide soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, these products don't have the familiar scent or the quality of your own items. Buy small travel bottles that can be easily tucked into your bag; fill them with your brands. Buy a cosmetics and toiletry suitcase; it is well worth the money. Instead of having to take each individual item from your bag, you can just remove the whole section of zippered compartments and hang it in the bathroom, thus making that cramped bathroom feel more spacious. Coincidentally, your man will be thrilled to have some space left for his duffel bag.
Unpack your clothes immediately when you arrive; use the drawers, closets and bed stand tables to organize your belongings and put the bags in the back of the closet so you don't have to trip over them constantly. Square footage in a hotel room setting is minimal so utilize it to the fullest.
Pack some comfort food; those donuts, granola bars or berry muffins that you consume with your coffee in the morning at home might be difficult to find in a hotel vending machine. Additionally, some hotel rooms do not provide that morning caffeine jolt that we have become so accustomed to in our daily lives. I take my espresso machine; although this may seem a bit bulky to pack and slightly eccentric, a downsized version could be instant coffee or tea packets. Having a cup of java before you leave the privacy of your room could enhance your mood for the day.
Take your laptop; most 21st century hotel rooms have wireless connections available. Some are free; others are minimally priced. Your laptop serves a myriad of functions when you're traveling; use it to send and receive emails, write a travel diary, listen to music or check out the local happenings. After all, most of us feel a sentimental attachment to our computer because of the connectivity of communication it provides
Bring along your favorite teddy bear! Just kidding, but do take personal items such as scented candles, a digital photo frame, a soft pillowcase, your favorite CD or any memento that triggers your senses or emotions. If you're traveling alone, a hotel room can be a very cold and unfamiliar place so while you're out and about checking out the local venues, pick up some little trinkets and a fresh bouquet of multi colored flowers to spruce up your home away from home.
If you want to have your cake and eat it too, follow these tips for a fuller, richer and more palatable hotel room experience. You can turn your hotel room into a home!
Rebecca, Great suggestions. Thank you. Be well.
Jackie, thank you for a well written and enjoyable article. This is especially useful for multi-day stays.
