For some business travelers, hotels become a home away from home where you can stay for weeks — or even months — on end. An extended stay at a hotel will never feel exactly like home, but when you’re living on the road, there are a few things you can do to bring a bit of coziness to the space.
You can bring something from home to make the space feel like your own (hello luxury soap) or even bring your best furry friend along. Use these tips to make your hotel room feel a bit less like a hotel room and more like home.
Utilize the hotel’s services.
Hotels like Hyatt House tend to be set up apartment-style, with separate spaces to sleep, hang out, eat, or work. Fully equipped kitchens mean that you don’t have to eat out — which is good for your waistline, wallet, and schedule — and 24/7 on-site laundry means you’ll be able to establish a routine even if you’re far from home.
Bring something from home to decorate with.
One of the best parts about being home is living amongst your personal touches — photographs of family and friends, decor you’ve picked out, or your favorite scented candle. These are all things that can come with you when you move into a hotel. We don’t suggest bringing your couch, of course, but a few personal touches can make a hotel room feel a little less stark.
Take your technology with you.
We often rely on certain tech items and when we don’t have them it can feel like something is missing. For example, I like to ask my Google Home Mini for the news every morning and use it to check the weather forecast while I’m getting ready. When I’m in a hotel, however, I often start to ask it something only to realize it’s not there. But so many of these devices are portable and can be used anywhere with a WiFi connection, making your hotel feel a bit more like home.
Opt for your own pillow.
A good pillow is crucial for a good night’s sleep, and when you travel, you probably miss the comfort of your own bed. While you can’t bring your whole mattress with you, you can bring a pillow or two to mimic that feeling of home when you’re on the road.
De-clutter the room.
Like Burgess recommended, this simple step can make a world of difference. Hotels often put in their rooms pamphlets and cards that tell you everything from how things work to where you can go to get food nearby. While all of this information is good to have, simply putting these loose papers away can go a long way in making an extended-stay property look more like an apartment.
Unpack immediately.
No one likes living out of a suitcase — it’s cumbersome to keep tidy and things are hard to find. One of the first things you should do when you get to a hotel is to unpack your clothes and put them away just like you would at home. Then, stow away your suitcase so you don’t have to constantly stare at it.
Maintain your routine.
Just because you’re in a hotel room doesn’t mean your routine has to go out the window. If you really like to hit the gym at 5 p.m. every day, then you should continue to do just that. And if you spend one evening a week at home watching “Jeopardy” with a bowl of mac and cheese, then find a way to make that your hotel routine too. It will help you feel less like you’re traveling if you establish a routine while you’re away.
Bring your dog along.
Many of Hyatt House’s properties are pet-friendly, so there’s no reason to leave your best furry friend at home. Having a dog to come home to is one of the things that makes a house a home, and there’s no quicker way to make your extended stay feel homier than by having your dog there to greet you. But keep in mind there is often a pet cleaning fee and be sure to check for size restrictions.
