Make The Best of A Bad Hotel Room

Voice Your Concerns Right Away

Even if you are just dropping off your belongings at midday check-in, make sure you thoroughly examine your room to make sure it’s up to par. If there are any substantial problems, let the staff know right away so they can sort it out. If you wait too long, any rooms they may switch you to may have been booked at the last moment. Being downgraded may be your only option, in which case you will have to weigh the problems of the room against those of the lesser room. If the hotel is completely booked, ask to speak with the hotel manager. He may pay for your stay at another hotel. If all else fails, contact the hotel chain and get you money refunded.

Damage Control

If you get the sense that your room is dirty — remove the bedspread. Although sheets and pillowcases are often washed at hotels, the comforter is typically not. Try turning off the AC unit and sleeping under the sheets. If the water is dirty, buy bottled water from the hotel store to brush your teeth and rinse your hair.

Communicate With Your Neighbors

If the neighbors seem like they may be a potential problem later in the night, give a friendly knock on the door and introduce yourself. Explain your situation (you have kids; you need to be up early the next morning) and your neighbors may tame their activity or even change their plans.