10 handy hotel hacks you need to know about

Travelling abroad can affect the best of us.

Understandable too. From airport security to tiny airline seats, to hotel lobby to overpriced minibar, each stage of a trip can seem like a never-ending obstacle while you attempt to keep both luggage and sanity intact. Right before you have to do it all again.

Well not anymore. 

Transforming you from aholiday-making Mr Bean into George Clooney’s uber savy high-flier from Up In The Air, the travel bods at LateRooms.com has come up with a few handy travel-hacks which could save you serious time and effort on a trip away.

Be it business or pleasure, you'll want to make a note of these.

Laterooms.com

[Images: Getty, Shutterstock, YouTube]

Bring a tumble dryer sheet

‘Even when you pack clothes fresh from the laundry, they can still end up musty smelling and with an unmistakable top note of suitcase when you arrive on the other side. Pop a couple of tumble dryer sheets in your bag to keep them crisp, clean and smelling fresh, so you’re ready to get out on the town as soon as your arrive.’

De-wrinkle clothes with a makeshift steam room

'On the off chance you do have wrinkled clothes, turn the shower up full heat and wait for the bathroom to become completely steamed up. Then turn it off and hang your clothes from the shower and towel rails and keep the door closed. Pop back in half an hour and voilà! Your clothes will be as prim and proper as when you packed and ready for that all-important meeting.’

Speak up

‘Not many hotels provide state-of-the-art speakers, so when the music channel’s a let-down it can put a dampener on the in-room vibe. Cue our speaker hack. Just pop your phone into one of the glasses or mugs provided in your room and, boom: your very own self-made sound system.’

Avoid the curtain fall

‘There’s nothing worse than a curtain gap that just cannot be overcome. Tossing and turning with a streetlight glaring in isn’t your idea of a good night’s sleep, so why put up with it? Grab a clip hanger from the wardrobe, fasten either side of the curtains to each clip and prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep.’

Don’t be afraid to ask

‘If you hate being near the lift, or prefer the top floor then don’t shy away from telling the Receptionist your hotel room preferences.  The worst they can do is say no. And while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to shout up if you’ve forgotten some of your must-have toiletries.  You’ll be surprised how often a hotel will have spares available'.

Recharge the batteries

‘For anyone using gizmos which require USB charging, many hotel TVs can double up as chargers when you turn them around to use their ports. Failing that, you can always phone reception to ask for a charger as very often due to customers leaving them, they will have piles of them.'

All hail the humble conditioner

‘Scuffed shoes? 5 O’clock shadow? Mascara won’t budge?  Then all hail the most versatile of hotel freebies.  If you’re operating under the delusion that conditioner’s just for your hair, then allow us to shed some light. You can also use this wonder stuff as a shoe polish, shaving cream, make up remover, hand cream… The list goes on.’

Have tissues at the ready

‘When packing, fold your clothes in tissue paper to avoid any wrinkles. It might seem like a pain at the time and bring back bad memories of battling a mountain of Christmas presents, but you’ll be thankful when you discover you don’t have to waste your valuable holiday time ironing.’

Create a blackout

‘If the light from the hotel corridor is driving you to distraction, roll up a towel and push it under the door.  Not only will it help to blackout your room, it’ll also help to block out noisy hotel guests returning late at night.’

Get prepped

‘If you’re a regular traveller for work, double up on essentials so that you can have your case packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice and cut down on time spent unpacking and re-packing (and un-packing, and re-packing, and un-packing). Bonus: nab the miniature toiletry bottles to use for your next adventure. It’ll save you scrambling about looking for containers to stash your liquids under 100ml.’