6 Must-Know Hotel Room Hacks for a Smoother Stay

When you’re planning a getaway, especially to a scenic spot like Lake Placid, New York, choosing the right hotel can truly set the tone for your trip. After checking in, however, it’s the small tips and tricks that can make your stay more convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, these hotel hacks will help elevate your hotel experience in Lake Placid.

1. Create Your Own Toothbrush Holder

Keeping your toothbrush clean while staying in a hotel can be tricky. The bathroom counter might not always be the best place for it, especially with the risk of it touching germy surfaces or rolling off. A simple fix is to repurpose a disposable or plastic cup to create your own toothbrush holder.

Step 1: Grab a disposable cup from your hotel room (typically found in the bathroom).
Step 2: Rinse the cup thoroughly to ensure it’s clean.
Step 3: Shake any excess water from your toothbrush, and place it in the cup with the bristles facing up.
Step 4: Now your toothbrush is protected and won’t touch any unsanitary surfaces.

This quick hack keeps your toothbrush hygienic, so you can brush with peace of mind.

2. Use a Shoe as a Packing Reminder

It’s easy to forget important items when packing, and realizing you’ve left something behind can ruin the end of your trip. To prevent this, use one of your shoes as a visual reminder to check for essentials like your wallet, passport, or phone charger before checking out.

Step 1: Gather all your essential items — passport, itinerary, phone charger, keys, and wallet.
Step 2: Pick one shoe that you’re sure to notice, whether it’s one you wear often or one that stands out in your luggage.
Step 3: Place all your important items inside the shoe.
Step 4: Set the shoe near the door or on top of your packed luggage.
Step 5: Before leaving, check inside the shoe one last time to ensure you didn’t forget anything.

This simple trick prevents you from leaving behind anything crucial while giving you one final, easy check before you head out.

3. Travel with a Soapy Sponge

When traveling, it’s essential to keep your reusable containers like water bottles or lunch boxes clean, but washing them on the go can be a hassle. A portable, soapy sponge can be your solution.

Step 1: Before your trip, soak a clean dish sponge in dish soap, allowing it to absorb the soap fully.
Step 2: Let the sponge dry out completely so the soap solidifies inside, making it easy to travel with.
Step 3: Cut the dried sponge into smaller pieces and store them in a resealable plastic bag.
Step 4: When you need to clean a container, simply wet a piece of the sponge and use it to scrub away any dirt or stains.
Step 5: After cleaning, rinse the container thoroughly and let it air dry.

This hack allows you to keep your belongings clean without needing to carry liquid soap or extra cleaning supplies.

4. Childproof Your Room with Duct Tape

Traveling with young children requires extra precautions to ensure their safety. While hotels take measures to make rooms child-friendly, you can add an extra layer of security using duct tape to address potential hazards in your room.

Cover Electrical Outlets: Cut small pieces of duct tape to cover the outlets at child eye level, preventing them from accessing them.
Secure Cords: Tape down any exposed cords to prevent tripping or entangling, keeping them safely out of reach.
Tape Sharp Edges: If furniture has sharp corners, use duct tape to cover these areas and reduce the risk of injuries.

Before you leave, simply peel off the duct tape. It’s an easy, non-invasive way to ensure your child is safe in an unfamiliar hotel room.

5. Utilize Your Coffee Maker for More Than Just Coffee

If you’re in a hotel with a coffee maker, don’t just limit it to making coffee. This handy appliance can also be used to boil water for instant meals like oatmeal or noodles.

Step 1: Clean the coffee maker thoroughly if it has any coffee residue.
Step 2: Place a clean coffee filter in the basket if desired, though it’s optional.
Step 3: Fill the coffee maker with water as needed.
Step 4: Run the coffee maker through a brewing cycle to heat the water.
Step 5: Pour the hot water over your instant meal in a cup or bowl.
Step 6: Cover the dish and wait for the meal to cook, following package instructions.

This quick hack helps you enjoy a hot meal without needing to search for a microwave or kettle, perfect for late-night snacks or early morning breakfasts.

6. Add an Extra Layer of Security with Curtain Hangers

Hotel security is usually top-notch, but if you’re looking for added peace of mind, you can use the curtain hangers or clips often found in your room’s closet. These can be used to reinforce your door’s lock.

Step 1: Find the curtain hanger or clip in the closet.
Step 2: Use it to secure the door, adding an extra layer of protection in case you want additional privacy or security.

While it’s not a foolproof solution, this simple hack can give you some peace of mind, especially if you’re staying in a less secure area or just want to ensure your room is fully secure.

These hacks are all about making the most of the resources available to you during your hotel stay. From staying organized to ensuring safety and comfort, these clever tricks will help you make the most of your time in Lake Placid or any other destination. Enjoy your travels, knowing you’ve got everything under control!