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When you come to stay at a hotel, usually all that you want are the basics: to relax, watch a movie on TV, get a good night’s sleep, enjoy some delicious English breakfast in the morning, maybe get some advice about what interesting sites there are to see nearby. The last thing that should be on your mind is how uncomfortable you are.

It shouldn’t take 5 stars for a hotel to provide the basics and make you feel welcome. However, the sad reality is that far from every hotel you stay at will be up to your standards. Luckily, people have come up with plenty of life hacks while you stay at hotels, especially bad ones. And one person’s hotel hack to get rid of the annoying gap between the curtains inspired others to share their own tips and tricks.

We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list of hotel hacks to improve your stay and help you circumnavigate bad experiences as best you can. So scroll down, upvote your fave hacks, and share them with your friends. And be sure to leave us a comment with any hotel hacks that you might know as well.

When Rick Klau shared the hack where you can use a hanger to close the blackout curtains in your hotel room, the internet’s response was phenomenal. The hack was liked 396,700 times and retweeted 71,500 times. Klau’s post inspired other social media users to share their own hotel hacks, and some of them are brilliant in their simplicity.

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Rosie Hamilton
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always carry individually wrapped antiseptic wipes. As a dog owner I've found them to be a very good idea just generally.. The packaging can be recyled on these. EDIT: and the wipes are as well with the ones I use. I only mentioned packaging as I was looking at that large plastic container in the photo.

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Suzi Gauthier
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never been in a hotel where you had to turn on the electricity in the room. Where does this happen?

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Bored Panda interviewed Dr. Gabor Forgacs from Ryerson University about the hotel industry, as well as the challenges it faces in the 21st century.

“Technology is offered as an option for convenience but not as a replacement for service. Automated check-ins and wake up calls etc. are fine, however, it is a guest preference to choose them as a lot of guests appreciate the human interaction instead. Technology is used to expedite service (curbside check-in, messaging, digital coupons, etc.) not replacing it.”

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“How we leverage our data is important for hoteliers. We have a data-rich operational environment and we have to walk a fine line in terms of using our data sources for improving service without invading guest privacy and respecting sensitivities," Dr. Forgacs said.

“The philosophy of old school hoteliers, and I am one, still rules: we see everything, we know anything about our guests but never disclose anything, never reveal what we know and keep all that to ourselves. Best hoteliers are unassuming, discreet and highly knowledgeable.”

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Rosie Hamilton
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They always throw away any of the small soaps that remain so you might as well take those. Hotels need to stop providing these things in mini plastic containers for the sake of the planet.

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Hans
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was neccesary in times of bad WiFi. Hotels that still have individual access points in rooms might overhaul their technology...

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Kaisu
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's this terrifying fear for hotel remotes? I've never had one that's particularly dirty, and it's not the only thing other people have touched yet people seem to freak out about it

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Mimi M
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And also, one where the outlets fit the configuration of the plugs that you use (American, European, whatever). Better than having to depend on getting multiple adapters for each of your devices. If the plug on the strip doesn't fit the wall outlet, you can get just one adapter at the front desk.

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Radek Suski
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What hotel has doors like that? I never seen a gap between doors and the floor

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Janine B.
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just don't pick hotels with no hygienic standards. Never had a sticky remote in my rooms, no matter if cheap or expensive hotels. Cleaning should not be a matter of price.

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Hans
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is exactly what the hotel chains want you to do. Usually, it means thta you do not pick by quality and price andmore but by brand. Maximizing a hotel program usually is only worth it if you stay in hotels A LOT and/or if you can status match with other loyality programs, like that of airlines. Which again make only sense if you travel a lot. From my experience, there is little sense below 25 nights a year.

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Rosie Hamilton
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Small point but it will take you longer to get out when the fire alarm goes off (happened twice in hotels I've stayed in).

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe if you're in America and are paranoid that everyone is going to kill you that night. We're fine in most countries.

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ChiPomMom
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I'm thinking of a little old lady who lives alone, and has 15 locks on her door. Then she opens the door anyway to a stranger. Lol

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Lsai Aeon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah, this is a bad idea, wedging or tying the door shut, if you have a medical emergency or there's a fire, no one can get to you to help. You're Dead

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just stay in a hotel where you don’t have to sit with your back against the door while holding a baseball bat.

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Beh Pnkt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

must be america right ? and let me guess...your room opens directly to the outside and not into some hall or something ? XD

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Anet Arteacher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m glad most of you think that crime only exists in America. I’ve been to some of your countries, and goodness, crime exists there also!

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Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you could carry a wedge to go under the door. This will fit all doors https://www.gardentrading.co.uk/home/homeware/hallway-boot-room/kelston-door-wedge.htm

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kAiTLyN
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've never been in a hotel with this kind of door! dont they all have electronic ones now?

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Dippin Dot
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in addition to the deadbolt lock that the k**b is attached to. Almost all hotels I've been to in the US have them. I think it's so that way if someone accidentally has your key card you can still keep them out?? Honestly, not sure. But either way, most people I know just use it to keep the door slightly ajar if they are expecting someone coming that doesn't have a key so they don't have to get up and knock. :)

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April Vereb
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if your worried about security where you are staying....you might want to choose a better place. geez

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Redfox
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn...drops bead down toilet as it is flushing...NOW what will I do to keep that danged door closed? Oh I know? Put a chair on its angle against the door handle! Yippeee! No more mad rapists now! (Hate to tell you but the physics of that contraption will lead to a not so happy vacation.)

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Cherry Collins
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

or carry a wooden door wedge on holidays. Many people keep motel keys etc and some go back and rob the people months later.

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Leon Mack
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense but if people are already trying to breach your door this hard, you've got serious Jack Bauer type problems.

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems like a carabiner would be better -- my key ring is on one.

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John Shannon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So why is this safer? So paper-thin, flexible ghosts can't winkle in around the door frame beading?

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Arran Walker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems silly. Those are designed to work right if you use them right. Also, as said by Rosie, it’s a safety hazard if you need to get out quickly.

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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone can bust through the steel latch, they can certainly bust through a piece of fabric.

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Mikyla McEwen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until there’s an emergency which involves you having to rush out of the room

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Karen Bellinger Calhoun
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I place something like trash can in front of door. It will make noise if knocked over.

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Anna Gray
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always use the lock anyway- I rented a room only to walk in on people. Apparently they rented the same room TWICE! So awkward thankfully I didn’t get shot or beat up walking into someone else’s room....

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Cl Jacobs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take a door wedge. It works both ways (keeping a door open or closed).

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Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have one that's a bar where you jam one end under the doorknob and the bottom stays put by friction. I can get out in about 1 second but evildoers aren't likely to get in.

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"Please be careful not to cover any air holes so you don't disable the detector. Please remove the tape in the morning so maintenance can inspect the detector."

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Jace
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m super light-sensitive, but this seems extreme to me.

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