Pack Smarter! Travel Accessories That Elevate Any Hotel Stay
From inconveniently placed outlets to lackluster lighting, these smart accessories solve common hotel room gripes.
What makes a “good” hotel room varies from traveler to traveler, and even the most luxurious rooms can lack the more specific comforts of home — things like good lighting, convenient outlets, ample storage, and soundproofing. If you travel often, these clever extras will quickly become essentials.
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Outlets, SOLVED
Gotta love it when it’s time to curl your hair, and the nearest outlet is nowhere near the mirror. Or you’re ready to decompress and scroll through your camera roll, but your phone charger won’t reach the bed. This portable power strip and extension cord combo ($14.98 at Amazon) solves both dilemmas and is especially handy when you’re sharing a room. Plus, it lies flat and rolls up neatly, taking up very little room in your luggage.
If you’re too short on luggage space for a device like this one, you can usually still find room for an extra-long charging cord or power bank, so you’re not tethered to the wall when your phone battery is low.
Nightstand Humidifier
If you struggle with dry skin or sinus issues, consider packing a mini humidifier for your nightstand. The one pictured below ($19.99 at Amazon) is only 3.34 inches wide and 4.4 inches tall. If that’s still too large for your needs, try this design that comes with a base you can attach to any standard plastic water bottle.
Extra Makeup Lighting
When I travel with girlfriends, hotel lighting is a common complaint, especially when it comes to makeup application. An LED-lit makeup mirror is a game-changer in these scenarios, like this one from Amazon ($17.99), which comes in a variety of colors.
Or, if you prefer to stay close to the bathroom vanity, try a suction-cup LED vanity light like this one, available for $13.99 at Amazon.
Smart Makeup and Hair Tool Storage
Having easy access to your makeup brushes makes the process that much smoother and more enjoyable. This hard-shell makeup brush storage case ($9.99 at Amazon) protects your brushes from dust and debris while you’re traveling, and once you arrive, it separates into two brush holders that sit upright on the counter.
Similarly, when you’re low on storage in your hotel bathroom, hot hair tools can quickly become a nuisance. This travel case ($23.99 at Amazon) comes with a heat-resistant mat — so you don’t have to worry about where you rest your tools — and a convenient loop that allows you to hang the case from a hook or knob when your tools aren’t in use.
If space is limited or you only travel with one hot tool, you can opt for a smaller case like the one pictured below ($13.99 at Amazon), which is water-resistant and unfolds into a heat-resistant mat.
Noise Reduction
If you’re staying on a busy street (or in a busy part of the hotel, like near the elevator or ice machine), you’ll be glad you brought supplies. This small-but-mighty white noise machine boasts 30 noise options and four timers, and it’s available for only $14.44 at Amazon.
Foam or wax earplugs always do the trick, but if you prefer a reusable option, we recommend Loop, a brand that offers a variety of durable (and stylish) earplugs that are designed for different levels of noise reduction.
Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector
Okay, this one is a little less fun, but peace of mind is a luxury, too. After tragic stories of carbon monoxide-related deaths in hotels have been reported in recent years, it’s worth the investment for a bit of added protection. This small detector is available for only $26.63 on Amazon.
Room Refresher or Sleep Spray
If you smell something foul in your hotel room, it’s probably time to ask about a room change. This tip isn’t about covering odors, but rather about creating a restful atmosphere. Consider packing a travel-size of your favorite room spray, or investing in a spray designed specifically to promote rest and relaxation (or however you would like to feel!). Primally Pure offers a popular line of organic room sprays at $36 per bottle.
Satin Pillowcase + Eye Mask
Hotel linens can be harsh on sensitive skin, depending on the material and laundry detergents used. If this is you — or you just love sleeping on satin or silk to reduce frizz and wrinkles — a travel set like this one ($40.98 at Amazon) is a great investment.
Other extras to ask about before you arrive …
It’s not uncommon for hotels to have steamers these days, but some only offer irons. If wrinkled clothing is a concern for you, it’s worth calling ahead to ask. Often, they can stock one in the room, and if not, having a good travel steamer on hand is a GAME CHANGER. This one is compact and highly rated.
It’s also fair to call ahead and ask about extra cozies like slippers and robes. And if they aren’t available, consider bringing your own!
Happy travels!
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.
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great round-up — totally going to order that makeup brush holder!