From family holidays to work retreats, whether our stay is for business or pleasure, we all want our time in a hotel to be as comfortable as possible. In fact, with many now equipped with their own in-house spas and swimming pools, many people book a stay in a hotel specifically to try and relax from the stress and hectic pace of everyday life. With all that in mind, the most common obstacle stopping guests from truly unwinding during their stay is excess noise caused by their fellow visitors.
Why are hotels so noisy?
Hotels very often have their own restaurants, bars, and reception spaces which can be hired out for all sorts of parties and events – from weddings and birthday bashes, to conventions and funeral services. Many contemporary hotels also have designated conference rooms, which attract businessmen and women for a variety of functions. As such, it is important to remember that hotels double as a venue for partygoers and professionals alike – hence the common problem of constant bustle and noise.
Noise disturbance in your room
Most people who do not suffer from hypersensitivity to noise should cope just fine when staying at a hotel. That doesn’t mean, however, that they can’t still have their peace disrupted – not to mention their sleep – by less considerate guests. Even in a spacious room, noise from neighboring suites may be heard through the walls. A baby’s cries, loud conversation, arguing, music, etc. can all be bothersome. It is therefore important to distinguish between what is acceptable and what crosses the line into bad manners and genuine public disturbance.
Where does the worst noise come from in a hotel?
The adjoining rooms are not the only possible sources of persistent, irritating noise. Street noise can be a particular issue in larger towns and cities, for example. The blaring sirens of the emergency services and steady rumble of traffic may prove especially overwhelming for those who come from small villages and rural areas, as they are unused to such relentless background noise.
Inner-city hotels are also often found close to theaters, concert halls, and sporting venues, with events held in such spaces generating high footfall and additional noise.
Can you get used to noise?
If your hotel has quality double glazing, you may be able to dampen or even completely block out street noise simply by closing the windows. Of course, this technique is less useful when combatting noise that is coming from inside the hotel itself. Over time, many people can get used to noise, but with most people staying in a hotel for a relatively short period of time, this often isn’t a viable option.
Finding silence against the odds
Thankfully, there are several options to help in the fight against noise.
The first line of defense for many people is to be upfront, politely asking those causing the noise to be more considerate of those around them. You may choose to adopt a friendly approach by asking them directly, but a simple knock on the wall is a fairly universal sign to quieten down. If this fails to bring results – or you would prefer not to get directly involved yourself – you can contact reception to lodge a formal complaint, prompting them to step in and deal with the excessive noise on your behalf.
With a little forward planning, you can check with a hotel before booking if they have any big events (such as weddings or conferences) scheduled to take place on your chosen dates, opting for a hotel that is out with the hub of the city and/or more likely to be quiet.
What is the best way to fight unwanted noise?
Despite taking all the above steps, there are some noises we simply cannot avoid. In this case, the easiest solution is to rely on the help of earplugs. It is well worth investing in a pair of these handy little products before your trip, as they may prove equally invaluable during the journey as they are throughout your actual stay at the hotel.
There is a wide variety of earplugs available on the market these days, meaning there is something to suit every individual’s needs and style. There are plugs designed specifically for use during travel, helping to safeguard against the effects of increased pressure and the discomfort of tinnitus. In terms of which earplugs are best equipped to block out noise during a hotel stay, consider the following options:
● Earplugs intended for everyday use
● Disposable, single-use earplugs (such as our MULTI 10 and TUBE products)
● Reusable earplugs for sleep or rest (such as HASPRO SLEEP UNIVERSAL)
With these simple, discreet, and highly portable little helpers to hand, we can all look forward to a relaxed and comfortable visit at any hotel – all without breaking the bank!
