Hotel Pet Peeves: Annoying Travel Realities – But Don’t Let Them Get You Down!

We all love to get away to see new sights, try delicious food, and have a chance to unwind. But every so often there’s a snag along the way – checking into an otherwise dreamy getaway or productive business trip, only to be greeted by a slew of mildly infuriating hotel inconveniences that can turn even the most fabulous trip into a minor hassle. Fortunately, these quirks are typically few and far between, but it’s fun to vent, so here’s a tongue-in-cheek roundup of some common hotel pet peeves.

 

1. No Outlets or USBs Near the Bed

You’ve had a long day of travel, want to relax, and surprise! There’s not a single outlet or USB port within reach of the bed. In today’s tech-centric world, it’s shocking how many hotels still miss this basic convenience.  Imagine having to scramble for an outlet across the room or worse, not being able to charge your devices at all.

 

2. When Housekeeping Staff Touch the Thermostat

Nothing feels worse than walking into your room after a day out, only to realize it’s freezing because housekeeping decided to adjust the thermostat. We get it – they need to stay comfortable while they work—but can you put it back where you found it? Maybe not, since they still have more rooms to clean and not much time to clean them, but that doesn't make it any less annoying.

 

3. The Shower Door (Or Lack Thereof) Doesn’t Close

It’s an all-too-common situation in some European countries: you’re just trying to take a relaxing shower, but due to the glass door that leaves the shower halfway open, water is splashing all over the bathroom floor unless you adjust the showerhead (and your body) to just the right angle. Who knew getting clean could be so messy?

 

4. No Washcloths (or Difficult to Come By)

The unusual washcloth situation is also common in Europe. In fact, it’s not unheard of to request them, only to find that the staff don’t even know what they are! If you're particular about your cleansing routine, this can be a real challenge.

Pro Tip: When traveling outside of North America, make a habit of bringing your own.

 

4a.  Housekeeping Takes Your Washcloth and Doesn’t Replace It 

Nothing is more annoying than having your washcloth whisked away with the towels, only for it to never return! Now you’re left high and dry (literally).

4b. When a Hotel That Doesn’t Provide Washcloths Takes the Ones You Brought

It’s unclear how common this actually is in practice, but it does happen. For those times when your personal washcloth goes missing at a hotel that doesn’t even offer them in the first place, it’s beyond frustrating!

Pro Tip: When bringing your washcloths, try to avoid white. Instead, opt for bright or dark colors. For extra caution, when you leave the room, consider tucking them away from the housekeeping staff to avoid them being lost in the housekeeping shuffle.

 

5. Bad Water Pressure in the Shower

A weak shower can be a bummer. There’s nothing worse than stepping into a shower that barely drizzles, leaving you wishing for a high-pressure experience. It can take twice as long to rinse off, making the start or end of your day a frustrating one.

 

 6. Resort Fees (With No Way to Waive Them)

Those pesky resort fees are becoming more common and are frustrating to deal with—especially when you get little to no added value from them. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re charged extra just for stepping foot on the property.

 

 7. Decorative Pillows

Those decorative pillows on the bed look nice at first glance, but we all know they’re not washed between guests. Most people just toss them out of the way as soon as they walk in. What purpose do they serve other than to clutter the room and gross us out? They seem like more of a nuisance than a luxury.

 
8. Late Check-In, Early Check-Out

Isn’t it frustrating how check-in times keep getting later, but check-out times are always so early? You barely have time to enjoy the room before you’re being rushed out! It feels like you’re losing precious vacation hours.

 

So, there you have it! And for those who want to make a statement about these pain points, the "No Resort Fees, Early Checkout, Devaluations" T-shirt from RLC Gear is the perfect addition to your travel wardrobe. Not only does it express your savvy traveler mindset, but it also keeps you comfortable and stylish on your adventures. So focus on what truly matters: soaking up the sun, exploring new places, and creating unforgettable memories, and get out there and relax in style!

Have you encountered any of these? Which one hits you the hardest? Did we miss any? Let us know!