What to do at a hotel when you’re bored? The Answer is – Hotels can sometimes feel confining, especially if you’re traveling alone or the weather isn’t cooperating. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to beat boredom in a hotel. You can explore the hotel’s amenities, indulge in some self-care, catch up on entertainment, get creative, or even use the time to plan out the rest of your trip.
Summary
- Embrace hotel amenities: Pools, fitness centers, spas, and on-site restaurants can provide hours of fun.
- Self-care time: Enjoy a long bath, order room service, or try a new skincare routine.
- Entertainment galore: Catch up on movies, shows, books, podcasts, or games.
- Get your creative juices flowing: Write, draw, journal, or experiment with the hotel’s stationery.
- Productive planning: Research local attractions, map out your itinerary, or catch up on emails.
What to Do at a Hotel When You’re Bored
Picture this: you’re on vacation, or perhaps a business trip, and you find yourself with a few spare hours confined to your hotel room.
The initial excitement of a new destination has worn off, or maybe the weather’s taken a turn for the worse. A creeping sense of restlessness sets in – you’re officially bored in your hotel room
Let’s be honest, hotel rooms can sometimes feel a bit like gilded cages. They offer comfort and convenience, but their very nature – a temporary space often without the same personal touches as home – can leave you yearning for something more stimulating.
Why boredom can strike during hotel stays
There are several reasons why boredom might creep in during a hotel stay:
- Lack of routine: Our daily routines provide structure and purpose. When traveling, we’re out of our usual rhythm, which can make unscheduled time feel aimless.
- Limited space: Hotel rooms, no matter how luxurious, are inherently smaller than our homes. This confinement can create a sense of restlessness.
- Isolation: Especially if you’re traveling solo, hotel stays can sometimes feel isolating, removing us from our normal social circles.
- Disrupted sleep: New beds, unfamiliar noises, and jet lag can all contribute to disrupted sleep, leaving us feeling less energized and motivated to explore.
- Over-planning or under-planning: Sometimes being overzealous with itineraries creates unrealistic expectations. On the flip side, too little planning can leave vast unstructured time to fill.
- Dependence on Technology: It’s tempting to rely on our phones or laptops for entertainment when bored. However, excessive screen time can lead to further feelings of disconnection and lethargy.
What to Do at a Hotel When You’re Bored
Boredom doesn’t have to be a part of your hotel experience! Often, the very place you’re staying has hidden gems ready to entertain you.
1. Explore the Hotel
Think of your hotel as a mini-destination within your destination. You might be surprised by what you find when you take the time to explore its nooks and crannies.
Check out the fitness center and pool
A great way to beat boredom and get some exercise. Even if you don’t feel like a full workout, a dip in the pool or a session on the treadmill can refresh both your body and mind.
Don’t forget to check if there are any fitness classes on the schedule.
Visit the spa or salon
Many hotels offer luxurious spas and salons. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or a new haircut. Check the hotel’s website or inquire at the concierge desk to see what treatments are available.
Example: Browse spa services at the Marriott
Browse any on-site shops or galleries
Hotels, especially larger ones, often have unique boutiques or even art galleries tucked away. Browse for souvenirs, gifts, or enjoy the local art scene without stepping outside.
You might find the perfect memento of your trip.
Enjoy the hotel’s restaurant or bar
Your hotel probably has a great in-house dining experience waiting for you. Treat yourself to a delicious meal or try some fancy cocktails at the bar.
Sometimes hotel bars become social hubs where you might strike up a conversation with fellow guests or locals, adding a fun element to your stay.
Janice Lee
“Hotels are often microcosms of their local culture,” says travel blogger Janice Lee, of The Travel Janice, “Take advantage of amenities and design features that give you a unique taste of the place you’re visiting.”
Remember, a little exploration within your hotel can turn a dull day into a delightful adventure of discovery.
2. Pamper Yourself
Hotels can be the perfect spot to indulge in some much-deserved self-care. Transform your hotel bathroom into a relaxing spa and create a little “me time” haven.
Take a luxurious bath or shower
Most hotels, especially upscale ones, offer plush bathrobes and often have deluxe bath products. Draw a warm bath, add some bubbles or bath salts, light a candle (if allowed), and let the stress melt away.
If baths aren’t your thing, treat yourself to a long, steamy shower with a focus on relaxation.
Order room service and have a relaxing meal
Why go out when you can have a delicious meal delivered right to your room? Treat yourself to breakfast in bed, a leisurely lunch with a view, or even a fancy dinner.
Sometimes, simple pleasures like these can be the highlight of a hotel stay. Check out the in-room dining options your hotel provides.
Try out a new face mask or beauty treatment
Pack a few of your favorite beauty products or pick up something special at a local pharmacy.
Turn your hotel room into a mini spa and give yourself a relaxing facial, hair mask, or try a new skincare product you’ve been curious about.
Emily Roberts
“Hotels can provide the perfect environment to decompress and practice self-care,” says wellness coach Emily Roberts. “The change of scenery can help you break away from the usual demands of life, giving you the space and permission to truly relax.”
3. Dive into Entertainment
Your hotel room is the perfect place to catch up on your favorite forms of entertainment or indulge in something new. Let’s explore some ways to pass the time in an entertaining way:
Binge-watch a new TV show or catch up on movies
Most hotels have excellent on-demand entertainment options and many offer premium channels.
Browse the selection, grab some snacks, and cozy up for a mini-movie marathon. If you have streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, be sure to take advantage of them.
Read a good book or listen to a podcast
Whether it’s a captivating novel you’ve been wanting to start or an engaging podcast, immersing yourself in a story is a fantastic way to relax and escape.
Don’t forget about online libraries! Apps like Libby and Hoopla give you access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks for free using your library card.
Play games on your phone, tablet, or laptop
From casual puzzle games to immersive adventures, there are endless options to keep you entertained.
Download some new apps before your trip or revisit some old favorites. If you’re a gamer, a travel-friendly console like a Nintendo Switch can be a lifesaver during downtime at the hotel.
Sarah Wilson
“Don’t underestimate the power of entertainment to ease boredom and brighten your mood while traveling,” says travel writer Sarah Wilson of The Mom Friend. “Allowing yourself guilt-free time to indulge in a good book or a mindless game can actually make your overall trip more fulfilling.”
4. Get Creative
Hotels with their unique environments and change of pace, can provide unexpected inspiration. Use this to your advantage and try these creativity-infused activities:
Write in a journal or start a travel blog
Capture those fleeting thoughts and travel moments. Whether it’s a simple diary entry, documenting your adventures, or even starting a full-fledged blog to share with others, writing is a great way to process your experiences and express yourself.
Need inspiration? Check out some popular travel blogs for ideas, Nomadicmatt.com, LegalNomads.com.
Do some sketching or painting
Even if you don’t consider yourself a ‘serious’ artist, doodling is a wonderful stress-buster. Pack a small sketchbook and pencils, or if you enjoy paints, a travel watercolor set.
Draw inspiration from your hotel window view, objects in the room, or simply let your imagination flow.
Experiment with the hotel’s stationery
Those fancy hotel notepads might seem meant for business, but they’re perfect for creative expression too!
Write a poem, try a short story, jot down ideas for your trip itinerary, or simply make fun lists. Let the flow of the pen on that nice paper inspire your thoughts.
Emily Anderson
“Creativity is a form of mindfulness,” says art therapist Emily Anderson. “Drawing, writing, any sort of artistic expression, helps us focus on the present moment and connect with our emotions – a great way to combat boredom and feel rejuvenated.”
5. Use the Time Productively
Sometimes, the best way to combat boredom is to tackle a few lingering tasks or get ahead on planning. Your hotel room can become your temporary productivity zone.
Plan the rest of your trip and research activities
If you haven’t finalized your itinerary yet, take this opportunity for some in-depth research. Browse tour options, restaurant reviews, or check out must-see attractions in the area.
Some great resources to help you:
- Travel guides: Lonely Planet or Rough Guides are excellent starting points.
- Local tourism websites: These often have insider tips and special events calendars.
Organize your photos or videos
Travel often generates a flood of digital memories. Take this time to sort through your photos, delete the blurry ones, and start organizing them into folders.
If you are feeling more ambitious, try a video editing app to create a short highlight reel of your adventures so far.
Catch up on work or personal emails
If you can’t completely disconnect, your hotel room with its dedicated desk space can be the perfect spot to tackle some pending emails. Set aside a specific time slot to avoid letting work dominate your free time.
Conclusion
Feeling stuck in a hotel room doesn’t have to mean feeling bored! With a little creativity and initiative, you can transform a potentially monotonous hotel stay into an opportunity for relaxation, entertainment, discovery, or even productivity.
Whether you choose to explore the hotel’s amenities, pamper yourself, dive into some entertainment, ignite your creative side, or catch up on tasks, embracing the unique environment of your hotel can beat those boredom blues and become a fulfilling part of your travel experience.
FAQs
What if I’m traveling alone?
Solo travel can amplify feelings of boredom, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to practice self-reliance! Pamper yourself, explore your hotel, or try that local restaurant you may have been hesitant to visit on your own.
What if I’m on a tight budget?
Don’t worry, combating hotel boredom doesn’t have to break the bank. Explore your hotel, get creative with the hotel’s stationery, take a walk in a nearby park, or simply relax with a borrowed book from the hotel lobby.
What if the weather is terrible?
Rainy days offer a unique perspective for experiencing a destination. Embrace the coziness of your hotel room with a movie marathon, try some room service, or work on a creative project. Many hotels also provide umbrellas for guest use, so brave the elements for a stroll and experience the city in a different light!
What if I have kids with me?
Keeping little ones entertained requires some extra creativity. Transform your hotel room into a fort with pillows and blankets, play card games, try a simple drawing challenge, or look up easy indoor scavenger hunt ideas online.
What if I’m feeling overwhelmed from traveling?
Sometimes the best cure for boredom is simply rest. Give yourself permission to take a nap, meditate, or just do absolutely nothing for a while. Travel can be exhausting both mentally and physically.
