Is frequent business travel starting to take its toll, and you feel like you spend more time in strange hotel rooms (scratch that, we’re not strange, just friendly) than in your own bed?
We’ve got some great tips to ensure that your stay with us is not only comfortable, but also delightfully familiar.
CONNECT WITH YOUR SENSES
Memories tend to be connected to certain scents. If you always light a particular scented candle at home, then bring a small travel version with you to light when you’re in the room (please remember to blow out that bad boy when you leave!). Alternatively, you can bring little sachets of your normal fabric softener, or something similar, just to scent your room so that when you come back from a hard day of meetings, you can relax in familiar surroundings.
Another sense that you can use to your advantage is hearing. If you have certain music that makes you feel focused, relaxed, or rejuvenated, then be sure to pack your iPod! You’ll be amazing just how much your favourite music will transport you into a state of familiarity.
PACK THOSE CREATURE COMFORTS
Even if you’re only going somewhere for business, pack an outfit that is entirely comfy. Don’t forget that more likely than not you’ll have at least some downtime during your stay, and we want you lounging in your hotel room in style! So whatever makes you happy – be it your fluffy robe or your favourite pair of jeans and old t-shirt – bring them and chill. There’s no better way to make you truly feel at home.
Other than your favourite casual duds, pack some of your favourite snacks. If you have a certain coffee that you love to start your day with, or a chocolate that makes you feel happy after a long day, include them in your packing. Any creature comforts will ensure that your hotel room starts to feel not only like your home away from home, but your relaxation pad.
UNPACK
You may have heard this one before, but if you don’t unpack into your hotel room, then you’ll never feel at home. Put your clothes in the closet and your toiletries in the bathroom – and for the ultimate homely touch, pack your book and some familiar objects from your room at home to put on your bedside table. Being able to look over and see items that you normally see every day at home will work wonders for making your room your own.
COMBAT FEELING HOMESICK
Missing your friends and family at home? Get to know the staff and other hotel guests to get that human connection while you’re away. If you’re a bit of a shy person, then simply learn the names of the people at the front desk and those whom you see often, and you’ll notice just what a difference it makes.
If you are a bit more social, chat to guests when meeting them at breakfast or in the hallway. You never know, you could make a great friend, and if not, just make yourself feel more connected during your stay. The more friendly faces around who now know you, the more you’ll feel part of the City Lodge Hotel Group family.
Ultimately, you know what makes you feel like you’re home, so pinpoint those things before your next trip and take a few items with you – it’ll make your stay more productive, more successful, and like you never left home!
Now that you feel like you’re at home with us, remember to make your business travel fun as well.