Travel Tips: The Room

Whether you're staying in a hotel for business, a weekend with friends, or a fortnight with the family, the best kind of trip is a perfect mix of new discoveries and reassuring home comforts. Your room is where you return to relax after a day of meetings or adventures, so it needs to be the right environment for you. Follow these tips and you'll be sure to get the most out of your hotel stay.

The art of a good night's sleep

By Antoine Gauvin, for Kempinski

YOUR BOOKING

These days, choosing a hotel room online is a simple enough process with some sites even offering virtual tours, so you can really do your homework before you travel. And if you’re a KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY member, don’t forget to check your benefits when you book a stay. You'll get access to exclusive member rates plus all the perks of earning and spending DISCOVERY Dollars, and depending on your tier level you can also look forward to room upgrades and late check-outs, among other treats. So, if you’re not yet registered for the loyalty programme, now’s the time to take a look.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Even though you have a good idea of what your room looks like, it should still hold some delightful surprises – the stunning view from the window, the tasteful décor, and those thoughtful little details that make all the difference. But if something’s not quite right for you, never be afraid to speak to the hotel team. When you get to your room, give yourself time to look around and discover where everything is. This is your home for the duration of your stay, so make it your own.

WARM OR COOL? OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?

Getting the temperature of your room just right can be a challenge: everyone has their own preference! Hoteliers tend to set the air conditioning cooler – particularly in warmer climates – as they want the room to feel pleasantly refreshing when you return to it. But not all control panels are the same, so ask the team member who showed you to room how to set it up. They'll be more than happy to talk you through other room controllers too, such as for the curtains, blinds, or lighting. And you can always just throw open the windows and let in the fresh air. Resist the urge to dash outside to explore. With the room temperature set, take the time to relax after your journey. Kick off your shoes and feel the floor under your feet. Unpack your luggage – you’ll feel much more refreshed once everything is in order. Kempinski rooms feature large, luxurious wardrobes and deep generous drawers so you’ll have lots of space. Make the most of this moment – it’s when you really take possession of your room!

MAKE PLANS

It’s always good to have a plan – even when you’re on holiday. See what the hotel has to offer. Many Kempinski properties have tablets in the guest rooms so you can scroll through the services. Spas get busy so be sure to book the treatments that tempt you. The same goes for your choice of restaurant or beach cabana. If you’re a member of KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY, find out what offers are available to you. Take a look at the exclusive Experiences – they’re a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of your destination.

SWEET DREAMS

It’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep in a strange room but an exclusive Kempinski bed will give you the best possible chance. Many feature a dynamic support system which is adapted to each part of the body, and unique spring technology that completely supports the spine and absorbs movement. An integrated mattress topper provides even greater comfort.

But at Kempinski it’s not just about the bed. If you didn’t do it through the pre-arrival survey, take a look at your room comfort menu and choose from up to ten different pillows. The choice can include the Refresh Neck Supporting Pillow with a soft filling; the Swiss Pine Pillow, filled with fine, fresh sliced Arven wood chips which will relax you immediately, or the sleep-promoting Spelt Chaff and Lavender Pillow. The scent of lavender can help to reduce stress, relieve tension, and will help you sleep well all night.

Simply choose the pillow that suits you, and with the incredibly light and comfortable down duvet, you’re all set for sweet dreams. If you sometimes have trouble sleeping, try spraying your favourite scent onto your pillow – its familiarity will soothe you. Or you could try a sleep promoting pillow spray. Some hotels even offer a 30-minute sleep massage with a relaxing essential oil such as lavender.

Light or darkness has a strong effect on the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, so do close the shutters or curtains. And since you'll probably plug in your phone or computer, don't forget about LED lights. The accumulation of LEDs affects the deep darkness that’s conducive to falling asleep, so don’t hesitate to unplug any equipment you don’t need overnight.

TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

Remember that the entire hotel team is at your service throughout, so do speak to them about anything that might help to make your stay more comfortable and truly memorable.

Recreate the experience at home

Missing those wonderful Kempinski pillows already? Or the luxuriously relaxing bath and spa products? Well, now you can recreate the Kempinski experience at home. Kempinski Boutique has a fabulous range of products including plush top mattresses, incredible pillows, crisp linens, light as a feather duvets, as well as beautifully fluffy towels, bathrobes, and slippers. And you can also buy the body and hair care products, and fragrances you’ve fallen in love with.

Click here to browse the full range of products and save 20% off Kempinski exclusives.