I’m assuming you’re reading this as someone is having a loud party right next door while you’re trying to sleep, so I’ll get to the helpful advice without much of an intro. If you’re dealing with disruptive sounds right now, here’s a list of immediate, practical solutions to help restore your serenity and ensure a good night’s sleep.
1. Turn On White Noise
If you brought a white noise machine, now’s the time to turn it on. These devices are excellent at masking disruptive sounds by creating a constant, soothing backdrop. If you don’t have one, use a white noise app on your phone or search for a white noise or fan sound video online. Placing your phone near the noise source, such as a shared wall or door, can help drown out disturbances. If you are staying more than one night and have time to order one, here is my list of best white noise machines.
2. Use Towels to Block Noise
Sound often leaks through gaps under doors or around connecting room doors. Roll up a towel and place it tightly against the bottom of the door to block out hallway or neighboring room noise. You can also drape a towel over vents or thin windows to dampen sounds. Maybe it’s not going to totally solve your problem, but it’s better than nothing!
3. Reposition Yourself
If the noise is coming from a specific wall or direction, try moving the bed, if possible, to the farthest point from the source of the disturbance. Even a small shift in position can reduce the impact of sound.
4. Create a Noise Buffer
If you’re without earplugs, improvise by creating a barrier. Use soft materials like extra pillows, blankets, or clothes to build a noise-dampening “wall” around your sleeping area. Placing a pillow over your head (without obstructing your breathing) can also provide some relief from loud noises.
5. Crank Up a Fan or A/C
Most hotel rooms have fans or air conditioning units. Turn them on at a higher setting to generate consistent background noise, which can help mask sudden, sharp sounds like slamming doors or loud conversations.
6. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earbuds
If you have noise-canceling headphones or wireless earbuds, pop them in and play calming music, ambient sounds, or white noise. This not only muffles the external noise but also helps you relax more quickly.
7. Politely Address the Source
If you can identify the source of the noise—whether it’s loud neighbors or children in the hallway—you can politely ask them to lower the volume. A gentle knock and kind request can often resolve the issue. For hallway noise, step outside and close the door softly behind you to minimize drawing attention to your room.
8. Call the Front Desk
If the noise is persistent and beyond your control, call the front desk for assistance. Many hotels take guest comfort seriously and will handle noisy neighbors, rowdy hallways, or maintenance issues promptly. Be specific about the problem and ask for immediate action.
9. Move to Another Room
If the noise remains unbearable despite your efforts, request a room change. When you call the front desk, explain that the current room is too noisy and ask for a room in a quieter area, such as away from elevators, ice machines, or facing away from busy streets.
10. Sleep in Your Car
I know! This sounds totally crazy, but maybe it’s quieter in your car than your hotel room. Many people LIVE in their cars, so you can sleep there for a night or two. The advantage to this is that your car (hopefully) won’t be disturbed in the hotel parking lot, plus you have your room to shower/ get ready in and maybe take a nap the next day. Oh, and be sure to swing by the front desk on your way out, just to grab some extra pillows and blankets and let them know you are going out to SLEEP IN YOUR CAR. I’m not even trying to say you should be passive aggressive about it, but if you have to take matters into your own hands like that just to get a few hours of sleep, the place you gave your money to should know. If you don’t have a car, can you rent one?
11. Switch Hotels
If the hotel cannot resolve the issue or you suspect the noise will persist, consider switching hotels altogether. Call nearby options to check availability, explain your situation, and make a reservation at a quieter location. While it may take extra effort, your peace and rest are worth it. You might be able to get a refund for your current stay based on how bad the noise is, and the hotel you’re moving to will know you’re coming from a bad situation and are sound sensitive, so they will know to put you somewhere quiet.
Bonus: Travel Prepared Next Time
While this advice is all about immediate fixes, consider adding earplugs, a portable white noise machine, or noise-canceling earbuds to your travel kit for future trips. These small items can be game-changers for light sleepers. This is not an “I told you so” by any means, it’s just that sometimes it helps knowing that this is the last time you’ll be in this position.
Hang in there! Yes, being sleep deprived totally sucks, but you’re going to be ok!
