Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a noisy hotel room can seriously impact your rest and relaxation. This comprehensive guide will help you create a quieter environment for a more peaceful stay. This is the guide to use if you’re just in the process of booking a hotel room and want to attempt to avoid a noisy environment, or if you just got to your room and are trying to take some preemptive soundproofing measures. If you are in an active noise situation, here is a good checklist.

1. Choose the Right Room

Your choice of room plays a significant role in how much noise you experience. Here are tips to reduce noise from the start:

• Request a Room Away from High-Traffic Areas: Avoid rooms near elevators, stairwells, or ice machines, which tend to attract more activity and noise.
• Stay on a Higher (or Top) Floor: Rooms on higher floors are typically farther from street noise and ground-level disturbances. I will personally not stay on anything but the top floor, as I can’t stand the sound of people walking (or jumping!) above me and this alone will give me enough anxiety to keep me from sleeping. I have been scared awake too many times while traveling, and now the top floor is a must-have for me, no exceptions or compromises.
• Opt for Corner Rooms: These often share fewer walls with neighbors, reducing the chances of noise from adjacent rooms.
• Ask for a Room Facing Away from the Street: Rooms facing courtyards or interior areas are usually quieter, unless the courtyard or interior area has a pool, in which case forget about it. I truly believe hotels have pools so people can take their kids there to “get their energy out” so they don’t have to deal with them in their hotel rooms.

2. Use Soundproofing Accessories

Bringing along a few soundproofing tools can make a big difference in blocking unwanted noise:

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for blocking out noise while you relax, work, or sleep.
• Foam Earplugs: Lightweight and affordable, these can help reduce noise when you’re trying to sleep.
• Portable White Noise Machine or App: A white noise machine can mask disruptive sounds like conversations, traffic, or footsteps. Apps on your phone can also replicate this effect.
• Draft Blockers: Rolling up a towel or using a travel door draft stopper can seal gaps under the door to block hallway noise.

• Run the bathroom fan if needed

3. Rearrange the Room

Sometimes, adjusting your hotel room setup can minimize noise:

• Move Away from the Door: If possible, reposition your bed or seating area away from the door to reduce hallway noise.
• Block Windows: Use heavy curtains or hang towels over windows to muffle outdoor sounds. If the curtains are thin, layering them with extra blankets can help.
• Close the Bathroom Doors: This can reduce the echo from pipes or noises traveling through bathroom vents.
• Check the Closet:  See if there is room in the closet for a person to sleep. The closet can sometimes be the only truly quiet place to get a few hours of peaceful rest. You rented the room– explore all the options!

Personal Solutions

Pack these items for additional noise reduction:

• High-quality earplugs (foam or silicone)
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Sleep mask with built-in bluetooth speakers
• Portable white noise machine
• Door draft stopper

Working with Hotel Staff

Don’t hesitate to communicate with hotel management:

• Report excessive noise from neighboring rooms
• Request room changes if noise issues persist
• Ask about quiet floor options or quiet hours policies

Long-term Solutions

For frequent travelers:

• Join hotel loyalty programs that note room preferences
• Research hotel sound ratings on travel review sites
• Book hotels built with modern soundproofing
• Consider newer properties with better noise isolation

Emergency Options

If noise becomes unbearable:

• Request an immediate room change (seriously– do this sooner rather than later. You’re more likely to be able to switch to a better room if it isn’t 3 am)
• Document noise issues for possible refunds
• Know your rights regarding quiet enjoyment
• Have backup hotel options researched
• Consider noise levels in future booking decisions

Prevention Tips

Build these habits into your travel routine:

• Read recent reviews mentioning noise levels
• Call hotels directly to discuss quiet room options
• Book during off-peak times when possible (when there will be less people in the hotel)
• Choose hotels in quieter locations
• Consider sound protection part of your travel kit

Remember that while no hotel room is completely soundproof, combining these strategies can significantly improve your chances of a quiet, restful stay. The key is being proactive about noise reduction and having multiple solutions ready to deploy as needed. Do not be embarrassed or self-conscious about asking for what you need. Alot of people have trouble with noise. You are not high maintenance for asking for what you need!