WYT: Turn a Standard Hotel Room into a Spa Haven
How to Transform Your Hotel Room into a Spa Haven
Recently, I stayed at a hotel for a quick overnight trip to visit family. While I usually love staying at hotels with spas, I wouldn’t have time to indulge this trip. We opted for a standard hotel: The Hilton in Fairfax. Although I always value self-care, I seem to need a little more love during the holidays. Here’s how I turned my standard stay into a luxe experience and some travel rules I live by.
Before You Arrive: Make Special Requests
I find that hotels are surprisingly accommodating if you ask. Here are a few extras that can elevate your stay:
Extra Pillows: You can never have too many. I found that sleeping with my head propped helped kick my side-sleeper habit.
Mini Fridge: Perfect for storing chilled face masks, a bottle of bubbly (aka baby bottles), or even leftovers from a delicious dinner.
Additional Towels: We need all the towels.
Robes and Slippers: If they aren’t automatically provided, request them! Many hotels will gladly bring them up for you.
Essential Oils or Aroma Kits: Some hotels offer these as part of their amenities—worth asking about!
What to Pack for Your DIY Spa
If your hotel lacks a spa, no problem! I always pack these essentials to recreate the experience in your room:
Slippers: This is a non-negotiable.
Face Cloths or Sponges: Hotel towels can be rough on the skin. Bring your own soft face cloths or sponges for gentle cleansing.
Sheet Masks: Hydration, brightening, anti-aging—whatever your skin needs, there’s a sheet mask for it. Bonus: Store them in the mini fridge for a cooling effect.
Portable Diffuser: Fill your room with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus. If a diffuser is too much, pack a travel-size room spray or essential oil roll-on.
Shower Steamer: I would never take a bath in a hotel tub but I’ll always pack a shower steamer to elevate the experience. If you’re really interested in a soak, try just the feet.
LED Tea Lights: These create a calming, spa-like atmosphere without the risk of an open flame. I love ambient lighting.
Silk Pillowcase: Always pack your own pillowcases. And for that extra touch of luxury make it a silk pillowcase which is better for your skin and hair.
Cooling Eye Mask: Ideal for a quick refresh after a long day of travel or family time.
Hair Treatment: I love bringing a deep-conditioning mask or, even better, my DRENCH pre-workout hair oil mask (yes, it doubles as a spa-worthy treatment!).
Hydrating Mist: A spritz of rose water throughout the day keeps your skin refreshed. I find hotels to be dry so this is a must.
Setting the Scene
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to transform your room:
Declutter: Tidy up the room so your space feels serene and organized. Always ask for turn-down service.
Lighting: Turn off harsh overhead lights and rely on bedside lamps or your LED tea lights.
Soothing Sounds: Use a sound machine, a playlist of spa music, or even a white noise app to set the mood. Some hotel TVs even provide this now.
Warm Towels: Ask for extra towels, wet one, and microwave it for a minute (if you have one in the room) for a warm compress (or stick it in the fridge for a cooling sensation.).
The Ritual
Face Time: Start with a double cleanse, then follow up with a sheet mask while you lay back on those extra pillows.
Mini Mani-Pedi: Bring a travel-friendly foot file or buffer and a shea butter stone. Wrap your feet in a warm towel.
Hair Care: Slather on a hair mask or oil treatment and wrap your hair in a warm towel.
Body Care: Give yourself (or someone else) a luxurious massage with body oil or lotion. Bonus: Bring a dry brush for exfoliation before you shower.
A Little Luxe Goes a Long Way
While my stay wasn’t a spa destination, it reminded me that with a little creativity, you can bring the spa experience anywhere. Whether you’re on a quick trip or a week-long getaway, these tips will help you relax and unwind like a pro.