10 best family-friendy hotels in Paris that little ones (and adults) will love
Paris has so much to offer people of all ages. Many of the world-class museums have exhibitions and activities specifically geared to kids, there are oodles of workshops for creative families and activities like climbing the Eiffel Tower or taking a trip above the Parisian skyline in the Paris balloon keep everyone entertained. It needn't be stressful either. Plenty of Paris's hotels bend over backwards to accommodate all ages, with kids clubs, games, and last-minute babysitting services organised by the hotel concierge taking the strain off parents.
From ultra-early check-ins and ultra-late check-outs, to rooms that can sleep families of six, to the hotels with the best swimming pools and facilities for kids, we've rounded up the best family-friendly hotels that the French capital has to offer, all while bearing in mind close and convenient transport links for tired little legs.
Best budget-friendly hotels in Paris 2025
At a glance
1. 25 Hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord hotel
Right next to Gare du Nord, 25 Hours couldn't be more convenient for families arriving by Eurostar. The restaurant has a dedicated kids corner at weekends at their all-day restaurant, and a daily special children's menu. There are plenty of interconnecting rooms, and four-legged members of the family are welcomed as warmly as two-legged. Grown-ups will appreciate the stylish cocktail bar, but the appeal of the brightly-coloured rooms, with plenty of African and Asian influence in the design, is ageless.
2. Hôtel Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon
Travelling as a family can be expensive, but family-orientated offers at the Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon makes it good value. Children up to 16 years old stay for free when they're sharing a family room with their parents, and get free breakfast to boot, or reserve a second room for the kids at 50 per cent off. There are plenty of activities for all ages, including a large swimming pool, table football and a kids play area with games consoles.
Address: 2 Rue Hector Malot, 75012 Paris
3. Hotel Panache
For a hotel of this size (just 40 rooms), there's plenty of choice for mixed age groups, including triple and family rooms, each one unique in design. At the heart of the Grands Boulevards, there's retail therapy for the adults while the kids benefit from all the complimentary perks at the hotel, including scooters and board games. A babysitting service can be booked through the hotel concierge, and it shows that the friendly staff are used to welcoming younger guests.
Address: 1 Rue Geoffroy-Marie, 75009 Paris
4. Hotel Maison Mère
Teenagers will love Maison Mère, where the decor is ridiculously cool (think multi-coloured sneakers displayed on bookshelves). There's a co-working space on site, guaranteeing an excellent wifi speed. Special packs are provided at check-in to younger members of the party, and there's a babysitting service that can be organised via the hotel concierge. The breakfast buffet is extremely generous, ample enough for even the hungriest teen, and adults can unwind in the evenings in the chic cocktail bar.
5. Hotel Adele et Jules
A stylish boutique hotel which offers complimentary snacks and soft drinks daily at teatime. Many of the interconnecting rooms share private corridors to give extra space to families. The hotel gives welcome packs at check-in to younger guests, and their babysitting service can be arranged with as little as three hours' notice to work around last-minute plans. Le Grand Rex, the largest cinema in Europe, is just a five-minute walk away, as is the waxwork museum, Musée Grévin.
6. The Disneyland Hotel
It goes without saying that all Disneyland hotels are extremely family-friendly, but nowhere creates magic quite like the Disneyland Hotel, which reopened after extensive renovations at the start of 2024. The rooms are all Disney-themed, children can meet their favourite characters (who wander around the hotel) and there are some really special extras on offer, such as a Disneyland 'makeovers' to transform your child into the Disney character of their choice. Plus, it's conveniently situated at the park entrance.
7. Shangri-La Paris hotel
Look no further for high-end luxury with kids of all ages. The glitz of this 19th century palace would give Disneyland castles a run for their money, and many of the rooms have Eiffel Tower views. There's a large swimming pool and a gym for active families, and among the vast selection of room categories are interconnecting rooms and family suites. The location is exceptional, squarely between the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe (within easy walking distance from both).
Address: 10 Av. d'Iéna, 75116 Paris
8. Hotel Piapia
The kids room at Piapia is superior, stocked with tipis, table football, films, board games, art supplies, comics and more. It can be booked privately if your child is celebrating a birthday on your trip, whether you're an in-house guest or not, and catering (soft drinks, birthday tea and cake) can be organised directly through the hotel. There's an excellent selection of room categories, including triples, interconnecting and single rooms for families travelling with a teenager that likes their space.
Address: 14 Rue des Maraîchers, 75020 Paris
9. Hotel Joke
The rooms at Hotel Joke have been designed with kids in mind. All of the rooms are colourful, but it's the crocheted decorations that make it truly unique, with everything from crocheted racing cars to radios. Under 12s get free breakfast, and the generous check-in/check-out times are particularly welcome when sightseeing with children — you can check into your room at 3pm and check-out isn't until midday. The complimentary soft drinks from the minibar (restocked daily) are another nice touch.
10. Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy hotel
The enormous swimming pool is the big selling point at the Pullman, and it even has dedicated family time slots, where you don't need to worry about the kids being noisy. The largest rooms sleep up to six people, or a second room for children can be booked at 50 per cent off the regular rate when travelling with two adults paying full price. Many child-friendly sights (such as the Natural History Museum and Jardin des Plantes) are right on the doorstep.
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Telegraph
34 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The best camping chairs, including folding and lightweight options for summer 2025
Which is the best camping chair? You'll never know how important that question is until you've spent all day exploring, or travelling hard to your chosen campsite, only to find that the chair you've brought is uncomfortable, hard to assemble or, worse still, you don't have one at all. I've pitched hundreds of tents in every corner of the globe. Each time, once the last peg is banged in, whether I'm family camping, chilling with friends at a festival or alone in the wild, all I want to do is take the weight off my feet and collapse onto something comfortable with good back support (beer optional). To save you from some of the more uncomfortable camping trips I've been through, I've done the work for you by trying and testing the most popular camping chairs on the market, including £30 budget options and premium slouchers which cost more than £100. From Vango's big padded moon chairs to Helinox's low-to-the-ground beach chairs, I've tried them all. My in-depth reviews are below, followed by FAQs on how to choose the right one for you. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: Which are the best camping chairs? At a glance How to choose the best camping chair First, comfort is key – look for chairs with good back support and plenty of padding so you don't end up stiff or sore. Some chairs even let you adjust the backrest or armrests, making it easier to find the perfect position, whether you're reading or relaxing. Durability is important too. Camping chairs need to withstand all kinds of weather, so pick ones with strong frames made from materials like steel or aluminium. The fabric should be tough as well – often called ripstop polyester, which means it's designed to resist tearing. Portability matters if you're hiking to your spot. Lightweight chairs that fold up small and come with a carry bag are much easier to carry. Also, check the weight limit to make sure the chair can safely support you. Finally, handy extras like cup holders or pockets for your phone and snacks can make your camping chair feel extra special. How I tested the best camping chairs From years spent wild camping on mountainsides using my rucksack as a backrest, I know the value of the right camping chair. Whether folded, inflated, hanging or compact, if it's been made for outdoor use the chances are that over the last 14 years I've sat in it. (I've also spent time reviewing the best sleeping bags and best camping stoves.) For this review, I tested the latest offerings from the manufacturers I've come to trust. Specifically, I was testing how much weight a chair could hold, how light and portable each was, their seat height and most importantly of all, comfort. These are the best of the bunch. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Best camping chairs 1. Best Buy Camping Chair: Vango Embrace Chair When the sun sets on a campsite, there's nothing better than sinking down into your chair and enjoying a sundown but usually, when that happens, the temperature drops and even a light breeze can chill you through the fabric of a standard folding seat. Not so with the Vango Embrace, a luxuriously quilted and padded number that wraps around your entire body – a style sometimes known as a moon chair – and keeps you well off the ground, meaning that you stay warmer and comfortable even when night falls. It's made from a sturdy steel frame (it can take a weight of 19 stone!) that's easy to unfold – I could even do this with one hand – and when you're done, it easily pushes down and back into its carry bag. The fabric is Vango's own trademarked offering that feels soft to touch but is durable and hardwearing – even if you spill your drink on it and need to vigorously clean it (trust me, I speak from experience). You do, of course, pay for this unrivalled comfort and not just with money. At 5kg, it's considerably heavier than most standard two-person tents. Fitting it into the boot of a smaller car will see it take up a lot of space, too. But if you're car camping for several days, it's definitely worth the bulk. Key specifications 2. Best Value Camping Chair: Trespass Folding Padded Camping and Garden Deck Chair Paddy Whereas the other padded and value options here tend to fold in on themselves in a cuboid shape, this model from Scottish brand Trespass folds flat (good for storing in the shed between trips or behind seats in a campervan or caravan) and still manages to pack in a good amount of comfort in a padded foam seat. The frame is made from steel, hence the slightly heavier weight compared to other options, but this does make it sturdy to sit on, so good for those who are less steady when sitting down. The sitting height is average and the maximum load is decent for the price. It was easy to fold away and set out. For campers who feel the cold, the design of this one will mean draughts as it's not the bucket style, which keeps wind at bay, but that can be mitigated by using a blanket or a good jacket. My only niggle is the finish, though the fabric feels fairly robust, the stitching in places feels like it might fray with use relatively quickly. Still a decent option for the low price. Key specifications 3. Best Camping Chair for the Garden: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair Recommended by Rebecca Astill This is my camping chair of choice for days spent watching my boyfriend play cricket. It's strong, stable, padded and comfortable enough to sit in all day. Plus, the insulated cup holder keeps a glass of rosé lovely and cool. (Making it an excellent choice as an occasional garden chair, too.) It comes with a carry bag which the chair easily collapses back into and its long handle means it can be slung onto my back while barely noticing the weight. The polyester fabric is nicely padded. It's even breathable in 30C heat, which is impressive. The only thing I'd change is to make the headrest slightly more upright; it slopes back, which means you have to sit up to chat to anyone or, in my case, watch cricket. I've seen other camping chairs which have a zip in the headrest to store the bag, which then creates a cushion. I do think this would make an excellent addition, but other than that it's a practical, comfortable chair. Key specifications 4. Best 'just in case' Camping Chair: Helinox Chair One (re) For something light and packable with more comfort than the featherweight model, I like Helinox's newly designed Chair One (re). First hitting the shelves in 2012 when the South Korean father-and-son founded company produced what became the first in its field of portable camping furniture, the previous iteration was always quite low to the ground (34cm) and could be a little unstable (especially for larger users). The new version has addressed both of these issues. Thanks to added tension in the body of the chair it now feels a lot sturdier and adding four extra centimetres to the sitting height – it's now a little over 38cm – means it's closer to the standard-sized camping chair, yet still packs down remarkably small - 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm (about the size of a bowling pin). Its green credentials have also improved, with the frame now partly being made from repurposed aluminium (basically the scraps of metal left of the factory floor that would have been discarded) and the fabric is certified recycled polyester. The addition of a side pocket is handy for storing a phone or keys and setting it up is fairly straightforward. It may be a little more expensive than the bulkier models, but for those wanting to save space in the car or backpack and not sacrifice as much comfort for the privilege, this is a great 'just in case option' on all camping trips. Key specifications 5. Best Luxury Chair: Isabella Thor Chair In 1957 Denmark's Søren Odgaard decided that no tent on the market was quite right for him, so he designed one in his basement. Now his company, Isabella, has a reputation for camping accessories that focus on comfort and quality. The Thor Chair embodies this – it's made from a lightweight aluminium frame, but feels sturdy. The seat and padded headrest are made from a ventilated but hardwearing material and it is reclinable – they claim eight positions, though I felt it was a bit of an over-sell, seeing as it only seems to relate to the number of notches on the arms. Either way, it is certainly comfortable to sit in and there are optional add-ons to pimp it out for even greater luxury, from a foldable footrest to a detachable side pocket and even a made-to-measure towel. The only real drawback is the size. Although easy to fold, it still has a total length of 120cm and width of 61cm, meaning I couldn't fit it in the boot of my small car. If you have a large vehicle, though or even better a campervan, this won't be an issue. Key specifications 6. Best Picnic Chair: Regatta Director's Chair with Side Table For those of us who firmly believe that food eaten outdoors tastes better, then a chair with an added foldaway table can turn a good picnic into a great one. Styled like a Hollywood director's pew, Regatta's offering is easy to set up with a quick pull on its arms. The polyester fabric is comfortable yet durable and the table will easily take a drink (in a dedicated cup holder) and a small plate or snack. With a seat height of 46cm you are kept well off the floor and folding it away is straightforward. It is a flatpack affair – though despite the table, it is slightly smaller – meaning great for storing in a caravan or shed, but a little trickier in a small car boot. It is mid-range weight-wise and takes up to 15 stone, but considering that you're essentially taking a table and chair with you, it's a comparatively small price to pay. Key specifications 7. Best Lightweight Chair for Taller Campers: Sitpack Campster 2 Following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, this new version of the lightweight, foldaway, previously three-legged backpacker's chair now features an infinitely more stable four-leg design. On first glance, it is much like Helinox's Chair Zero below – the Campster also folds down to 35cm, roughly the size of a water flask. It is also easy to put up, allegedly in five seconds, which I found impossible, but it is straightforward. So you might be wondering how they manage to sell it for £35 less. Firstly, it should be pointed out that it's heavier by a whole kilogram. If you're camping with the car, this won't be a dealbreaker, but for backpackers, this might (pardon the pun) tip the scales in favour of Helinox. If you're after comfort over grams, or are a taller or heavier camper, however, then the Campster II is for you. Not only does it have a higher seat, making it easier to get in and out of and can take an additional three stone, but also comes with some fairly luxurious add-ons for an additional price – and weight of course – including a snuggly fleece seat warmer. It has two side pockets, which I felt a tad unnecessary given that using just one affects the stability. But, overall, a decent compact option for those wanting comfort and portability. Key specifications 8. Best Lightweight Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero It's easy to baulk at the price tag of this one – especially when you see the packed size of the item you're purchasing (it folds down to smaller than a thermos flask), but as is often the case with outdoor gear, what you are paying for is the lack of bulk. While similar to Helinox's Chair One above, the Chair Zero is even more compact. For me, as an ardent wild camper, the idea of taking a camping chair when I head to remote places used to be laughable. Their weight made them a comfort I'd just have to do without. But then the Helinox came along in 2012, at the time weighing in at just under 1kg. Since then, I have been tempted on several occasions to throw one in my backpack to avoid evenings hunched over in my tent. Hitting the scales at half a kilogram (that's less than an iPad), this latest lightweight version is still sturdy and strong – it can hold a whopping 18 stone (that's more than some full-size chairs here) – and is insanely easy to put up. The strong aluminium alloy poles, a higher grade than used in aircraft, simply slip into the fabric pockets and it's ready to sit in. Admittedly, the one sacrifice is the low seat height, which on snowy or uneven ground could be cold or less comfortable. People with weaker legs who struggle to rise should opt for something higher. But, with such a low weight, this will always be a great option for backpacking, camping and even on long walks. Key specifications 9. Most Comfortable Camping Chair: Coleman Forester Series Bucket Chair Armless bucket chairs that you can sink into seem to be rising in popularity, like the Vango in our number one spot and this Coleman Forrester bucket chair. Unlike the Vango, this one isn't padded – but rest assured, it's still extremely comfortable. I thought I'd miss having armrests to relax my arms, but I barely noticed they weren't there and it made the chair lighter. The one downside is that the drinks holder has to be strapped onto the bottom, as you can see in the photo. It holds a water bottle, but up-ends any glass with a stem, predictably. I'm not sure I could sit in it all day, because of the lack of back support with the bucket design, but the fabric is pulled tight enough to give a reasonable amount of rigour. The back also comes up high, meaning you can comfortably rest your head while chatting. Be warned, it sits quite low, which is noticeable if you're in a group of mismatched camping chairs. Other than that, I love the simplicity and relaxed style of this chair. Key specifications 10. Best Compact Camping Chair: Outwell Cardiel For something equally as low bulk and weight as the Helinox, at a fraction of the price, there is Outwell's Cardiel Black. Essentially two sit mats lashed together with adjustable straps to create a seat with a backrest, it folds down easily to fit into most backpacks or chuck into your car 'just in case'. The obvious sticking point for some will be the lack of height off the ground – this doesn't only look like a sit mat, it basically is a fancy version of one. However, this can work well for a number of scenarios, in particular on the beach when other chairs would sink into the sand, or to simply make standard campsite benches more comfortable and supportive. The fabric is tough and durable and easy to clean and folding it out is simple and fast. There's even a small pocket great for stashing keys or a phone. Key specifications 11. Best Heated Camping Chair: Vango Radiate Grande DLX If the idea of sitting outside leaves you a little cold, then Vango's heated range offers a solution. There's a near-invisible heating element built into the lower panel of the backrest, which runs off a power bank (not supplied) that can fit snugly in the inbuilt pocket under the seat. It has four temperature settings controlled by a large button – one click for red (hottest), down to blue (coolest). Despite my scepticism on how much heat I could get from a single panel, once paired with a blanket over my legs, it did indeed keep me toasty well after sunset. The seat can be adjusted from upright to near lie flat – with seven options available – meaning you can completely chill, without actually getting chilled. The fabric is robust and durable, yet comfy to touch and is padded and designed to radiate heat, meaning once the pad warms up (which literally takes seconds), you feel the benefit almost immediately. It comes with a moveable headrest for added comfort and there's a tall option available too. When not in use, it packs down flat, so easy to store at home, though it is still quite large (111cm x 9cm x 75cm) and less portable than others, especially if you have a small car. The main drawback is the high price tag, though for glampers who love a little luxury (and warmth) or those with back issues, it'll be worth it. Key specifications 12. Best Children's Camping Chair: Kampa Mini Tub If there's one thing I've learned after having my son, now nearly two, it's that the camping chair he most wants to sit in is whichever one I am currently occupying. That all changed when I got this specially made-for-kids option. Featuring a range of designs – unicorns, cars and woodland creatures – he was immediately taken with the owl on the latter while I, meanwhile, was enamoured with the fact that, unlike most kids' options, there were no open sides he could inadvertently slip through or try and climb between. It's also well-padded for comfort, easy to fold away and with a seat height of 28cm, he can easily get in and out of it himself. It is, unsurprisingly given the padding, a little bulky, but it takes an impressive weight load, meaning it should last him a while. At a push, it can even just about take my weight when he undoubtedly steals my seat again… Key specifications Weight: 2.7kg Seat height: 28cm Maximum load: 60kg (9.4 stone) 13. Best Folding Camping Chair for Festivals: Snow Peak Take Bamboo Score: 8/10 We like: Lifetime guarantee, bamboo and canvas design We don't like: It's heavy and not cheap Rocking up at a festival with your camping gear is not just about comfort and practicality, but about what your kit says about you too. With this bamboo and canvas designed foldaway number – which not only takes a reasonable weight, packs down easily to fit in your car/campervan and features a long back and decent seat height for maximum comfort – it shows that you care as much about sustainability as you do about style. As well as the wood being responsibly sourced, the chair is guaranteed to last a lifetime, with Snow Peak pledging to repair it no matter how old it is. It may not be the lightest offering here, but those eco-creds do take a weight off your mind and thanks to the removable and washable canvas seat, you can enjoy the festival knowing that any food or drink mishaps are easily dealt with. Key specifications Camping chair FAQs Which is the comfiest camping chair? There are a lot of padded options, including the Vango Embrace which I have made my number one pick. Some also have extras, such as reclining functions or built-in tables. But these are bulky and best suited to people heading to their campsites by car. I believe the most important thing when choosing a camping chair is to check out the seat height: some are low and not easy for everyone to get in and out of. Child-sized camping seats are available, too. For wild camping aficionados like me, or those who want to take minimal gear with them, look instead for small pack size, low weight and fabric durability. Finally, no matter if you're going wild or mild, always check the chair's maximum load weight. You want to be sure that every member of your party can be safe and comfortable. What material are camping chairs made of? The first portable folding stool is believed to have been made over 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia, but JB Fenby's 1881 folding chair in wood and canvas set the standard and still inspires many of the camping chairs made today, including the Snow Peak bamboo chair above. The arrival of lightweight aluminium post-WW2 expanded the possibilities and nowadays there's a huge range of specially-designed outdoor seats to choose from, usually made from weatherproof synthetic fabrics and meshes.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Why are so many people moving from the UK to the Channel Islands?
In recent years the Channel Islands – namely Guernsey – has seen a noticeable uptake in individuals relocating from the UK, thanks to its incredible landscapes and island way of life, according to Locate Guernsey, the relocation agency within Guernsey's government. The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey makes up the Bailiwick of Guernsey along with the islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou and Lihou. Situated 30 miles from the Normandy coast, France and 70 miles from the south coast of England, getting to Guernsey only takes 50 minutes by plane and three hours via ferry from the UK making it the perfect relocation destination. 'Our goal is to provide free information, guidance and signposting to support individuals and businesses who are relocating to the island of Guernsey,' said Jo Stoddart, director of Locate Guernsey, an initiative that supports those looking to relocate to the island. 'We have seen a 52 per cent surge in the number of enquiries about relocation to Guernsey in recent months. We're on hand to help with enquiries on finding a home, tax and social insurance, residency and immigration and transitioning to life on the island.' The island is home to 27 named beaches which range from pebbly coves to sandy bays, all of which boast crystal clear turquoise waters. No matter where you consider moving to, you would be no more than 10 minutes from the sea, and those on the west coast have easy access to Britain's cleanest beaches and the island's best surfing locations. The north of island is a paradise for golfers with a number of courses to choose from. With a diverse landscape of hedgerows, green fields and forested valleys, as well as a diverse array of walking trails, it is also easy to embrace nature and being outdoors on the island. The east coast of the island offers a quaint feel with its cobbled streets but is not short of things to do, thanks to its multitude of bars, cafés and restaurants. Guernsey prides itself on incredible gastronomic experiences, with a focus on its fresh and local seafood including lobster, white fish, crab and oysters. Award-winning and highly acclaimed restaurants across the island's hotel bistros, waterfront venues, sushi spots and steakhouses showcase a broad selection of quality dishes. The island is known for its thriving social scene with an impressive lineup of food festivals, in addition to cultural events including its annual literary festival that attracts well-known names. Residents have an enviable work-life balance and a European pace of life. At just 25 square miles, nothing is too far away on the island of Guernsey, meaning minimal commutes and more time to relax and be with the family. For those looking for a change of career, there is no shortage of high-income roles in the finance industry, blending the benefits of a seaside and countryside lifestyle with the opportunities of a financial city hub. As the closest global finance centre to London, Guernsey is home to over £120 billion of regulated private equity funds and over 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Centuries of commercial success has resulted in a highly skilled modern workforce and high international standards that ensures a smooth journey for skilled workers and business owners. The entrepreneur community is buzzing, a range of new and innovative businesses are springing up and strong investor networks are helping businesses to scale up. By the end of 2025, all Guernsey homes will be connected to fibre broadband making life even easier for those living in Guernsey but working remotely. The island has been populated for over 1,000 years and has a rich history and heritage. Every year residents celebrate the liberation from German occupation on 9 May with a public holiday, and this year's celebration featured islanders celebrating 80 years of freedom. Home to Megalithic dolmens, Norman ancestral holds and architectural reminders of the Second World War, including bunkers and gun batteries, dotted around the island, Guernsey is both an interesting and beautiful destination to relocate to. "It's wonderful to see how Guernsey continues to win people over – not just as a destination, but as a place to call home. The island's charm and unique way of life are drawing more and more people to settle here, and we're delighted to welcome them," Stoddart added. This content is provided by an advertiser, and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom, and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel expert - these are the hotel rooms you should always avoid and how to spot if you've been booked into one
After a long day of travelling, there's no better feeling than arriving at your hotel, tossing your suitcases to one side and falling onto the bed. But what if your peace is suddenly shattered by the sound of constant noise from the corridor - from the slamming of doors, to the deep rumble of the lift, to the clanging of cleaning equipment as staff dash from room to room? According to a travel expert, this common issue is often experienced by guests who have been allocated a specific room - and it can all be avoided with one simple booking strategy. Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specialising in curated accommodations, said: 'After staying in hundreds of hotels, I've learned that a room number on your booking can make or break your entire stay.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor. While this setup is practical for hotel operations, it creates a less than enjoyable experience for guests hoping for a quiet stay. Sobrino said: 'These rooms catch all the foot traffic from other guests coming and going at all hours. 'You'll also hear the housekeeping staff starting their rounds early in the morning, with carts being rolled past your door first, and supplies being restocked in nearby service areas.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are efficiently located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor He warned that late-night revellers stumbling back to their rooms, early risers making their way to breakfast, or the constant use of the lift will eventually become 'the soundtrack' to a guests' stay. The reason why hotels rarely advertise this information when guests are making a booking online is because every room ideally needs to be filled. Sobrino added: 'Hotels are in the business of selling all their inventory. They're not going to volunteer information about which rooms might be less desirable unless you specifically ask.' He urged guests to be an 'informed traveller' and be aware of which rooms are located near noisy areas, as this helps to avoid a potentially disruptive stay. Beyond rooms ending in "01," Sobrino warned guests to steer clear of alternatively problematic areas, such as rooms directly above or below hotel restaurant and bars, which can be noisy either early in the morning or well into the late night. He added: 'The same goes for rooms facing busy streets or located near loading docks where deliveries arrive early in the morning.' For families with young children or for those planning an early night, Sobrino also advised booking rooms located a good distance from stairwells, as these tend to have heavy doors that slam when people use them to access or exit corridors. Sobrino urged travellers to 'make smart requests,' when inquiring about a room, to call the hotel directly after booking online, and to 'mention any special occasion, even if it's just that you've been looking forward to this break for months'. He added: 'A simple "I'd prefer a quiet room away from elevators" works wonders. Front desk staff want you to enjoy your stay and will note your reservation. If you're in their loyalty program, mention it – this often improves your room assignment priority.' It comes as a safety expert has issued a warning to guests staying in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to watch out for five spots in rooms that contain the most dirt. As millions of Brits plan to stay in hotels this spring, experts caution that even the cleanest-looking rooms may harbor germs. In fact, surfaces in the average hotel room are found to be dirtier than a typical home, an airplane, and even a school - while hotel showerheads contain 25,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat.
