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European hotels can be quite different from American hotels. If you’re not aware of this, you might come across some pretty surprising situations. Here are 14 common things to look out for:
1. FORMS OF PAYMENT
Know up front, what forms of payment your hotel accepts. Those accepting cards might only accept a European card with the Eurochip in it. If you’re not prepared, you could find yourself scrambling to come up with enough cash for your hotel stay. Also be aware of which currency a cash-only hotel accepts. Some European hotels will accept the Euro even if their own currency is different (e.g. the Croatian Kuna or Hungarian Forint); however, when using this option, ask what exchange rate they’re using that day. In all cases, be sure that you know, up front, how you will settle your bill. If you’re prepared, you won’t have to spend half of your vacation trying to find an ATM.
2. ROOM SIZE
Space is not wasted in Europe. A regular room can be quite small. While in the US you might be able to book a double and bring your infant or child along, you really must book a room for the exact number of occupants in Europe. That doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be charged for your child, but it will ensure that they don’t end up on the floor.
That doesn’t mean your triple will be spacious, though!
3. BEDS
When you book a double bed in the States, you get one mattress under you. That’s not always the case in Europe. Most hotels will place two twin beds next to one another, or two twin mattresses side-by-side on a larger frame. Looking for a king? Good luck.
Single beds, single comforters. That’s right: you could climb into bed and grab what you expect to be a large comforter, pull it toward you, and the whole thing flies across the bed because it’s half the size and weight you expected.
4. STAIRS
There are NOT always elevators in European hotels. This makes sense when you’ve booked a 17th century home, but you would be surprised how many hotels look from the outside as if they would have an elevator–but don’t. If you are not able to handle a lot of stairs or are carrying heavy luggage, request a ground floor room.
5. BATHROOMS
You’ll often see a bidet in the bathroom. It’s not a foot bath–it’s to keep your bits squeaky clean.
You’re not always going to get a tub/shower combo. In fact, you could get a shower with no tub, or a tub with no shower. My least favorite are the tubs with snake-cord shower.
Also, you might have to read the instructions on how to use your toilet.
6. HEAT & A/C
Air conditioning is not a given! This can be especially frustrating in the summer. It is advisable to closely read a hotel’s description, or communicate with the hotel directly, to verify that there is A/C. Or just deal with it.
Heat is quite often radiator heat. Learn how to use it. It’s perfectly warm, but don’t be surprised if the air feels dry to you.
7. KITCHENETTE
If you’ve booked a room with a kitchenette, you really have no idea where it’s going to pop up, so hunt for it before you think about complaining!
8. BREAKFAST
The continental breakfast at European hotels is similar to continental breakfasts in the States. However, one should note that a boiled egg in a basket probably isn’t a hard-boiled egg, but a soft-boiled egg, often with a runny yolk. Most people eat their soft-boiled eggs by placing them in the egg cup, cracking the shell around the top, peeling the top shell off, and then scooping the egg out of the shell one bite at a time.
Many proprietors will cook eggs to your liking if you simply ask.
You might see a tiny trash can on your table. It is, in fact, for trash. I have seen some hotels use it exclusively for bio waste like egg shells and watermelon rinds; however, many hotels use it for all trash, including your sugar packets, egg shells, tea bags, etc.
9. TOILETRIES
There are many hotels in Europe that provide a shampoo/body wash hybrid in the shower, and that’s it. That’s not to say that no hotels provide a counter full of toiletries for you to stuff in your suitcase, but don’t expect them from a non-chain/luxury hotel.
10. TOWELS
Rarely do we come across washcloths in European hotels. You’ll get a bath towel, bathmat, and possibly a hand towel–but nothing that an American is accustomed to using for their face or body. Linens are often hung to dry. In other words, you’re peeling off a layer of skin, so use them gently on your face.
11. LOW CEILINGS
If you’re reeeeally tall, you might want to steer clear of tiny little Fachwerk structures.
12. SMOKING
Even if your hotel is non-smoking, be advised that you might have to walk through a cloud of smoke at the doorway, since people can only smoke outside. I find this is more the case in the winter, when people do not wander far for a smoke.
13. PETS
European hotels are often more pet-friendly than American hotels. From chain hotels to boutique hotels, your pooch is very likely to be welcomed by a European hotel. The hotel might charge a pet cleaning fee, a pretty standard practice. The expectation in Germany is that you are not crating the dog. Just make sure your dog stays quiet and well-behaved, because you’ll hear about it if he’s not.
This is great news for those who travel with pets. If you have severe pet allergies, though, ask about the pet policy when making reservations. Not every hotel can accommodate a room that does not allow pets.
14. HOSTELS
Be aware of what kind of hostel you might be staying in. It could be a row of floormats and a shared bathroom.
BUT…
You could be sleeping in a castle
Or a charming example of Fachwerk, inside and out
Or on a cliff
Or in the snow-capped Alps
So…If you know what you’re getting into, your stay will be smooth and you can concentrate on just enjoying the scenery!
Have you ever been surprised by a European hotel?
Great info. Thanks to you.
you’re welcome!
Very helpful! Makes me want to visit more of Europe!
My son’s getting married in Germany next week in a castle near the Baltic — am wondering if I should pack shampoo and hair dryer. After reading this, it might be a safe bet to buy it somewhere between Berlin and the castle — to simplify packing and to lighten the suitcase.
I’m sorry I didn’t see this comment sooner. How was your trip? I definitely would have recommended purchasing shampoo in-country. The hair dryer, only if you have access to an adapter. I hope your son’s wedding was fun!
Love this post! Def surprised by London hotel years ago, small twins beds, but that was ok. Beer in vending machine sin the lobby. A bidet in my bathroom in which my schoolmate tossed his cookies into. ( the maid was NOT happy and left most of it). No washcloths! So I went to Marks & Spencer and bought one!
Afternoon tea…yes please..
Thanks. It’s seriously an adventure every time!