European hotels - what to expect (and not expect)

In Europe recently, I overheard some American ladies next to me at the hotel’s restaurant chatting about their predicament. They were totally surprised that the hotel didn’t have clothes irons in the room, something that is common in many American hotels. They both lamented on how they would have packed differently if they’d known this little tidbit, since they now had to find a way to get their clothes pressed for an event.

This got me thinking, there’s actually many differences between American and European hotels. How many other travelers have found themselves in similar situations? If they’d only known what to expect, would they have had a better experience?

So, let’s talk about it!

Here’s some of the things you’ll encounter (or not encounter) in European hotels:

At check in, you’ll need to show your passport

Most European hotels (and also apartment rentals/Airbnbs) will ask you to present your passport at check-in. Some hotels will hold your passport until you check out, others will record your info and return it right away. Don’t be alarmed! The European Union requires hotels to collect this info from guests so that is available to law enforcement to cross-check for criminals, wanted individuals, or missing people. A little extra security is always a good thing – unless you’re a criminal of course.

Elevators (lifts) are not a guarantee

There’s a ton of historic buildings in Europe, and chances are that is what drew you to that beautiful historic inn, but there’s a chance that hotel won’t have an elevator. If your room is on the 4^th floor, this might be a deal breaker for you. Many hotels will help you with your luggage, but this isn’t a guarantee. If you’re not capable of carrying your luggage up several flights of stairs, then you might want to ensure you book a hotel that has a lift. Also note, IF there’s a lift, it’s most likely much smaller that you’re used to – fitting 1-3 people max.

If you’re worried about being able to climb, push and pull your way around Europe, check out: Are you fit enough to travel in Europe? It will help you get ready!

european hotels - stairs instead of lift — You’re likely to find something like this instead of a lift in historic buildings.

Which floor am I on?

In Europe, the bottom floor of the building is referred to as the Ground Floor, or Floor 0. Americans refer to this as the “first floor.” What Americans would refer to as the second floor is considered the first floor – Floor 1, or the “first floor above the ground” in Europe. And so forth… so if you’re having a hard time finding your floor, this could be the reason!

Small rooms are common

The room size in Europe tends to be much smaller than in the States. Your walk-in closet might be bigger than many European hotel rooms! This is just the norm across the pond. It may be due to lack of space, tightly clustered historic buildings and narrow streets don’t leave much room for wasted space!

Small room, but with a view like this, not a big deal!

Beds might be different than you’re used to

A king size be may actually be two twin beds pushed together. So “mind the gap” when sleeping with a bed mate! The beds are also usually pretty firm, much firmer than American beds. But you’ll find that firm doesn’t always mean they are uncomfortable!

Also, top sheets aren’t usually used on European beds. You’ll most likely find a bottom fitted sheet with a duvet. The duvet will then have a removable cover in place of the top sheet. Just think of it as the top sheet being attached to the comforter.

european hotels - king bed — A king bed, which is actually two twins.

Air conditioning is not a guarantee

While air conditioning is pretty much a regular occurrence in American hotels, in European hotels? Not so much. IF the hotel has air conditioning, the controls may not be turned on, depending on the season. You’ll either have to ask if it can be turned on, or you’ll have to vent your room via the window. But also take note that windows will rarely have screens.

In-room appliances are not commonplace

You will very rarely find a clothes iron in European hotel rooms. So you might want to pack clothes that don’t wrinkle easily, or plan to bring your own if you have something that must be pressed.

Similarly, alarm clocks are also very rare. So if you must rise and shine, plan on using your phone, a packable alarm clock or ring the front desk for a wake up call. But hope they remember to call.

Showers can be an adventure

You just never know what you’re going to get from a European shower. You can usually bet on them being small, sometimes teeny tiny! Just ask my 6’2” husband….this can be a challenge! Many showers will have a handheld shower head, but not always a place to hang it up. Shower curtains are not always a thing either. Therefore you may have to get creative to avoid getting the bathroom entirely wet.

Toilets can be confusing…

Many European toilets have two buttons for flushing. They are either located on the back of the tank, or no the wall behind the toilet. One large, one small. The larger one is for when you need um… a more forceful flush. For all other business, use the small button. This is for conserving water, it’s a smart idea really!

Then there’s the bidet thing…

Europeans love bidets (especially Italians.) A bidet (pronounced buh-dei) is a bathroom device that is separate from the toilet. Usually right next to the toilet, the bidet looks like a toilet without a seat with a faucet in it. It’s designed to wash your behind after you do your business. I encourage you to embrace it, give it a try! It takes a little practice, but worth it in the end? Maybe! Check out How to use a bidet

Take note! The towels that are usually hung right near the bidet are meant to be used for drying off your bum after you use the bidet. So don’t get those towels confused with a hand towel!

european hotels - bidet — Another European bathroom adventure, this time with a bidet!

No washcloths here

Washcloths are very rarely provided in European hotels. For some reason, they are considered a personal item? Either Europeans don’t use them, or they expect guests to bring their own. Although one could argue that a bidet towel is a very personal item… yet those are provided. So if having a washcloth to scrub with is important to you, be sure to pack one!

Toiletries are nice, but don’t bet on them

Yes, those little bars of hotel soap and shampoo do frequently make appearances in European hotels. Conditioner though, that’s harder to come by. And I would bet that none of them are a guarantee. If scouting out toiletries isn’t something you want to do on vacation, then your best bet is to make sure that you have travel sizes of what you need with you, just in case!

Blow dryers are sometimes a thing

The most common appliance you’ll find in a European hotel is a blow dryer. But if there’s not one, and it’s a deal breaker for you (if you have unruly hair like me) then your best bet is to pack a travel one. Make sure your travel blow dryer is dual voltage! Meaning it can handle 110 volt (US) and 220/230 volts (European) plug ins. Otherwise, it will blow its last blow in Europe.