Hotel Life: Tips for Staying Comfortable and Productive on Location

Posted on: Apr 15, 2025

Photo Credit: Drazen Zigic

By Ben Hickson

Throughout my career, I have had the amazing opportunity to travel and work all across the country. While I look at this as an amazing benefit of the industry, those who travel often can agree that it can get old staying in a hotel room for weeks at a time. The beds can be uncomfortable, it can feel isolating, and it can be hard to develop a consistent routine.

Long days on set, inconsistent schedules and limited personal space can make it challenging to stay comfortable and productive. However, I have learned that with the right approach, you can turn your hotel room into a home away from home, and make the most of your time on location. Here are some essential tips to help you stay comfortable, organized and productive while living in a hotel.

Key Takeaways:

Establish a Dedicated Workspace: Create a specific area in your hotel room for work, complete with a comfortable chair, desk, and good lighting, to enhance focus and productivity.
Ensure Reliable Internet Connectivity: Prioritize hotels that offer free high-speed Wi-Fi, and test the connection strength in your chosen workspace to avoid disruptions during virtual meetings or online tasks.
Incorporate Leisure into Business Travel: Consider extending your business trip into a “bleisure” experience by exploring local attractions and activities, turning work travel into a more enjoyable and rejuvenating journey.

Personalize Your Space

One of the biggest challenges of hotel life is the impersonal nature of the room. Adding a few personal touches can make a significant difference in making your space feel more inviting. Everyone can agree that most hotel pillows are lacking in comfortability, so bringing a small travel pillow and a blanket can help to make your sleep more comfortable, while also adding a personal touch and creating a more inviting environment for relaxation.

In this industry we work long hours, so having a space we feel like is our own can really help with the de-stress at the end of the day, and it makes your hotel a place you want to go back to at the end of the night. I know coworkers who unpack their suitcases and put their items into drawers, and some bring pictures from home or anything else that might make them feel like the hotel room is their own. These little adjustments can have a great effect on your stay.

Keep Your Space Organized

Staying organized is not just a skill you need to have on set, but also something you should strive for in your accommodations as well. The last thing you want to do at the end of a long work day is to go back to your room and have everything strewn all over the place. Having designated places for your luggage, work place, dirty clothes, and eating area helps ensure that you can relax and make the most of your space.

I usually have a space where I can work on after-set duties, a space for my laundry and a space for personal time. This way, I can know where everything is, and am able to keep a healthy work-life balance while staying in a hotel.

Stock up on Snacks/Essentials

Dining out for every meal can be costly and unhealthy. If your hotel room has a mini-fridge, stock up on essentials like fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts and pre-made salads. Having healthy snacks on hand can prevent unnecessary late-night fast-food runs. If a grocery store available, most productions do not have a problem with you taking some crafty up to your room in case you need a snack throughout your stay. The biggest tip I have is to make sure you always have bottled water available and stocked.

If you have access to a grocery store, consider buying ingredients for simple, nutritious meals. Hotel rooms often have microwaves, and many extended-stay hotels offer kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare home-cooked meals. If not, meal-prep-friendly items like instant oatmeal, protein bars or ready-to-eat soups can be lifesavers.

Bring Entertainment

Everyone knows hotels do not always have the best entertainment set up, so I find that it is beneficial to plan ahead and bring something to keep yourself entertained on your off days and at the end of stressful work days. Simple things like bringing a book or a portable gaming device are a great way to de-stress, and make your space more comfortable and inviting.

I also pack some small travel workout equipment to help pass the time, and in case the hotel gym is lacking. No matter what you bring though, it is important to have something that can help pass the time, and make your stay more enjoyable.

Stay Social and Avoid Isolation

One of the greatest things about staying in a hotel for work is the opportunity to bond and get to know the other crew members. This is where all the best networking is done and lifelong relationships are formed. It can be hard after a long day to then go out with your coworkers, but it’s one of those things that will be beneficial in the long run. It helps build the team mentality and can lead to better working relationships as well. Being away from home for extended periods can be lonely, especially if you’re working long hours, so do your best to make an effort to stay connected with friends and family through video calls or social media.

If you get to travel to a place you’ve never been, use this as an opportunity to go out and explore the local area. It can also help break the monotony of hotel life, and give you the chance to see and do things you wouldn’t normally get to do. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, visiting a nearby attraction or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, getting out of the hotel can improve your mood and make your time on location more enjoyable.

Living in a hotel while working on location comes with its challenges, but with the right strategies, it can be a comfortable and even enjoyable experience. By personalizing your space, maintaining a routine and making smart choices regarding food, exercise and sleep, you can stay productive and take care of your well-being. Becoming a pro at making your space comfortable will set you up for success in all areas of life, as you create a temporary home that supports both your work and personal comfort.

Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.

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