When planning your next getaway, you probably think about things like the view, the bed size, or whether breakfast is included. But there’s one smart move most travellers don’t consider – and it could seriously improve your stay: the floor your hotel room is on.
According to travel expert Javier Sobrino, Founder of Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, picking the right floor isn’t just about personal preference – it’s a matter of comfort, convenience, and even safety.
Why You Should Aim for the 3rd to 6th Floor
Sobrino has spent over a decade exploring hotels around the world, and his go-to advice is simple: “The best floors to stay on are between the third and sixth.”
Why? It’s all about balance.
- Safety: Ground-floor rooms can be more accessible to intruders, especially if windows are easily reached. On the other end of the scale, rooms too high up can be trickier to evacuate during emergencies like fires. “Fire truck ladders typically only reach up to the sixth floor,” says Sobrino, “so staying below that gives you a better chance in an emergency.”
- Noise: The middle floors tend to be just right. You’re high enough to escape street-level noise and the buzz of the lobby, but low enough to avoid the wind and mechanical hum often found on upper floors of tall buildings.
- Accessibility: If lifts are out of action, it’s a lot easier to walk up or down a few flights from the 3rd floor than the 12th.
In short? Floors 3–6 are the sweet spot.
5 Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Hotel Room
Floor choice is just the beginning. Javier Sobrino also shared five extra tips to help you land the best possible room – and enjoy a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable stay.
1. Ask for a Corner Room
Corner rooms are often larger, quieter, and have better views. “You usually get more windows and fewer neighbours,” says Sobrino. “I always ask about availability at check-in – it’s a simple question that can make a big difference.”
2. Steer Clear of the Lifts
It might seem handy to be close to the elevator, but it can get noisy quickly. “People coming and going at all hours, plus the sound of the lift itself – it’s not ideal for light sleepers,” warns Sobrino. Try to get a room a few doors down – around three to four rooms away is the sweet spot.
3. Do a Bit of Google Maps Sleuthing
Before you book, check out the surrounding area using satellite view. “Look for nearby bars, clubs or busy roads that could cause noise issues,” advises Sobrino. “If the hotel’s in a lively area, request a room on a higher floor or facing away from any potential disturbances.”
4. Always Check for Renovation Work
Hotels don’t always advertise renovations upfront. “Call the hotel directly and ask if there are any building works happening during your stay,” says Sobrino. If there are, ask for a room far from the noise – or consider staying elsewhere.
5. Think About the Sun
This is a clever one: where the sun hits your room can affect your comfort. “In hot destinations like Greece or southern Spain, east-facing rooms get the morning sun and stay cooler in the afternoon – perfect for a siesta,” Sobrino explains. “In cooler climates, a south-facing room gives you more daylight and warmth.”
Your Hotel Room Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the perfect room isn’t just about a plush bed or a sea view – it’s about the little details that add up to a better night’s sleep, a quieter morning, and an easier escape route if needed. So next time you book a hotel, don’t forget to look beyond the price and pictures, and ask for a room on the right floor.
Want more smart travel tips? Subscribe to the Sand and Sunshine newsletter for insider advice, sunny getaways, and tried-and-tested hotel hacks straight to your inbox.
The Hidden Costs of UK Staycations – and How to Avoid Them
Leave a Reply