What To Know When Staying in Hotels Abroad

You could stay at any U.S. hotel around the country and expect some of the same comforts to be provided in each of them, regardless of their star rating. Far too often, this results in U.S. travelers expecting these amenities even when they travel overseas, which can result in disappointment.

While this list may leave off a thing or two, here are the main things you should expect when staying at an international hotel.

Not everyone will speak English.

Just because English is known as a “lingua franca,” doesn’t mean that you should expect every hotel staff member to speak English, especially when you’re visiting a foreign country. Attempt to learn basic words in the language of the country you are visiting or download the Google Translate app if you think you may have difficulty communicating with the front desk attendants or housekeeping.

Similarly, you shouldn’t expect your in-room TV to have English-speaking channels or the hotel’s restaurant to have an English version of the menu.

Prices may not be in USD.

When booking a hotel in a foreign country online, be aware that the prices listed may not be in USD. While the language may be in English, the room prices could be in Euros which is common in many hotels located in Europe. It’s also probable that it’s listed in the local currency.

Be sure to check the conversion rate before booking so you’re not surprised by the charge on your credit card.

You may not have both heating and air-conditioning.

For hotel rooms to have both heating and air-conditioning is a luxury in some countries, especially in hotels that are four stars or below. Often these hotels will have one or the other depending on the climate.

For instance, some accommodations in northern Europe may only be equipped with heating as they have a primarily cooler climate, even in the summer. The opposite may be true for those countries in much warmer areas of the world.

A lack of air-conditioning often occurs in historic cities, too, like Rome, where many of the properties are historic buildings and are limited in the renovations they can do, and thus, may only provide heating versus air-conditioning.

Last, but not least, keep in mind that some hotels may have both heating and air-conditioning but it’s a set temperature for the entire property and doesn’t allow you to change the temperature to your liking in your room.

A full-size bed may not be what you expect.

Some international hotels will advertise that they have full or queen beds and many travelers are surprised when they arrive to find two twin beds pushed together to form a “full bed.” If this type of sleeping arrangement would be uncomfortable for you, be sure to contact the hotel beforehand to inquire about this.

Also, keep in mind that beds in European hotels are often much smaller than those in U.S. hotels.

Bathrooms may lack washrags.

U.S. hotel bathrooms are often equipped with small washrags, perfect for rinsing off in the shower or washing your face in the morning. However, this is amenity is not often found in hotels abroad.

Some hotels may have them upon request but be prepared for them not to by planning ahead and bringing a loofah or being comfortable washing your face with a slightly larger hand towel.

The water may not be drinkable.

While in most parts of the U.S., you can drink from the bathroom sink, this isn’t the case with all countries, like Mexico, where drinking from the sink could cause some digestive issues or worse.

Most countries will notify you if the water in the bathrooms is not drinkable with a small sign. On the other side of the argument, you may be surprised by which countries do have drinkable water, like most of Colombia.

Don’t expect coffee or minibars.

Amenities like a coffeemaker or a minibar shouldn’t be expected in hotels overseas. Rather than a coffee maker, they may have a tea kettle and coffee in a packet – or they may not offer anything like that in the rooms, but only in the lobby.

If there is a minibar or mini-fridge, it will most likely be stocked with local drinks that you might not be familiar with, but don’t be shy to try something new. You might be surprised by what you like.

The breakfast may not be what you’re used to.

Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and bacon is an American-style breakfast and it’s not always available at hotel breakfasts around the world.

In England (and many parts of Europe), you’ll most likely find a British hotel breakfast of baked beans, grilled tomatoes, bangers (sausage), ham and poached eggs. In Costa Rica, they could offer plantains, tamales and gallo pinto (a rice and bean mix). Chinese breakfasts consist of steamed buns, rice porridge, and fried rice.

Don’t be disappointed if the pancake in Bali isn’t what you though a pancake would be. Dig in and enjoy the breakfast of another country.

Where are the sheets?

You arrive in your hotel room only to find that the bed is missing a full-sized comforter or even sheets. Don’t be alarmed. In some countries, this is normal. Sometimes this is because of the climate, such as if it’s primarily warmer. Other times, it’s just a custom that no one can quite trace back to its roots.

If you need additional bedding to stay warm, just call the front desk and they’ll be happy to deliver something to your room.

Not all hotels are accessible.

Every country has their own laws concerning accessibility, and with that said, not all international hotels will have elevators. If you have difficulty climbing stairs or are traveling with two large suitcases of clothes, you may want to check with the hotel before booking to see that they have an elevator installed.

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