According to Javier Sobrino, founder of Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, the right hotel room could make your holiday, while opting for the number door number could break it
Choosing the wrong hotel room number could set you up for a restless holiday.
You’ve been dreaming about your holiday for months. After a long day of travelling, you finally arrive at your hotel, ready to kick off your shoes and relax. But as you settle into your room, the peaceful atmosphere you hoped for is shattered by constant noise from the corridor, slamming doors, and the unmistakable rumble of the nearby elevator.
According to Javier Sobrino, founder of Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, this common hotel gripe can be avoided with one simple booking strategy.
“After spending over a decade travelling across Spain and staying in hundreds of hotels, I’ve learned that the room number on your booking can make or break your entire stay,” says Sobrino. “Never book a room ending in ‘01’. In most hotels, rooms ending in ‘01’ are typically located right next to elevators, stairwells, and service areas – essentially, the noisiest spots on the floor.”
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This room placement isn’t random. Hotels are typically designed with rooms ending in ‘01’ positioned near elevators and service areas for efficiency. While this layout makes sense for hotel operations, it creates a less-than-ideal experience for guests in these rooms.
“These rooms catch all the foot traffic from other guests coming and going at all hours. You’ll also hear the housekeeping staff starting their rounds early in the morning, with carts being rolled past your door first, and supplies being restocked in nearby service areas,” Sobrino went on.
The noise isn’t just limited to daytime hours. “Late-night revellers returning to their rooms, early risers heading out for breakfast, and the constant ping of elevator doors will become the soundtrack to your stay,” he added.
Hotels rarely highlight which rooms might be noisier than others when you’re making a booking online. After all, every room needs to be filled, including those next to high-traffic areas. This is why being an informed traveller matters. Knowing which room numbers typically indicate proximity to noisy areas can help you avoid a potentially frustrating stay.
While rooms ending in ‘01’ are the primary culprits, Sobrino notes there are other potential problem areas to be aware of:
“Rooms directly above or below hotel restaurants or bars can be noisy well into the night,” he warns. “The same goes for rooms facing busy streets or located near loading docks where deliveries arrive early in the morning.”
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For family travellers, Sobrino has additional advice: “Avoid rooms near stairwells if you’re travelling with young children. These areas tend to have heavy metal doors that slam loudly when people use them, potentially waking little ones during nap time or early bedtimes.
“You don’t need to make demands to get a better room – it’s all about smart requests. Call the hotel directly after booking online and be friendly. Mention any special occasion, even if it’s just that you’ve been looking forward to this break for months. A simple ‘I’d prefer a quiet room away from elevators’ works wonders. Front desk staff want you to enjoy your stay and will note your reservation. If you’re in their loyalty program, mention it – this often improves your room assignment priority.
“Hotels want happy guests who leave good reviews and return. Being polite but specific about your preferences means you’re helping them give you the experience you’re hoping for. In my decade of travelling across Spain, I’ve found that how you ask matters just as much as what you ask for.”