Thank you Reader’s Digest for publishing my article, “This Flight Attendant’s Hotel Hack Will Help You Navigate Your Next Stay.”
You’ll never get lost in those long hallways again, thanks to this genius trick
Recently, after a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Dublin, I arrived at the enchanting 200-year-old Shelbourne Hotel. The bellhop walked me to my room, but when it was time to meet my niece in the lobby, I couldn’t find the elevator. I knew it was there … somewhere. After reaching the end of the hallway, I took the stairs. Later, we figured out that you had to turn by the stairs to access the elevator.
Hotels can be confusing—especially when you’re tired and staying in many different places. I had a similar experience in Las Vegas while celebrating a family birthday at The Cosmopolitan, a hotel I love. The property’s AI companion, Rose, even guided me on an art tour via text, which was a unique and fun touch. But when it came time to find the elevator, I was completely turned around, a common issue in these massive Vegas hotels.
That’s where a clever flight attendant hack comes in.
As flight attendant @allycase1 shared on TikTok, one of the first things you should do when you enter a hotel room is place your shoes in the direction of the elevator. This way, when it’s time to leave—whether you’re rushing to catch a flight or hoping to minimize walking—you’ll know which way to go.
In large hotels, this small adjustment can be a game changer. (I also like the idea of putting a shoe in the hotel safe.)
This tip would also work well on cruise ships. In early 2024, I sailed on the brand-new Royal Caribbean ship Icon of the Seas. It’s huge—like, bigger than an aircraft carrier huge. I once headed out of my cabin confidently in the wrong direction all the way down the hall, which, unfortunately for me, did not lead to the elevator. Then I remembered my secret cruise tip: Watch the room numbers. I paid attention to which room number was closest to the elevator.
Royal Caribbean went the extra step to help guests navigate its corridors by using red carpet on the starboard (right) side and blue carpet on the port (left) side. Princess Cruises also gives guests some help: It has odd-numbered cabins on the starboard side and even-numbered cabins on the port side. Paying attention to these details can help you find your way even if you forget to point your shoes in the right direction.
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