Allie’s Allergy Hotel Ratings

Finding a hotel that meets the needs of the allergy customer can be challenging, which is why I am going to start Allie’s Allergy Hotel Ratings. Just like Brian Kelly of the Points Guy has his canoe test to meet his height requirements on plane seats and in hotel showers, mine will be based on how well it accommodates allergies. Since many of us with food allergies, also have environmental allergies, including myself, I am not only looking from a food allergy perspective, but also from an environmental allergy perspective. Below is a brief overview of what I plan to rate hotels on for the allergy customer.

WHAT DO I LOOK FOR WHEN RATING A HOTEL?

CARPETING

Starting with environmental allergies, I am always looking for hotels with as little carpeting as possible. In the U.S., carpeting is in virtually every hotel. This is not true in other areas of the world, however here in the U.S. it is difficult to find hotels that have little to no carpeting. Especially in the hotel room where I am sleeping, it makes a huge difference for me when there are no carpets.

BEDDING

In many hotels, they still use feather pillows and blankets. This can be a big allergy trigger for some.If you are looking for your own solution to this, take a look at this post.

PETS

An increasing issue, especially in the U.S., as pets are taken everywhere. Many hotels have become pet-friendly, which is understandable. The challenge of this for those of us with pet allergies is not knowing how to avoid hotel rooms where pets have stayed.

REFRIGERATOR

Depending on where I am and what I am doing, I may need to refrigerate some safe food. In the best possible circumstance, this is a clean and empty fridge.

SOAP INGREDIENTS

There are still many hotels that do not label their soap and shampoo ingredients. For those of us with food allergies, we need to read those labels. I always pack my own soap because of this, however I appreciate when a hotel does have the ingredients listed.

WINDOWS

Having access to fresh air is also important for environmental allergies and asthma. I once stayed in a hotel with bad carpeting that was bothering my allergies, but that did have windows that opened. The fresh air was crucial for me during that stay.

 

WHAT GOES THE EXTRA MILE?

AIR PURIFIERS

This happens so rarely that there is an air purifier in the room, but it does happen and the hotels where I have found them have definitely left a positive impact on me.

FOOD ALLERGY FRIENDLY BRANDS

Many hotels offer small shops with snacks. Having allergy-friendly brand options makes a big difference. Also, having more whole food and simple ingredient options are helpful.

ON-SITE RESTAURANTS THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES

Having a restaurant right inside the hotel that is willing and able to safely work with food allergy requests is something that is especially helpful for families.

WATER BOTTLES

I appreciate when hotels make drinking water easy and accessible.

NESPRESSO

Becoming more common, I appreciate a Nespresso machine and capsules in the room. I trust this brand and as an espresso drinker, it is an extra nice amenity to me.

Anything else I should add to my hotel ratings? Leave me a comment and let me know!