How to Make a Hotel Room Romantic

Co-authored by Luis Congdon and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: June 10, 2024 Fact Checked

If you book a hotel room for a romantic escape, you want it to be magical. You might wonder what to ask the staff for or what to bring along. We’ll take out all the guesswork for you! Here, we’ll reveal how to plan in advance, what to pack, and ways to treat your sweetheart. Read on to make your next getaway unforgettable and take your SO’s breath away.

1

Decorate the bed with rose petals.

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Scatter fresh flower petals over the bed to make it look magical. Do this yourself or call the concierge and ask if they have a “rose petal turndown service,” a fun extra that involves covering your hotel’s bed with fresh rose petals. If they do offer this, see if their rose petals come in different colors or if they can spell out a special message, like “Happy Anniversary.”
- Check out other unique forms of turndown services, too. Some hotels offer cute spins on them, like leaving books or souvenirs on your bed.
- If you'd like to really wow your partner, put a surprise gift on the decorated bed when they're not looking.

2

Dim the lighting.

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Draw the curtains and turn off the lamps to set the mood. Whether you’ve arrived in the daytime or the evening, curtains block out bright, natural or artificial light from outside. Once you’ve shut them, switch on a lamp or two. That way, you’ll create a much more calming atmosphere in your hotel room.^{[1]
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- If your room has a chandelier, turn that on and switch off the other lights.
- For a distinctive and romantic glow, drape red silk scarves over the lampshades.
- Close the blinds for an extra sense of mystery and privacy.

3

Light candles around the room.

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Give the hotel room a charming glow with some candles. Pull out candles with your favorite colors and scents. Put these down in places that won't be a fire hazard. To be extra cautious, you can use LED candles instead.
- Try candles that create nostalgia. For example, cinnamon might remind you of a special Christmas holiday you shared or coconut might remind you of you honeymoon in an exotic, island destination.
- Group candles of various heights together for an elegant touch.
- Play around with color, too. For instance, a combination of gold, blue, and ivory candles might feel right for the space.

4

Uncork a bottle of champagne.

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Put some champagne on ice for a real sense of celebration. Bring your bubbly chilled or order champagne from the hotel bar or room service. If you can, choose your favorite brand or one that has special significance to you and your SO. For example, maybe you bought it during a vacation. For a fun effect, open it in front of your partner and watch the cork pop off. Champagne pairs well with fresh strawberries. Serve your partner champagne with these at West, heart shaped fruit for full romance points.^{[2]
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- Use caution when you open the bottle—make sure it isn’t pointed toward your or your SO’s face.
- Hold the bottle of champagne at an angle when you pour it, that way, it’ll bubble and fizz more.
- For a dash of color, add fresh frozen fruit, like raspberries, into your glasses.
- Sparkling grape juice is a great non-alcoholic alternative to champagne.

5

Put together a special playlist.

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Play songs in your room that make your heart melt. Use an app like Spotify and create a playlist that captures the ambience you’re going for. Let your imagination go wild and include any songs that inspire you, like smooth R&B or, soft rock ballads or good old fashioned love songs.^{[3]
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- Include songs that are meaningful to you and your SO, like ones you listened to during your earliest dates, what you danced to for your first dance at your wedding or what was number one in the charts for for first anniversary.
- When you make a playlist, you’ll save yourself time so you won't have to flip through radio stations or hit “shuffle” until the right track comes on.

6

Wear your most elegant outfits.

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Dress your best during your stay to make the most of it. Consider the look you’re going for—maybe you want sultry ensembles like high-end lingerie or black-tie options fit for a gala. Try them on, do a spin in the mirror, and show them off to your partner.^{[4]
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- Sneak in some eye-catching outfits that your SO has complimented before.
- Surprise your partner with new ensembles they’ve never seen.

7

Bring your own entertainment.

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Toys, games, and movies for couples bring fun to the room. If you’d like a more wild or sensual night, check out any “adult entertainment” options. Check in with the concierge about streaming services, then make a list of films to watch while you cuddle-up with your SO. Also throw in games that help you both bond, like conversation starter cards.^{[5]
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- Bring essentials like protection, lubrication and sanitizer to keep things clean and safe.
- For other couples activities, card games are a great choice since they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

8

Call for room service.

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Share dessert or a gourmet meal in your room to feel like you’re royalty. Find the menu for room service and browse the options. If you plan to get very active or want to eat a light meal, go for a simple choice, like a meat, cheese, and fruit platter or a slice of cake for two. When you’re in the mood for extravagance, splurge on fancy dishes like lobster tails.
- Inquire about any specials, like seasonal entrees or wine pairings.
- See if there’s 24-hour service so you can indulge whenever you like.
- For winter retreats, order cozy, hot beverages like hot cocoa.
- Also pack your own favorite snacks that you can grab whenever you need them.

9

Ask for in-room spa treatments.

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Enjoy a perk like a couples massage in the privacy of your room. Check in with the concierge and see what services you can indulge in. To surprise your partner and to make sure that staff are available, schedule an appointment or two before you arrive.
- As a sweet alternative, dote on each other by bringing your own massage oils and giving one another a massage.

10

Draw a bubble bath.

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Take advantage of the room’s bath and cozy up in some suds. After you've eaten, played games, and indulged in the hotel's perks, start a nice bubble bath. Run the bath, make sure the temperature's just right, and add in a bath bomb or some liquid bubble bath. Step in with your partner, lean back, and enjoy each other's company.^{[6]
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- While you soak, talk about warm memories or your plans for the future.
- Also take the time to discuss what excites your partner and make some mental notes.
- Feel free to enjoy moments of silence and just caress or hold each other.

11

Slip into robes.

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Wear luxurious loungewear so the room feels like a sanctuary. Towel off after your bubble bath, blow dry your hair, and put on some fresh robes. Choose a spot to kick back with your SO, whether that's by a fireplace, on a loveseat, or in your bed.
- If you prefer it, you can bring your own loungewear. For example, your own silk pajamas or a a silk robe might put you in a romantic mood.

12

Have breakfast in bed the next day.

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Savor the final moments of your stay with a hearty spread. Wake up with enough time to spare—for example, 4 hours before you check out. Then, pick up your room service menu and order a brunch that you’ll definitely remember, like French toast and perfectly roasted coffee.^{[7]
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- Stay in your sleepwear while you eat for a luxurious, indulgent feel.
- For a whimsical touch, sprinkle edible flowers onto a dish like waffles.