Etiquette for sharing a hotel room with someone you don't know well

[DetailMouse]

After a very long marriage I have recently become single. A lot of the time this is fine, but some things are very expensive as a single person - like hotel rooms, basically double.

I'm going away with a hobby group soon and had booked a room for myself, but a female acquaintance has asked if she can share, to save us both some money. I've said yes

Similarly, I'm interested in booking a small group holiday. If you don't pay the single supplement, they'll room you with someone of the same sex. I don't love that idea, but single rooms are expensive and usually not very nice, so thought I might try it.

What do I need to know/take to make this kind of sharing a success?

Ear plugs! Pyjamas is probably a good idea as well.

Dressing gown and PJ’s.
Air freshener for the bathroom
Ear plugs incase they snore.

Pyjamas, ask specifically for a twin room and state you are sharing with a friend (hotels don't make assumptions based on two females sharing!) I've done it many times, it's fine

I've done this quite a few times on Explore or Exodus trips when I was single, sharing with complete strangers. It was fine apart when I was sharing with a snorer but I managed to change rooms after a few days. Definitely take ear plugs. I have also been away and shared with friends and once with a colleague. I don't think there's any particular etiquette just basic manners and consideration.

Consideration for each others sleep - does she like to go to sleep earlier? Make sure your quiet etc... keep your stuff tidy I would hate a messy roomy. And I don't always want to talk, respect each others needs.

Simple hobby group/ interest residential course should be straightforward as it will be similar minded folks , I’ve been on one. It was a mixture of single and shared rooms anyone who had a preference or a medical need for a single was able to book one, people who were open to sharing could ask to be matched up. It was great and I shared with a woman who was much younger than me but we had loads in common. It’s mostly just being polite not hogging the shower for ages, trying to be quiet ish if you have to get up during the night. Sharing with a stranger on holiday could be more of an issue if they like to stay out late, come back drunk and that’s not for you.

If you share on an organised holiday (exodus etc) sometimes there is an odd number and you get your own room : it’s worth doing

@GeneLovesJezebel

Dressing gown and PJ’s. Air freshener for the bathroom Ear plugs incase they snore.

Those.

However I wouldn't share a room with someone I hardly knew; I would have asked if it is too late to back out and book yourself a single but as she asked and you agreed, not much you can do.

It probably won't be as bad you anticipate.

I used to share a lot with strangers that were colleagues when I was working away…… have a poo when the shower is on :)

@Wouldyoubaby

I used to share a lot with strangers that were colleagues when I was working away…… have a poo when the shower is on :)

Or an early morning dump.

It's OK saying don't do it, book your own room but you end up paying for two people every time you go away.

Most chain hotels you pay for the room, if you have to give both the names then just tell them on the day they will be joining you later.

Personally having shared with friends and hated it, I'd spend the money on the single room tbh.

I like to listen to audio books and not have the bright lights of the TV on, and go to sleep early. Nightmare having to be courteous of other people when supposed to be relaxing.

I hate doing it and would rather not go away if I had to do it again as I permanently worry I am being annoying. Take ear plugs and some for your guest if you snore is my top tip.

I would rather pay extra than share tbh. I would hate to share a room& bathroom that I didn’t know.

In the bathroom strike a match as soon as you've been.

I used to do this often for work. Besides the other things suggested: small mirror and makeup in bag so you can do it in the room in case there's only a mirror in the bathroom (if it's that sort of trip), a suitcase that doesn't need unpacking to minimise mess and a torch on your phone so you don't have to put the light on if you go to bed later. Eye mask if you're early to be.

The case for single rooms: I have been on a few group tours now and always pay the single supplement because it’s worth it to me, an introvert who needs some space after walking about and eating with a group. In a few places the single rooms have not been as good as the doubles -including in one place they were so much worse us singles complained and were moved, and another on a safari trip where we were under a canteen that started preparations before 5am! - but usually they are either exactly the same or smaller but just as good. If you pay the supplement you also get first dibs on any odd room for those nights where a single room isn’t advertised as available, such as on a boat trip. Prices in some destinations they aren’t that dear, and explore often do promotions where single supplement is waived on popular trips. There was a half-price promotion when I last looked that might still be on.

On the other hand, sharing can make people really close. I’ve met people who meet up with former group holiday roommates to travel together years later, who plan to go on the same trips and just generally become firm friends.

Remember this is Mumsnet where people don't answer the door and generally seem to hate any one else's existence.
I've done this before on work and postgraduate trips. I'm quite a shy person and worried, but I generally found it better than expected! Bring earplugs and maybe a sleep mask in case they want to read later than you etc. Keep your area tidy, don't spread out everywhere. If you're up regularly in the night (I am!) I'd pick the bed closest to the bathroom and use your phone as a torch. I'm always torn about flushing as I don't tend to flush for a wee in the night.
I chat about showering plans the night before - especially if you're going on the same activity and need to be up at the same time. Toilet with the shower on if it bothers you. Also bring headphones if you like to watch stuff on your phone, and go to communal lobby areas if you need to take phone calls!

@Keladrythesaviour

Remember this is Mumsnet where people don't answer the door and generally seem to hate any one else's existence. I've done this before on work and postgraduate trips. I'm quite a shy person and worried, but I generally found it better than expected! Bring earplugs and maybe a sleep mask in case they want to read later than you etc. Keep your area tidy, don't spread out everywhere. If you're up regularly in the night (I am!) I'd pick the bed closest to the bathroom and use your phone as a torch. I'm always torn about flushing as I don't tend to flush for a wee in the night. I chat about showering plans the night before - especially if you're going on the same activity and need to be up at the same time. Toilet with the shower on if it bothers you. Also bring headphones if you like to watch stuff on your phone, and go to communal lobby areas if you need to take phone calls!

And where the difference between £200 & £400 for a long weekend is insignificant

Get dressed undressed in the bathroom

I've done this loads of times

Every time I get worked up worrying but it's always absolutely fine!

It's like a sleepover, I've never had a problem. Just be considerate and it will be totally fine.

Slipper, dressing gown, toilet bag so you don't hog a lot of bathroom space and an air fresher for bathroom.

I do hope your hobby group isn't part of the annual Baked Bean Bucket Eating Team Championships. 😳

I've done it - it's fine. I met one of my best friends this way.

I would take:
Nightwear (ie don't sleep naked)
Ear plugs - a pair for you, a pair for them
Eye mask
Contain your stuff to one bit of the room
Consult each other on alarm times and bathroom usage - be cheerful and polite.
Have a book and earphones for chilling out.

Enjoy!