03/06/2026
I just made this mistake in my last hotel, and believe me, we paid for it! 🥵
This is the mistake I make once every hundred or so hotel bookings for traveling in Europe.
Hey, I’m Emma! I’m an American living in Stuttgart Germany with my family. I was in Italy for five years before this, so I share a lot about travel - with or without a toddler - and building a life in a foreign country!
I almost never make this mistake, but once every few years this rule slips off my radar and I forget, and that’s always the time it matters!
Keep in mind that sometimes it’s unavoidable, but at least if that’s the case you go in unsurprised. And sometimes it won’t matter anyway.
If your hotel does not EXPLICITLY include air conditioning as a listed amenity, it does not have it.
As Americans I know that can feel like checking if your hotel includes doors. But it’s not guaranteed, and you don’t want to learn it the hard way in the middle of August.
This matters especially in Northern European countries like where historically homes don’t have it. My house doesn’t have it. Only luxury hotels will in these areas.
This rule also applies to elevators. If you want a cute historic building, there’s a good chance they don’t have an elevator in there.
What other amenities do you have to remember to double check when traveling?? Let me know below!
American in Germany | travel advisor | Germany travel guide | explore Baden-Wurttemburg | Traveling with toddlers | traveling with kids |
