Travel expert Amir Sudra has revealed that he tries to avoid hotel rooms ending in "01" when checking in abroad—and it has nothing to do with superstition. As thousands of families prepare for half-term breaks, this small detail on a hotel key card could signal a less peaceful stay.
According to Sudra, of Europe Private Tours, rooms ending in 01—such as 101, 201, 301, or 401—are often positioned close to lifts, stairwells, or the start of corridors. This means guests may hear constant foot traffic, lift doors opening, suitcases being dragged past, and staff using service areas early in the morning.
Why Rooms Ending in 01 Can Be Noisier
Hotel layouts vary, but Sudra says rooms with lower ending numbers are frequently located near main access points on each floor. While convenient for guests who prefer a short walk from the lift, they are less ideal for those seeking quiet.
"When I travel with clients in Europe, one of the biggest things people underestimate is how much a hotel's layout can affect the whole trip," Sudra explained. "You can book a beautiful hotel in Paris, Rome, Barcelona or Vienna, but if your room is right next to the lift or stairwell, you may spend the night listening to other guests instead of sleeping."
The issue can be worse in older European hotels, where soundproofing may not match the building's charm. "A lot of hotels in Europe are in older buildings, which is part of their appeal," he added. "You get character, history and amazing locations, but you do not always get thick modern walls or silent corridors."
What to Ask for at Reception
Sudra advises travellers to politely ask reception for a room away from the lift, stairs, and service areas before accepting the key. He suggests a simple request: "Would it be possible to have a quiet room away from the lift or stairs?"
"You do not need to say, 'I don't want room 301,'" he said. "It's better to explain the actual concern, which is noise." He warns that the problem is especially important for those arriving late, travelling with children, attending weddings, or starting early tours.
Other Hotel Rooms Worth Avoiding
Beyond rooms ending in 01, Sudra recommends avoiding rooms next to lifts, stairwells, ice machines, housekeeping cupboards, service lifts, bars, restaurants, gyms, and conference rooms. "The number is just a clue," he said. "The real thing to avoid is being next to movement."
Connecting rooms can also be problematic if only one side is used, as noise from neighbours may travel more easily. For light sleepers, higher floors away from lifts and busy public areas, and courtyard-facing rooms over street-facing ones, are often better options.
Sudra stresses the importance of speaking up early: "Hotels are usually more flexible before you've properly checked into the room." He advises returning to reception immediately if a room is beside the lift, and making a polite request rather than waiting until frustration sets in.
For special trips like honeymoons or anniversaries, he suggests adding a quiet-room request before arrival. "A hotel room ending in 01 won't always be bad," he concluded, "but if I'm given one, I always pause and check where it is. That tiny moment at reception can be the difference between a restful first night and a very tired start to the holiday."
