Let’s be real—when I book a hotel room, I’m not just paying for a bed. I’m paying for an experience, a little escape from the everyday grind. And for me, a windowless hotel room just doesn’t cut it. Sure, it might save a few bucks or promise pitch-black sleep, but there’s something fundamentally wrong about locking myself in a glorified closet for the night. Here’s why I’d avoid it as far as possible.
1. Natural Light Is Non-Negotiable
I don’t know about you, but I need daylight to feel human. Waking up in a room with no windows is like waking up in a void—disorienting and honestly kind of depressing. There’s no gentle sunrise to ease me into the day, no way to gauge if it’s morning or midnight without checking my phone. Natural light sets my internal clock, and without it, I’d feel like a mole stumbling through life. Even if I’m just crashing for a night, I want that sliver of sunshine to remind me I’m not in a bunker.
2. It Feels Claustrophobic
Maybe I’ve watched too many sci-fi movies, but a room without a window feels like a cell. I don’t care how fancy the decor is—without a view or an escape hatch to the outside world, the walls start closing in. I like knowing I can crack a window for fresh air or at least stare out at something, even if it’s just a parking lot. A windowless room traps me with recycled air and my own thoughts, and that’s a hard pass.
3. No Connection to the World Outside
Part of staying in a hotel is feeling tied to the place I’m visiting. A window gives me a glimpse of the city skyline, the mountains, or even the quirky street below. It’s a tiny portal to the vibe of wherever I am. Without it, I might as well be in a storage unit—cut off from the weather, the people, the life outside. I’d rather watch rain streak down the glass or spot a random bird than stare at a blank wall pretending it’s “cozy.”
4. Safety Vibes Are Off
Okay, call me paranoid, but a windowless room makes me uneasy from a safety standpoint. If something goes wrong—fire, power outage, whatever—a window is a backup plan. It’s not like I’m plotting an action-movie escape, but having that option feels reassuring. In a windowless room, I’d be stuck relying solely on the door, and that’s not a gamble I’m thrilled to take.
5. The Sleep Argument Doesn’t Hold Up
I get it—some people swear by windowless rooms for uninterrupted sleep. Total darkness, no streetlights, no early sun ruining your slumber. But here’s the thing: blackout curtains exist. I’d rather have a room with a window I can control than one that forces me into sensory deprivation. Plus, I’m not a vampire. I don’t need to live in a coffin to catch some Zs.
When I’d (Maybe) Make an Exception
Look, I’m not saying I’d never book a windowless room. If it’s a last-minute deal, the only option left, or I’m just crashing for a few hours between flights, I could grit my teeth and deal. But as far as possible? No way.
