What to Pack for a Romantic Overnight Hotel Stay

Many couples like to indulge in weekend getaways to romantic hotels for occasions like anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Whether you're taking your first overnight trip with your significant other or celebrating 50 years of marriage, walking into a hotel room with your beloved instantly brings a new energy to your relationship. In addition to the usual toothpaste, toothbrush and phone charger you always pack for overnight stays, you'll need to bring some extras to set off the sparks. Even a budget hotel can feel like a luxury resort when you pack the right items.

When you're spending money on a room for a romantic weekend or overnight stay with your significant other, there's no need to waste time or money heading out to a restaurant. Pack a picnic you can enjoy in private. Since you may not have access to an oven or even a microwave, keep things simple by packing food you can graze on and feed to each other, such as slices of bread, chunks of cheese, chocolate-covered strawberries and grapes. Pick up some fresh berries for dessert and a bottle of wine or champagne. Fill the ice bucket as soon as you check in and chill the bottle until it's time to eat. Don't forget the bottle opener and a pair of wine glasses.

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If the hotel allows, you might also bring some scented candles to set the mood further and add some nice smelling scents to your romantic date night together.

You may want to freshen up when you first arrive, especially if you've had a long trip. Bring scented soap and moisturizing lotion for either a full shower or a quick wash, as well as some perfume or cologne to spritz on. Pack a razor and shaving cream as well so you can have perfectly smooth skin. You'll both need clothes to wear home the next day, and for your romantic night in, women should pack some new lingerie (as well as a comfy t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants to change into after the lingerie is no longer comfortable). Men get off a little easier and need only to pack clean underwear.

If your room comes with a bathtub, bring a bottle of bubble bath so you can enjoy a soak together. You may opt to bring a few scented candles and matches to set up around the tub. Bring a bottle of massage oil so you can take turns giving each other rub-downs as well as a portable speaker for your phone so you can spin your favorite playlists to get in the mood. Unless you've agreed not to use it in advance, at least one of you needs to bring contraceptives. You could also add rose petals to the packing list to spread on the hotel bed for added spice!

Although all your attention will be focused on your night of romance, think about the rest of your trip as well. In cold weather, you may want to wear lingerie for the earlier part of the night, but pack some warmer pajamas to snuggle up in for sleeping. If the hotel you are going to stay in has a pool and/or hot tub or whirlpool, be sure to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, flip flops, and a cover-up. Bring your usual toiletries such as shampoo and deodorant so you can clean up in the morning before heading home. Make the trip really memorable by bringing along a little gift for your significant other; sneak a piece of jewelry into your bag to give her, or gift him with tickets for another getaway a few months down the road.