I’m going to Europe for the first time – is there anything different about European hotels I should know?

How exciting! European hotels run the gamet, just as U.S. hotels do. From charming little pensions to grand, centuries-old palaces and all the recognized brands in between, each offers a unique experience.

That said, here are a few differences that are common, though certainly not universal:

• rooms are generally smaller than in the U.S.
• washcloths may not be provided
• room lights may be operated by inserting your room key into a switch near the door
• electrical outlets will use the local current and there may be fewer of them
• in small establishments shared bathrooms are still common
• king size beds are less common and bed sizes in general may be different with twin beds quite common
• bed linens are often a sheet topped with a down cover that fits the top of the bed
• showers may not be enclosed and tubs may be half sized