Family room sharing: How to stay cool and comfortable
The products in this guide were provided by British Boxers, all opinions and experiences are my own.
Family holidays are a fun way to make memories. But when it comes to the practical side of things, it can sometimes feel a bit tricky. This is especially true when you are sharing a family hotel room.
My partner and I often share a family room with our adult son. It just makes sense for us. Because he has some learning disabilities, staying together means we can support him easily. It also saves a lot of money compared to booking two separate rooms. But sharing a room with an adult means you have to think carefully about privacy, modesty and comfort. This can include sleeping in pyjamas and changing in the bathroom!
This year, we are heading to some beautiful spots in Europe. Our itinerary includes France, Spain and Mallorca. We cannot wait for the sunshine, the food and the relaxing days by the pool. However, if you have ever been to southern Europe in the summer, you will know just how hot the nights can get.
Trying to sleep in a warm room while making sure everyone feels comfortable and respected is a challenge, to say the least. You need the right holiday essentials to make it work. I have put together this guide to share what works for us. From finding the perfect pyjamas or sleepwear to packing smart, these tips will help your family have a stress-free trip.
Why getting your sleepwear right is vital
When you share a room with an adult child, wandering around in your underwear is simply out of the question, especially for opposite genders. You need proper pyjamas, whilst Ben and Stuart often are happy in boxer shorts it just doesn’t work for me! But when the temperature stays high all night, heavy nightwear is a terrible idea. You need something that keeps you fully covered while keeping you cool.
This is where finding the right fabric is so important. Synthetic materials trap heat and sweat. Natural fabrics allow your skin to breathe. For our upcoming trip, I have found some great choices in a brand called British Boxers. They make the most comfortable nightwear that is perfect and balances modesty with staying cool. I have been able to try this with the recent heatwave in the UK too!
Finding the perfect pyjamas for women
For myself, I needed something that looked smart enough to wear while lounging around the hotel room in the evening. Something I could wear on the balcony, read in if I want to, without being anxious about other rooms seeing me. But it also had to be lightweight. I decided on the Women’s Crisp Cotton 3/4 Length Pyjama Set in the Marrakesh Paisley print from British Boxers. They are part of the new season range and are lovely luxury nightwear that feel so nice as they are 100% cotton. Quality and stylish, perfect for a new pair for a holiday!
These pyjamas are an absolute dream for hot holidays. The crisp cotton feels amazing against the skin and helps regulate your body temperature.
I love the design details on this set. It features a collared shirt with a lovely curved hem and a small breast pocket. The trousers are cropped with a comfortable tie-waist. The three-quarter length is perfect because it covers my legs enough for modesty, but leaves my ankles free to stay cool. The Marrakesh Paisley pattern is also beautiful and feels very summery. It is exactly what you need when sitting on a balcony in Spain, reading my kindle before bed.
Keeping the men cool and comfortable
My partner and my son also needed something suitable for the hot nights in Mallorca, mainland Spain and France.
I picked out the Men’s Crisp Cotton Short Pyjama Set in the Navy Spark Stripe for them, also from British Boxers. These are brilliant for a shared family room. They come with a short-sleeved button-up shirt and matching shorts. Because they are made from crisp 100% cotton, they do not cling to the body when the room gets warm.
The Navy Spark Stripe design is classic and smart. It means if somoene knocks on the door, or if one of us needs to pop down to the hotel reception, they are decently dressed. Having matching sets also makes packing much easier. I highly recommend investing in good-quality cotton sleepwear for everyone in the family. It really changes how well you sleep on holiday.
Top tips for sleeping in hot weather
Even with the best cotton pyjamas, a heatwave in southern Europe can make sleeping difficult. When you have three adults in one room, the body heat adds up quickly. Here are some of the best ways to stay cool.
Keep the curtains closed during the day. As tempting as it is to look out at the beautiful views in France or Spain, sunlight heats up the room quickly. Keep the windows and curtains shut during the hottest parts of the day. You can open them once the sun goes down to let a breeze in. This is a top tip recommended by the NHS for coping in hot weather.
Take a cool shower before bed. This is a great habit to get into. A cool or lukewarm shower lowers your core body temperature. It also washes off all the sticky suncream and salt from the beach.
Manage the air conditioning carefully. If your room has air conditioning, do not set it to freezing cold. The Sleep Foundation suggests that the best temperature for sleep is around 18 degrees Celsius. If the room is too cold, you might wake up shivering. If the air conditioning is too noisy, you might want to switch it off and use a quiet travel fan instead.
Stay hydrated all day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, try not to drink a huge bottle of water right before bed, or you will be waking up to use the bathroom all night. When you are sharing a room, constantly getting up can wake everyone else, except Ben, as I have shared before, he can sleep through absolutely anything!
Smart packing tips for family holidays
Packing for three adults in one room requires some serious organisation. You do not want a messy room with clothes all over the place. A tidy room helps keep stress levels low.
I use packing cubes for everyone and it makes a huge difference. Give everyone a different colour of packing cube. When you arrive at the hotel, you can simply lift the cubes out of the suitcase and place them in the drawers. It stops everything from getting mixed up. Fold your pyjamas and put them on your pillow instead of just chucking them on the bed!
Pack a multi-plug adaptor. Three adults mean three phones, maybe a tablet, some earphones and a camera. Hotel rooms never have enough plug sockets. An extension lead with multiple USB ports is an absolute lifesaver.
Bring an eye mask and earplugs. When you share a room, people might go to sleep at different times. Someone might be like me and want to read a book with the lamp on. Earplugs help block out snoring, and an eye mask blocks out the light.
Do not forget your basic toiletries and medical supplies. When travelling as a family, it is easy to forget the little things. If you need tips on what basics to pack, I have a great guide on road trip essentials. You should also make sure you are prepared for any unexpected surprises. For example, dealing with your period on holiday can be annoying, so always pack supplies just in case.
Think about your budget. Holidays are expensive. Booking one room instead of two helps a lot. If you are looking for other ways to save money on your next trip, take a look at my post on the top cheapest travel destinations for some inspiration.
Setting ground rules for a shared space
When you are living closely together in a hotel room for a week or two, you need some basic rules. This helps avoid arguments and keeps the holiday fun for everyone.
Create a bathroom schedule. With three adults, you need a plan for the mornings and evenings. We usually agree on an order for who showers first. This stops people from waiting around and getting grumpy.
Designate a changing area. Even with lovely British Boxers pyjamas on, you still need to get changed into your day clothes. The bathroom is usually the best place for this. This ensures everyone has total privacy.
Keep the room tidy. It is easy for a hotel room to become a disaster zone. Make it a rule that everyone puts their own shoes away and hangs up their wet towels. A messy room feels much smaller and hotter than a tidy one.
Give each other some space. Just because you are sharing a room does not mean you have to spend every single second together. It is completely fine for one person to stay in the room in pyjamas and read, while the others go for a walk or sit by the pool. Having a little bit of alone time is healthy.
Making the most of your European getaway
Travelling to places like France, Spain and Mallorca is exciting. The culture, the beaches and the food are amazing. Sharing a room should not take away from the joy of the holiday. In fact, it can bring you closer together.
We love spending the evenings sitting on our hotel balcony. We play games, chat about what we did that day, and plan the next morning. It is a lovely way to bond. And because we are all wearing comfortable, lightweight sleepwear, we can relax completely.
Remember to take things at a slow pace. The heat in southern Europe can be tiring. Do not try to pack too many activities into one day. Enjoy long lunches in the shade, take a nap in the afternoon, and go out for dinner later in the evening when it is cooler. This relaxed routine is exactly what a family holiday should be about.
My thoughts on family room sharing
Sharing a family hotel room with a partner and an adult child requires a bit of extra planning. But it is entirely doable and can be a lot of fun.
The secret lies in packing smart and respecting each other’s needs. Finding the right pyjamas is a huge part of this. Investing in crisp cotton pyjamas keeps you modest and cool, leading to a better night’s sleep. When everyone sleeps well, everyone wakes up happy and ready to enjoy the holiday.
Take a look at the sleepwear options available, get your packing cubes sorted, and start looking forward to a fantastic trip. With a little bit of preparation, your summer holiday in the sun will be one to remember for all the right reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to share a hotel room with an adult child?
Yes, it is very common. Many families choose to share a room to save on accommodation costs. It is also a practical choice if your child needs extra support or if you simply enjoy staying together as a family.
What is the best material to wear to bed in a hot country?
Crisp, lightweight cotton is one of the best materials for hot weather. It is breathable and absorbs moisture, helping to keep your body temperature down. Synthetic materials like polyester should be avoided because they trap heat. This is especially important with pyjamas as you wake if you are too hot or cold!
How do you maintain privacy when sharing a single room?
Using the bathroom as a designated changing area is the easiest way to ensure privacy. You can also buy modest pyjamas, such as long shorts and three-quarter length trousers, so everyone feels comfortable lounging in the main room.
How can I make a hot hotel room cooler without air conditioning?
Keep the curtains and windows closed during the day to block the sun. Open them at night to let the cooler air circulate. You can also pack a small travel fan and take a cool shower right before getting into bed.
Do you like the pyjamas I chose for us? Let me know in the comments below. Would this make you consider British Boxers for pyjamas if you haven’t previously? I hope so, as I can honestly say they are amazing pyjamas!
