Why You Won’t Find A Microwave In Your Hotel Room

  • By: pdstamp
  • Date: May 25, 2023

When you book a room in a hotel, you anticipate that it comes with certain amenities, such as basic toiletries, coffee, and a bathrobe. A helpful amenity would be a microwave, but hotel rooms don’t have them. Why is this?   

Hotels don’t have microwaves because they want to prevent guests from making food in their rooms and encourage them to dine in the hotel’s restaurant or order room service. Also, preparing food in the room can lead to a mess, which can be costly for the hotel to clean. 

In this article, I’ll explain why most hotels don’t have microwaves in their rooms. I’ll also explain how you can solve this problem to the mutual satisfaction of both you and the hotel. Let’s dive right in! 

Why Do Hotels Not Have Microwaves?

Hotels don’t have microwaves in rooms to encourage guests to use the hotel’s dining and room service facilities for eating. They also don’t want the guests to make a mess in the room when preparing food in the microwave because it can be challenging and time-consuming to clean.

Another reason is that some guests won’t use the microwave correctly. For instance, a non-microwave-safe container to heat up food could melt and destroy the microwave. Also, a spoon in the microwave can cause sparking and result in it catching fire.

Running the microwave empty can also damage it, causing the hotel to buy a new one, an unnecessary and unwanted cost.

Can You Request a Microwave at a Hotel?

You can request a microwave at a hotel but make sure you do this in advance before coming to the hotel. Although a microwave doesn’t typically come at a cost, it might take the hotel a while to set it up for you.

If your hotel won’t provide a microwave in your room, they might have one in a common area that you can use. For instance, you could use one that’s located in the breakfast dining room. Some hotels have microwaves located near vending machines or ice machines.

If you want to check if your hotel can provide a microwave in your room, consult their website for more information. Alternatively, send them an email or call them to inquire. 

Most hotels wouldn’t be happy if you want to bring your own microwave, as they have no way of knowing if it’s electrically compliant and not a fire hazard. 

Does Marriott Have Microwave?

Most Marriott hotels don’t have microwaves. Those that offer them only in their suites, not in their rooms. However, most Marriott hotels offer the use of a microwave in their lobby, 24 hours a day, without charge. 

If you want a microwave in your room while staying at a Marriott hotel, you can request one while booking your stay or upon arrival at the front desk. They’ll be happy to accommodate you if they can. 

The Marriott hotel also has a web page and a mobile app with a list of amenities for every hotel. You can check if your suite or room has a microwave to make things less complicated.

Do Hilton Hotels Have Microwaves?

Hilton Hotels don’t have microwaves, but you can request one to be placed in your room. This must be arranged in advance while booking your stay, so the hotel can ensure enough microwaves are available.

However, if you need anything re-heated, the Hilton hotel staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with your request. Alternatively, you can call the front desk and ask if they have a microwave for guests’ use, or you can use the one in their breakfast room.  

How Do You Warm Up Food in a Hotel Room Without a Microwave?

You can warm up food in a hotel room without a microwave by steaming it. Boil water in an electric kettle and pour it into the metal ice bucket. Insert a cup with your food into the ice bucket, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil and let it steam for a few minutes. You can also use the coffee maker. 

If you want to use the room’s coffee machine, use the coffee maker’s top basket to put your food in and steam it until it reaches the desired temperature. 

A hairdryer can also warm food, but this method is tedious and will take a long time. 

If you’re more adventurous, you can try cooking meals in your hotel room using the electric kettle. Examples of food you can cook in the kettle include: 

  • Pasta 
  • Porridge
  • Instant noodles
  • Hard-boiled eggs 
  • Vegetables

If you feel like making bacon or eggs, place them in a large piece of foil, and fold it over, sealing the edges well. Then, place a scorching hot iron on the foil and keep it there for a few minutes. Bake your meal until it’s ready. This is a legitimate cooking technique called en papillote.

Can You Order Takeout To Your Hotel Room? 

Preparing food in your hotel room involves a lot of work, and you might not want to go to the effort. However, If you don’t feel like paying the high prices for room service or eating in the hotel’s restaurant, you might wonder if you can order takeout to your room. 

Most hotels allow guests to order takeout to their rooms. However, each hotel has its own policy. Some require the food to be dropped off and collected at reception, while others allow delivery directly to your room. 

An excellent takeout option is DoorDash because you can choose from a wide range of options at reasonable prices. Alternatively, consider going to a convenience store close to your hotel and buying some ready-made food, such as a hotdog, sandwich, or sushi. 

Conclusion

Hotels generally don’t have microwaves because they want guests to use their dining facilities or order room service. 

With the help of the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you can cut out the middleman and prepare a whole meal without using a microwave. Alternatively, order takeout to your room.