Tips on How to Cook in a Hotel Room

[@jamesvoigt7275]

I use a counter-top induction cooking unit and take one compatible saucepan and one frying pan. I keep my induction unit in an old laptop cover (fits perfectly), and my motto is: Have stove, will travel. Induction units are more expensive than the small appliances often used, but I use mine as an extra cooking surface at home every day as well. It has proved a most excellent investment.

[@carolwoodward6141]

Me too.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

Great ideas!

[@cristinagarcia-up8zt]

I love this kind of videos, how frugal people can be, am also taking my microwave with me 😃hope I don’t get in trouble with the hotel 😉

[@rose-ld1mo]

We stayed in a $250/night hotel a few months ago and for four days our free "continental breakfast" was nothing but granola bars and nasty muffins. By the end of the trip we all felt sick from all the heavy carbs and sugar. This last trip this momma brought a griddle, toaster, reusable shatterproof cups plates bowls and silverware and dish drying mat that is for travel only. A mini spatula and mini dish scrubber and Dawn from the dollar tree. We bought a cutlery set off Amazon that had a paring knife with veggie peeler and a cutting board with a case that doubles as a "square bowl" for chopped food. We had shatterproof wine glasses and cork popper too. Basically a mini travel kitchen in their own large structured travel bag that is only used for hotels. Good thing too because this last resort wanted to charge $15/plate for frozen pancakes and waffles and for a family of four for even one day that's ridiculous. Next time I may take an extention cord so we can put the griddle at least by the open glass door if not maybe even out on the balcony.

[@MimisMixedBag]

One of the best things I ever bought my husband for Father's Day was an electric cooler. It heats or cools. It has saved us so much money keeping drinks and snacks in the hotel room.

[@kathyraygoza3299]

Really loved your tips. About your coffee pot, at the risk of sounding like a coffee snob my Nesspresso Pixie is packed and ready to go. We like toattend SciFi gatherngs. The Pixie did double service. We fixed my walker with a little platfom displaying the Pixie and we wore special t-shirts saying Intergalactic Cafe. You will travel skies for our coffee. I understand that some hotels now place Keurig or Nessreos in their rooms. How good that coffee smells and tastes along sweet bread you bought from the market. Happy trails toyou.

[@danielteegarden8982]

dish soap and sponge........well done. thky dan t palm springs ca USA I use new black yard trash bags in room trash containers for ice to keep drinks cold and cover with a towel . thanks sister , very smart.....

[@karenholman7975]

i've used my foreman grill in hotel cooked steak pork chops salmon and chicken breasts...wonderful loved it

[@cocacolafiesta]

Wrapping up your cooked chicken dinners and placing them in your George Forman to heat up would have worked also. The coffee maker can be used to heat up the green beans and such too. I have a small coffee maker and used it to heat up gravy and boiling water for dehydrated foods I had also. Using your dish soap is sufficient to give it a good cleaning. We traveled to our granddaughter’s wedding several states away from us and I also took our Gas One portable stove and collapsible Coleman oven that we used at parks and in the outdoor patios of some of our hotels. Gave the manager the extra leftover cinnamon rolls and she loved them!

[@bettyescookingchannel]

Thanks for sharing your tips on how to cook in a hotel room.

[@SSBMA1994]

Wow...I wanted to see a video follow up on how it went. But thanks for sharing

[@findingkellyann]

It went great. I do this all the time. Making things ahead that can be warmed in the crockpot are my go to hotel cooking meals, also pre making taco meat and having taco salads work well also.

[@CourtneysCockpit]

Omg thank you! I never thought of steak and potatoes!! I have a small rice cooker and a kettle as well.

[@findingkellyann]

I’m so glad you found this helpful! I filmed this before the Instapot was a thing. I’m sure one of those would be great in a hotel 😁

[@carrieljp]

When I saw you were sharing this video over twitter the other day I was so excited to watch it! You are so resourceful and I love that you're saving money by forgoing the kitchen but still cooking "home cooked" meals. Have fun in Disney!!!

[@findingkellyann]

Carrie LeighAnna Thanks!

[@davidmcfarland2531]

Great tips and ideas! Thank you

[@amyhowell4000]

Wow Kelly you are so organized. Have a wonderful trip xx

[@findingkellyann]

Amy Howell I am so grateful to be able to be a stay at home wife that I really try to save money where I can. Don't want Honey working himself into an early grave because of me ;)

[@jerrhann]

+DixieDebutantes Perhaps you should get off your butt and get a job!

[@helenr4205]

Why do you feel the need to be so judgemental? Leave people alone and keep your nastiness to yourself.

[@rainlyte2003]

I keep a sterilite tote (3-4" deep) under the back seat of my truck with Corelle ware, 2 coffee mugs and a plastic pencil box of flatware/ paring knife/ can opener that is a constant in our hotel stays. We also have a scrapbook rolling totet with our Hamilton Beach (k-cup knock-off), coffee/teas and dry foods such as quick oatmeal, dried fruits, canned foods that go with us when we stay at a hotel. $Tree is my grocery shopping stop on our way. Creative Blessings!

[@markcarey8426]

That pencil box for cutlery is a good idea.

[@conniefrancis2507]

I've done Disney on the cheap before. It can be done. With a lot of planning like your doing. I like to use my Crockpot. I take mine everywhere with me. Just another idea for you. Enjoy your trip. I hope you feel better.

[@juanettethompson7484]

Connie Francis Aww thanks I didn't think if that

[@Sorvea]

I have a rice cooker. Smaller and works about the same.

[@50tmack]

Great tips. We are actually going to Disney World and want to cook a couple of meals in a regular hotel room. Awesome your video was so close to what I searched for!

[@findingkellyann]

I have been bringing a waffle iron lately. Great for eggs or paninis. I make waffle batter ahead and bring it. Have fun on your trip, we are headed to Disney first week of December 😁

[@kylekakouris7865]

Awesome tips! Very useful for military families as we often get stuck in a hotel for a few months every three years during pcs moves. I also bring my crockpot! (Mrs. K)

[@mamadillo9994]

Kyle Kakouris: My husband was a career USN guy (as was my father, now long deceased), and I remember well those 2-3 month "camping trips," as my mother referred to them. This is a tad off topic but may be *very* useful to our military folks, whether still active duty or retired. I'm not sure about reserve status, but it might be worth checking out. There is a fairly large military-owned motel here on our base, as well as 15 or so separate little cottages. Nothing especially fancy, we've been told, but "almost free" is a pretty good trade-off for triple-sheeted king beds and turn-down service. All these wonderful tips for cooking in hotel rooms brought to mind one other note of caution: many of the on-base facilities are booked well in advance, so if you're interested, call the specific base for specific info on terms, costs, and how early to try to book or a cottage. The motel, btw, is smack on a large river, perhaps 200' from the water; the cottages are perhaps 1/2 mile down the road. Hope this turns out to be useful info for someone.

[@kareniceland]

Some Disney hotels have a beverage cooler in the room not a refrigerator, you may want to check for storing meats.

[@deborahharris7217]

Don't take your coffee pot. They have coffee pots and coffee with all the condiments in your room. One less thing to take. Good luck with cooking in your room. People on a certain Disney site are rather grumpy about it. Please don't misunderstand me. I am totally with you and am very anxious to see how gracious your neighbors will be. Fingers crossed as I would love to do this!! You guys have fun. Can not wait to see it all! Drive safely and prayers that your cold will be completely gone before you head out.

[@findingkellyann]

deborah harris I know they have all the coffee fixins in the hotel but I like all my own "stuff". I can never get their coffee to taste the way I want it :) I will let you know if I have any problems with my neighbors.

[@arisaleon1590]

Thank you very much for the information I really liked your video INFINITE BLESSINGS.

[@ayanchakrabarti1158]

Very very helpful and lovely video! Thanks a lot for people like us who loves traveling on a small budget!

[@shippermd]

You should bring an Instant Pot! It does everything! I have the IP Mini and I bring that everywhere!!

[@findingkellyann]

I haven’t ventured into the Instapot yet. I have one, just don’t know how to use it 😜

[@shinyam75]

great ideas! I am going on an extended trip, and never thought to bring my mini Foreman grill. Thanks, it will make some great steaks and chicken!

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Look for a smaller hotpot, microwave safe Tupperware and a camping missile spice container. Holds many spices, smaller design than taking all spice containers. I use a back pack picnic set. Has all the utensils and stuff, helps hold and keep organized the portable kitchen. Lol I use powdered potatoes, for mashed potatoes and a jar of gravy. For water get travel berkey filter bottles. Excellent idea on the George foreman! I am going to pick one up! I've been thinking of getting a Tupperware vintage picnic set for longer trips. But great video! Thanks!

[@lindseymapes9666]

I loved this video! My husband and I had to move out of our apartment because of a pipe burst! I would have never thought to use a George foreman while we are stuck living in a hotel :)

[@sophiemughal]

I really want to try this for our regular hotel trips. By the evening spending a day out we are usually too tired and force ourselves and 3 children out to find a restaurant! After a day or 2 this becomes way too expensive! Ive always been too scared to cook in a room in fear of the smoke alarm going off! How does all this steam and cooking not trigger the smoke detectors at hotels??

[@kassandratownhill1556]

It does trigger smoke alarm and you will be charged additional cleaning fee

[@hobohacker258]

Perc'd coffee? smells the BEST!, but about the worst way to make coffee. I wouldn't grill in a room. Too closed in, the steam/oil/smell will linger too long.

[@8digitPDX]

Yeah, years ago my mother taught me the way to travel is to stay in cheap accommodations but go out to the nicer restaurants. If you are going to go with cheap accommodations AND cooking for yourself, then you might as well just camp...

[@WLeo-kz5yy]

I like that thought. I guess we do the opposite. We stay at a nicer hotel, and save money by cooking

[@dolcevita713]

Nice hotel and cook is the way to go!

[@kylekakouris7865]

Can you do tips on cleaning the grill in the hotel?

[@lilyandrose8557]

Perhaps bring a spray bottle of water and vinegar to help keep it clean, along with using the paper towels.

[@anjaylah]

on the potatoes... wrap a regulars potatoes in damp paper towel and then microwave for 5 min.. these plastic wrapped potatoes are a scam

[@patriciamamani4139]

I also bring those cheerios cereal cups, banana and blueberries for breakfast....Thanks for the video

[@michelle10261]

Thank you so much my hubby and i have to travel for ma to have an operation. And we will be staying in a motel for 2 night and it has a microwave,a toaster and a jug. so we will be taking cooked food to microwave. thank you for sharing

[@findingkellyann]

michelle from down under in bundy Good luck on the surgery! I'm glad this video helped with your plans.

[@FilipinaVanLifeAubry]

Thanks for sharing this. A new friend here from Texas

[@caliyaqui8631]

Im in my hotel and forgot the dish washing saop and sponge 😂 Hotel towel it is and shampoo 🤦

[@mamafylees3344]

Lol. HahaHa. I had to laugh.

[@Adeline9418]

I'm trying NOT to use my oven and stove. I have a toaster oven to replace my oven and microwave. To replace stovetop I use my rice cooker and instant pot. I'm going to buy a cheap kettle to boil water for coffee etc. Also an electric skillet for bacon. Don't use my Toaster oven for bacon. Too messy.

[@SiliconBong]

Thank you community channel :P

[@KarasekUS]

Get a small rice cooker and/or a small crock pot.

[@arisaleon1590]

Thank you !!very much for the information I really liked your video INFINITE BLESSINGS.

[@PonyGirl004]

This is a great video! I know you posted this a while ago but I wanted to comment for others that I made the mistake of calling my hotel to ask about cooking in the room and they told me that if I used a small George Foreman grill or something the fire alarm would go off. :( I was trying to save money but I know they have a few onsite restaurants I'm thinking they just want me to spend $ there instead, but now I'm scared to try. I'm left w/the microwave booo! It's crazy I recently stayed in Colorado Springs for 2 weeks and paid 50% less for twice the time I'm spending for a hotel in Orlando and that place had a FULL kitchen inside the room and free muffins and coffee every morning. Crazy expensive in these resorts in Orlando and hardly any amenities.

[@findingkellyann]

I always say the more expensive the less amenities you get :( I have never had the fire alarm go off when I used the george forman. If you use a crock pot you don't have to worry about the alarm :) It is crazy how expensive some of the hotels are around Orlando, especially on Disney property. You could always supplement restaurant meals with easy breakfasts like protein shakes (I have a travel blender) or oatmeal you can make with the hot water from the coffee maker. Make ahead snacks, like cheese and crackers, fruit and sandwiches will help save you money.

[@meditationgirl8593]

How did you scramble the eggs? What did you use? Thanks

[@findingkellyann]

Not sure what part of the video you are referencing but I usually make eggs and breakfast wraps at home and bring them already prepared.

[@AnnDunnington]

Yes yes yes!! I loooove this.

[@rameezamurtaza]

I must say this is the most wanted video I was waiting for. can u pls update more video like if we r travelling to Europe , and we want halal food over there what we should pack for us , as I have 3 kids and kids always want to eat alot so if we r planning to Europe for 12 days what we should pack ? thanks alot and keep on uploading video

[@Justmeandmythoughts55]

You forgot a home made first aid kit . In places or cities like that you want to spend NO money there . its good to bring as much as you can you never know .

[@Ourritzlife]

Loved this video!!! I am already a subscriber of you and Maureen. My husband and I travel quite a bit. I am a major foodie and am always cooking. We are not fans of restaurants. Overpriced and you never know what the kitchen looks like. 😳 Anyway.......I recently discovered that you and I have 2 things in common. First, I have those same salt & pepper shakers. I love vintage!! Also, Maureen and my oldest daughter were born on the same day (8/12/92)! Guess that means we were in labor together. LOL! I started a channel last December to connect with other women my age (46) 😱. Our age group has a lot to offer the younger generation don't you think? Take care!!!

[@nunyabizness9459]

Ourritzlife HAHAHAHA “I am a major foodie” but you refuse to eat at restaurants because they’re “overpriced” so you only cook at home. God you people must be a joy to travel with. If I rolled my eyes any harder at your ridiculous attitude I’d see the back of my freaking skull.

[@mamadillo9994]

Gosh, Nunya, the only childish insult you missed out on was calling Ourritzlife a fscking Boomer. Once you get get a little more maturity (I know it's really tough to be in your teens and unable to demonstrate even rudimentary writing skills. Perhaps when your lack of education is overcome through intensive tutoring you'll have enough language skills and spare time hunting for a job to research the concept of civility. Very few employers offer entrance-level jobs in which a prime prerequisite is a juvenile snottiness displayed with an entertaining lack of judgment. I'd also suggest you be careful with that "rolling your eyes" stuff to see into your skull. It's entirely possible, given the evident lack of anything in there, that your eyes might just drop down into your skull and get stuck there. I do have a compliment for you, however, concerning your ability to recognize your one positive character trait and to feel very comfortable with your own inability to stay out of other peoples' business. You chose a particularly appropriate user name. Not especially clever, but appropriate. Have to start somewhere, hmm?

[@Jodi3175]

Love this video!!

[@untouchablemiz]

So glad I found your channel. I am also from PBC :)

[@findingkellyann]

Simply_Mari I'm glad you found me too!

[@cherylgalloway6371]

Did you have issues while cooking in your room?

[@findingkellyann]

+Cheryl Galloway No one gave us a hard time

[@cherylgalloway6371]

+DixieDebutantes awesome! My fiancé likes your George Foreman grill idea lol :)

[@planetusa1]

don't most hotels have coffee makers in the room?

[@cybern9ne]

She's using it too boil food. That's why she got the percolator type.

[@resilienceofagypsy3998]

There’s free ice water at Disney parks? Not at Disneyland Paris!

[@Cklei89]

So I a newer subscriber and came on to you because of your daughter. I always cook in our hotel room! We have a baby so eating it one meal out a day and splitting what we do have between the two of us helps us to go on vacations even cheaper. We pack our own travel microwave that we got at Walmart :)

[@findingkellyann]

Carolyn Klei The microwave is a great idea! I have traveled with my crockpot, I cook the meals ahead of time and use it mostly to heat up.

[@SoundMediaVibes]

So, where's the cooking? duh

[@findingkellyann]

+Alex A I see your point! I changed the title of the video so I could eliminate any confusion. Thanks for your input!

[@christopherkidd7977]

You could make that same exact same point without being rude.

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Christopher Kidd Well, if I said 'misleading title' would that be more rude?

[@chriskidd1344]

+Alex A No, that would be perfectly acceptable. Just removing the "duh" at the end of your first comment would have been an improvement.

[@daniquebaker91]

grow a pair Chris Kidd

[@marjoriedillard3419]

I love video

[@paulathompson7345]

knives cannot go in carry ons

[@findingkellyann]

We drove to our destination

[@Adeline9418]

Rice Cooker. Does it all

[@skz44]

I didn't know that Disneys are that expensive

[@omegajackson]

Not to be vulger but FUCK YEA... Ths was awesome. I learned so much not going to disney. I went a decade ago.

[@monicamonroe2255]

where the cooking.

[@kmsy200]

Seriously stake in the hotel , smell goes all over if they found out you will be more charge than going out for eating

[@KianaNoursMusic]

Girl this is not healthy food at all!!

[@resilienceofagypsy3998]

Dreamz this was my first thought, however it was 2015 and I’m hoping she’s changed her mindset now. In 2015 I’d have thought chickens and steaks were healthy foods too.

[@danielaagu6679]

Not all you call "healthy" really is.

[@findingkellyann]

👍🏻

[@jerrhann]

Let's face it - you are in no position to go on vacation. You and yours are broke! Forget the trip, pay off your bills, go to school and get better jobs. It is no vacation if you are doing all that cooking in your room! Oh, yeah - don't ruin the room for the next family with your cheap cooking!!!

[@findingkellyann]

I'm so glad you can tell my whole financial story from this simple "tips" video! Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I guess being so frugal that we carry no debt wouldn't be worth mentioning.

[@Stephie2007]

Aren't you a little ray of sunshine? *eye roll* She could easily rent a condo and do her cooking from there while on vacation but because of budget and timing (life is quite the baseball player believe it or not) this was the option she had to go with. I'm moving into a new place and staying in an extended stay hotel on someone else's dime while paperwork and inspection process, most of my stuff is in storage and my laptop, backpack I take with me to work, suitcase and food are with me (I used a rolling cooler, 2 boxes and a Whole Foods bag to take it from my old apartment to the hotel I'm staying in) This hotel also provides (if you ask them because apparently at this location, they don't stock their rooms) pots, pans, bowls, spoons, forks, knives, dishes, glassware and even dish liquid (it used to be an Extended Stay America according to the back of the dish liquid packets. It's now a Crossland Economy Studios) Anyway, you came off as kind of rude to her and as someone who's also living on a budget (read also: Living off of a low income and gets SSI due to disability) I took offense to that and thus thumbs your comment down.

[@ellieb8171]

jerrhann who rattled your cage sweetie

[@deejo1823]

hehe

[@infocat13]

Hotel . and hostel room cooking is lots of fun !