Most office-goers today have to tour extensively and this involves a hotel stay. Apart from the rigours of jet lag and the hectic work schedules, it's often tough to sleep in an unfamiliar hotel room.

1. Location is integral to relaxation : The location of your room is vital in getting a good night sleep. Certain locations will most definitely be noisier than others. Also, if you know that there is a certain floor on which some construction work is underway, try and avoid it

2. Choose the right floor : The highest floor is the best spot. If you can't get the highest, then try to get on a floor that is a 'concierge' or 'suite' level. Higher floor levels often have more suites, so the ceiling heights are taller. This is good for 'air-cushioning' the noise that may come through the ceiling from an above room. Avoid the first floor, as it will be the loudest and if you are a woman traveller, the least safe. Try and be on the second floor for safety.

3. Floor Fantasies : The middle of a guest floor is often the best location, away from the elevators, ice and vending machines, exit stairs and service closets (linens, housekeeping and janitor). In particular, guest and service elevator machinery is loud and can be heard through the walls of your room.

4. Avoid Repair Work : Hotels go through periodic renovations. Most however do their renovations in stages. They usually renovate one floor at a time, which means that the hotel may have newly renovated rooms, as well as worn-out rooms. Always ask for the most newly renovated, as they will be cleaner, smell fresh, have newer linens, all helping you to feel more comfortable during your stay.

5. No-Smoking Rooms and Hotels : If you are sensitive to smoke, opt for hotels that are smoke-free.

6. Curtains : Most hotel rooms come with two or three sets of curtains. 'Black-out' curtains, sheers and decorative curtains. The 'black-out' curtains are sleep friendly. These black-out your room so that light from outside of the hotel can not infiltrate and disturb you. Ask for rooms that have them. At least you won't be woken up by police car lights, billboards, parking lot lights or an earlier than optimal sunrise time.

7. Do Not Disturb : Always remember to put out your 'Do Not Disturb' sign before you go to bed. This is especially important when you are on vacation. More often than not, the housekeeping schedule starts much earlier than your vacation routine.

8. Alarm Clock & Wake Up Call : Most tired business travellers tend to miss their early morning meetings. To ensure your schedule remains on...schedule, call down for a wake up call and set the alarm. One of these may fail, but rarely will both.