Not all modern hotels, especially international hotels, provide an iron and ironing board as a standard amenity like a coffee maker or television, though many hotels, especially luxury, business, or four-star hotels, will provide them upon request from the front desk or have them available in a common laundry area. Factors like budget hotel types, regional customs, and potential fire safety regulations can affect whether an iron is in-room or even available at all. To ensure you have an iron and ironing board, check the hotel's website or call them before your stay to confirm availability or to see if they can provide one.
Another option is to travel with your own iron to quickly remove wrinkles from clothes. If you are traveling to a different country, check if your iron is dual-voltage. If not, you might need a voltage converter and plug adapter. (See Voltage Adapters & Converters for help selecting what you need.) A better option is to travel with a dual-voltage iron allowing you to use it in any country with a simple plug adapter, and eliminating the need for a voltage converters. Beyond international travel, they can also be used in RVs or boats that may have different voltage systems, providing versatility in various situations.
What About Other Options?
If you do not wish to use an iron, other alternatives exist.
Portable steam iron/steamer: Compact travel steamers are a good alternative. They are lightweight, portable, and eliminate the need for an iron and ironing board.
Damp cloth & hair dryer: Lay your wrinkled garment on a flat surface covered with a towel, place a lightly dampened cloth over the garment, and then use a hair dryer on high heat to remove the wrinkles.
Laundry service: Many hotels and accommodations offer a pressing service for a fee, although this can be expensive.
Improvised Ironing Surfaces
If you have an iron but no ironing board, you may be able use one of the following options:
Towel and flat surface: Lay a thick, dry towel on a stable, heat-resistant surface such as a wooden table or counter.
Bed or mattress: Place a thick towel over the mattress and use the bed as your ironing surface.
Note: Always cover the improvised ironing board surface with an ironing blanket or thick towel to protect it from heat and moisture, especially when ironing on a bed or carpeted floor.
Preventative Measures
A couple of preventative measures may help eliminate the need to iron or steam your clothes.
Wrinkle-resistant fabrics: Choose clothing made from materials that resist wrinkles, such as polyester blends, modal, or tencel.
Rolling technique: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to prevent creases from forming.
Features to Look for in a Quality Travel Iron
If you choose to purchase a travel iron, consider the following features:
Size and Weight: Ensure the iron is truly compact and lightweight to fit into your luggage without adding excessive bulk.
Dual Voltage: If you plan to travel internationally, a dual-voltage iron is crucial for compatibility with different electrical outlets.
Temperature: Fast heat-up paired with adjustable temperature and reliable steam functions ensures efficient wrinkle removal and versatile fabric care.
Safety Features: Look for features like a heatproof base for safe resting and an ergonomic design for ease of use in small hotel rooms.
Intended Use: Travel irons are excellent for quick touch-ups on shirts, dresses, and travel fabrics, but may not be ideal for large-scale ironing or heavy-duty pressing.
I purchased a travel, dual-voltage iron years ago but have never used it. (We take a travel steamer and may use an iron if one is provided by the hotel.) However, here is an Amazon Link to a highly-rated product from Sunbeam.
