Planning a trip and wondering how to properly observe Shabbat while staying in a hotel? You’re not alone!
Shabbat is a sacred and rejuvenating time each week—a gift that allows us to step away from the everyday routine and connect more deeply with G-d. Yet, when you’re spending Shabbat outside your home—especially in a hotel—observing it fully can require some extra preparation and awareness.
From electronic sensors and automatic doors to key cards and carrying restrictions, hotel stays can present unique halachic (Jewish law) challenges. The good news is that with some foresight and planning, you can enjoy a restful and meaningful Shabbat away from home.
Before You Arrive
If you know you’ll be spending Shabbat in a hotel, it’s wise to contact the hotel in advance to discuss any potential Shabbat-related issues. Upon arrival, you might also wish to speak with the staff to explain your needs—most hotels are quite accommodating once they understand your requests.
Common Issues and Helpful Solutions
Electronic Sensors
Modern hotels often use “smart” systems that automatically control lights, air conditioning, and even toilets. While convenient during the week, these features can pose halachic challenges on Shabbat.
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Room Sensors: You can usually cover motion or temperature sensors with paper or tape to disable them temporarily.
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Hallway Lights: If motion-sensitive lights brighten the hallway as you pass, you may ignore them if the area was already lit. But if the hallway is dark, try asking the hotel to keep the lights on continuously over Shabbat.
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Power-Activation Slots: Some hotels require inserting your room key into a slot to activate lights or climate control. Request a spare key to leave in the slot for Shabbat.
Motion-Activated Toilets
If you discover that the toilet flushes automatically, don’t panic—there are acceptable workarounds.
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Place a tissue or paper towel over the sensor before using the toilet. When you walk away, your movement won’t directly trigger the flush.
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Alternatively, move away in an unusual manner (e.g., on your heels or the sides of your feet), which halachically counts as indirect activation.
Security Cameras
If unavoidable, it’s permissible to walk past security cameras on Shabbat.
Electronic Doors and Key Cards
Many hotels have automatic doors or electronic key systems.
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Automatic Doors: Ask in advance if there’s a manual door you can use (like a side or staff entrance). If not, you may wait for someone else to open it and follow them inside—being careful not to activate the sensor yourself.
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Key Cards: Electronic key cards cannot be used on Shabbat and are considered muktzah (items that should not be handled).
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Some hotels catering to observant guests offer mechanical keys.
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Otherwise, ask the hotel staff to unlock your room before Shabbat or as needed.
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If you don’t mind keeping your door unlocked, you can tape the latch, insert paper into the latch hole, or use a discreet string tied to the handle that allows you to open it from the outside. Always test this before Shabbat.
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Carrying
Carrying objects in public spaces on Shabbat is generally forbidden unless the area is enclosed and considered one private domain (eruv).
A hotel, with all rooms owned by a single entity and connected by enclosed hallways, is typically considered one domain, allowing you to carry within it. However, opinions vary, and you should follow your rabbi’s guidance—especially if you plan to go outside or between buildings.
Mini Bars and Refrigerators
If the minibar charges automatically when items are removed, you should not use it on Shabbat. If it’s manually checked by staff, it’s fine.
Before using the fridge, check whether the light turns on when opened. If so, unscrew the bulb or cover the switch with tape before Shabbat.
Elevators
Using a regular elevator on Shabbat involves multiple prohibitions. Request a lower floor so you can use the stairs. Some hotels have a “Shabbat elevator” that runs automatically; consult your rabbi for proper use.
Lighting Shabbat Candles and Meals
Even when traveling, lighting Shabbat candles is an essential mitzvah. Some hotels allow candles in designated areas; if not, you can use electric Shabbat-approved candles.
If you plan to dine in your room, prepare in advance with:
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Challah
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Wine or grape juice
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Pre-cooked food kept warm in a halachically acceptable way (e.g., on a covered hot plate)
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Printed texts for Kiddush and Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals)
A Final Thought
Spending Shabbat in a hotel may require extra effort and creativity, but it can also be an inspiring and memorable experience. With proper planning, you can welcome the holy day peacefully—no matter where your travels take you.
Remember: the more challenging a mitzvah is to fulfill, the greater its spiritual reward.
By Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin
Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin is a noted scholar and researcher and serves as a content editor at Chabad.org.
