Travelling with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) can be challenging, especially when staying in hotels where fragrances, cleaning products, mould, or chemical residues may trigger severe symptoms. With careful planning, advance communication, and a few protective strategies, you can significantly improve your travel experience and reduce exposure risks. When possible, consider hotels that identify themselves as “environmental” or “green” – many of our members report having the best outcomes and the least exposures in these types of accommodations.

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to help you navigate accommodations safely.

When Booking a Hotel Room

1. Make Two Calls: Reservations + Housekeeping

Speak with both departments.
Explain clearly that you have severe allergies to perfumes, chemicals, and mould.
Many people misunderstand the word “sensitivities,” so be firm, specific, and detailed.

What to Ask Before Booking

Smoke-Free Environment

  • Choose a 100% smoke-free hotel or floor, but remember that:
    • Smoke may drift through ventilation systems
    • Smoke residues can remain on furniture and carpets
  • Confirm that your specific room has never been used by a smoker.

Fragrance-Free Requests

Ask the hotel to:

  • Remove air fresheners and perfume dispensers from your floor at least 24 hours in advance
  • Instruct staff not to reinstall them
  • Refrain from using Febreze or similar products – including those labelled eco, green, or hypoallergenic, as these still emit chemicals
  • Ensure no scented cleaning products are used in your room for at least two days before arrival


Linens, Towels, and Bedding

Request:

  • Fragrance-free sheets and towels, washed several times in hot water with:
    • Baking soda
    • Unscented, non-toxic detergent
  • No fabric softeners, dryer sheets, or masking agents


Bring your own as backup:

  • Sheets
  • Pillowcases
  • Towels
  • A pillow (or cover hotel pillows with two large T-shirts)


Room Preparation

Ask for:

  • The room to be aired out before arrival
  • Windows that open for fresh air
  • Removal of all perfumed toiletry products (soaps, shampoos, lotions)
  • Removal of robes, blankets, and linens stored in closets or drawers
  • The minibar to be emptied for your medications or supplements

Chemical and Environmental Concerns

Mould

Ask specifically about:

  • Any history of water damage
  • Visible stains, musty smells, or past leaks
    If they hesitate or minimize the issue – choose another hotel.


Pesticides

These are often deal-breakers. Ask:

  • Whether pesticides are used
  • Which ones
  • How often
  • When the last treatment occurred


Renovations

Fresh paint, new carpets, glue, and construction dust can severely affect people with MCS. Ask:

  • What renovations were done
  • When they happened
  • What materials were used


Avoid hotels undergoing renovations at all costs.


Flooring

Choose:

  • Non-carpeted rooms
  • Wood or ceramic tile floors


Avoid:

  • Synthetic “floating floors,” which release chemicals (VOCs)


Protect Your Booking

  • Request to inspect the room before check-in
  • Ensure the hotel allows cancellation without penalty if the room is unsuitable
  • Book a backup hotel nearby in case the first room does not meet your needs
  • Call again 2–3 days before arrival to confirm all requests have been completed, speaking with both Reservations and Housekeeping


Additional Safety Note

Be aware that bed bugs have become more common in North American hotels.
Inspect mattress seams, headboards, and furniture on arrival.


Have a good trip — may your stay be as healthy and comfortable as possible.