Why Hotel Charging is a Road Trip Game-Changer
Hotel charging transforms EV road trips. Instead of rushed DC fast charging stops, you plug in when you arrive and wake up with a full battery. No waiting, no extra time—just convenient overnight charging.
This guide shows you how to find hotels with EV charging, what to expect, and tips to make hotel charging work smoothly.
Benefits of Hotel EV Charging
1. Time Savings
Charge while you sleep, not while you wait. Eight hours overnight can add 200-300+ miles without any active charging time.
2. Cost Savings
Hotel charging is often free or significantly cheaper than DC fast charging:
- Many hotels offer free charging as an amenity
- Level 2 rates are typically lower than DCFC
- Avoid expensive highway charging premiums
3. Better for Your Battery
Level 2 overnight charging is gentler on your battery than frequent DC fast charging. It keeps the battery at optimal temperature and charging rates.
4. Trip Flexibility
With a full charge every morning, you have maximum flexibility for side trips, scenic routes, and spontaneous detours.
How to Find Hotels with EV Charging
Using ChargeFind
- Search for your destination area
- Filter by "Level 2" and "Hotels/Lodging"
- Check station details for hotel information
- Verify charger availability and type
Using PlugShare
- Set destination filter to "Lodging"
- Check reviews for hotel charger info
- Note connector types and power levels
- Read recent reviews for availability
Using Hotel Websites
Major Chains with EV Charging:
Marriott:
- Many properties have destination chargers
- Search "EV Charging" on Marriott.com
- Varies by property
Hilton:
- Partnered with Tesla for destination chargers
- Many properties have ChargePoint
- Filter amenities when booking
Hyatt:
- Growing EV charging presence
- Check individual property amenities
Best Western:
- ChargePoint partnership
- Many locations have Level 2
IHG (Holiday Inn, etc.):
- Expanding charging infrastructure
- Property-specific availability
Tesla Destination Charging
Tesla maintains a network of destination chargers at hotels, restaurants, and resorts:
- Use Tesla app or website to find
- Available to Tesla owners
- Usually free with hotel stay
- Often higher power (up to 72A)
Google Maps
Search "hotels with EV charging near [destination]" and check amenity filters.
What to Expect at Hotel Chargers
Charger Types
Most Common: Level 2 (ChargePoint, Tesla)
- 6-10 kW typical
- 20-35 miles of range per hour
- Full charge possible overnight
Less Common: Level 1 (Standard Outlets)
- Some hotels offer outlet access
- Bring your own Level 1 cable
- Adds 30-50 miles overnight
Rare: DC Fast Charging
- Some highway hotels have DCFC
- Treat as bonus, not expectation
Pricing Models
Free (Most Common):
- Included as guest amenity
- May require front desk to activate
- Some require ChargePoint account
Paid:
- Typically $5-15 overnight
- Per-kWh or hourly rates
- Still cheaper than DCFC
Unclear:
- Always ask at check-in
- Prices not always posted online
Number of Chargers
Reality check: Most hotels have 2-4 chargers. Popular hotels may have 6-8. Few have more.
Implications:
- Book early for hotels with limited chargers
- Have backup plan if chargers are occupied
- Call ahead for busy periods
Tips for Successful Hotel Charging
Before You Book
1. Verify Charger Availability
- Call the hotel directly
- Don't rely solely on websites
- Ask about charger count and power level
- Confirm connector type for your car
2. Book Charger-Equipped Hotels Early
- Limited chargers fill up
- EV drivers specifically seek these hotels
- Peak travel times = competition
3. Check Recent Reviews
- PlugShare reviews show recent experiences
- Look for "charger worked" or "charger down" mentions
- Note if spots are often occupied
At Check-In
4. Ask About Charger Policy
- Is it first-come, first-served?
- Can you reserve a spot?
- What if someone hogs the charger?
- Is there a time limit?
5. Get Access Codes/Cards
- Some chargers require front desk activation
- Get ChargePoint session started
- Know who to call if issues arise
6. Locate the Chargers Immediately
- Park at charger as soon as possible
- Even if planning to explore first
- Limited spots go fast
While Charging
7. Don't Monopolize the Charger
- Move your car when charging completes (or reasonably charged)
- Set an alarm if you'll be asleep
- Let other guests have a turn
8. Lock Your Car
- Most EVs lock while charging
- Verify doors are locked
- Remove valuables from sight
9. Use Apps to Monitor
- ChargePoint app shows session status
- Most EVs have app notifications
- Stop charging remotely if needed
Backup Plans
10. Know Nearby Alternatives
- Where's the nearest public charger?
- Is there DC fast charging nearby?
- Can you reach your next destination without full charge?
Hotel Chains with Best EV Charging
Luxury/Upper Tier
- Ritz-Carlton: Often has multiple Tesla destination chargers
- Four Seasons: Excellent EV amenities
- W Hotels: Urban properties typically have charging
- Kimpton: Boutique with good EV presence
Mid-Tier (Best Value for EV Amenities)
- Hampton Inn: Surprisingly good EV coverage
- Hyatt Place: Growing network
- Courtyard by Marriott: Many have ChargePoint
- DoubleTree: Expanding charging options
Budget-Friendly with Charging
- Best Western: ChargePoint partnership
- La Quinta: Some locations
- Super 8: Limited but growing
Planning a Multi-Day Road Trip
Strategy 1: All Hotel Charging
Best for: Leisurely trips with time flexibility
How:
- Plan routes around charger-equipped hotels
- Book in advance to secure chargers
- Expect 200-300 mile daily legs
- No mid-day charging needed
Example Route: LA to Las Vegas (270 miles)
- Leave LA fully charged
- Arrive Las Vegas with 30% remaining
- Charge overnight at hotel
- Wake up with full battery
Strategy 2: Hybrid Approach
Best for: Longer days, less planning
How:
- Hotel charging when available
- DC fast charging when needed
- More flexibility in hotel selection
- Can push longer daily distances
Example Route: Seattle to San Francisco (800 miles, 2 days)
- Day 1: 400 miles, one DCFC stop, hotel charge overnight
- Day 2: 400 miles, one DCFC stop, arrive with buffer
Strategy 3: Hotel as Bonus
Best for: Spontaneous trips, budget hotels
How:
- Don't require hotel charging
- If available, great—free bonus charge
- Rely on DCFC network for primary charging
- More hotel options
Troubleshooting Hotel Charging Issues
Charger is Occupied
Options:
- Ask front desk to contact the owner
- Wait—L2 charging often ends overnight
- Use backup charger location
- Charge enough at DCFC before arrival
Charger Won't Start
Try:
- Different cable/connector
- Front desk to reset charger
- Network app troubleshooting
- Different charger (if available)
No Chargers at Chosen Hotel
Solutions:
- Nearby public Level 2 within walking distance
- DCFC before reaching hotel
- Ask hotel about 120V outlet access
- Change hotels if critical
Charger is Too Slow
Some hotel chargers are low-power (16A, 3.8 kW):
- 8 hours = ~100 miles added
- May be enough for next leg
- Supplement with morning DCFC if needed
The Future of Hotel Charging
The hotel industry is rapidly expanding EV charging:
- New construction often includes chargers by default
- Major chains have aggressive installation targets
- Guest demand is driving investment
- NEVI funding helps properties add chargers
Within a few years, EV charging will be as expected at hotels as WiFi is today.
Conclusion
Hotel charging is the most convenient way to road trip in an EV:
- Find hotels with verified chargers using ChargeFind, PlugShare, or chain websites
- Book early to secure limited charging spots
- Verify at check-in and plug in immediately
- Be courteous and share the chargers
- Have backups for when chargers are occupied or broken
With proper planning, you'll wake up each morning with a full battery, ready for the day's adventure—no waiting, no rushing, just easy travel.
Use ChargeFind to discover hotels with EV charging along your route and plan your next road trip with confidence.