You’ve seen it.
That odd little fabric-covered pad tied to the hotel room door handle — sometimes fluffy, sometimes squished, always a little mysterious.
Is it for noise reduction? Light blocking? A quirky design choice?
Nope.
This humble little gadget has one brilliant purpose that most travelers miss — until now.
Let’s uncover the real reason hotels provide this simple tool… and how you can use it to travel smarter, safer, and more comfortably.
🔍 What Is a Hotel Door Latch Cushion?
Also known as a door stop alarm, travel safety cushion, or door jammer, this small padded device is not decorative — it’s a security and convenience tool designed to keep your hotel room door from fully latching shut.
It typically consists of:
A soft, fabric-covered foam block
Two adjustable straps or loops (one for inside, one for outside)
But here’s the twist: You don’t have to tie it across the handles like a ribbon. That viral « tie-it-on » method? Not how it works.
✅ The Real Purpose: Prevent Accidental Lockouts
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