The Most Common Complaints in Hotel Guest Rooms Are Actually About Lighting

Common Complaints: “Too Dark,” “Glare,” “Can’t See at Night,” “Not Bright Enough for Makeup”

If you read guest reviews for hotels—whether on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Google—you’ll notice a surprising trend. The most frequent complaints aren’t about room size or mattress comfort, but about lighting:

• “The room was too dark.”

• “The bedside lamp was glaring.”

• “I couldn’t see anything clearly at night.”

• “The mirror wasn’t bright enough for makeup.”

For hotel investors, designers, and operators, these comments are far more than nitpicking. Lighting shapes a guest’s entire perception of comfort, luxury, and attention to detail. In the age of online reviews, lighting can make or break your reputation.

Why Do Two 10W Lights Feel So Different—One Comfortable, One Harsh?

A common misconception is that “brightness” is simply about wattage or lumen count. Many hotels have responded to complaints by increasing the number of fixtures or using higher wattage bulbs. Yet the complaints persist.

The real difference is in how the light is delivered.

• A cheap, generic downlight often produces uncontrolled, harsh light that shines directly into guests’ eyes, causing glare and fatigue.

• A high-quality downlight—like those from inbright—uses superior optics, high color rendering index (CRI), and anti-glare design. Even at the same 10W, the result is a soft, comfortable light that enhances the space without being overpowering.

Lighting is as much about engineering and design as it is about output. A professional lighting solution considers the quality of light, its direction, color temperature, and the actual needs of the space.

The Four Core Pillars of Guest Room Lighting: Color Temperature, Illuminance, Glare, and Control

1. Color Temperature

Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and sets the emotional tone of the room.

• Warm white (2700K–3000K): Ideal for bedrooms and relaxation areas. It creates a cozy, restful feeling that encourages sleep and comfort.

• Neutral white (3500K–4000K): Better for vanity zones, reading lights, or workspaces, offering clarity and true-to-life color for tasks like makeup application.

If the wrong color temperature is used, even the most expensive furnishings can look dull or uninviting. Inbright downlights allow precise selection and uniform color temperature across all fixtures, ensuring visual harmony throughout the guest room.

2. Illuminance (Brightness)

It’s not just about “more light,” but about “the right light in the right place.”
Bedside lighting: Should be gentle and never shine directly into a lying guest’s eyes.
Reading nooks and desks: Require focused, higher-brightness lighting.
Vanity mirrors: Must be bright enough for makeup and grooming.

With inbright’s range of downlights and adjustable fixtures, hotels can achieve tailored illuminance for each zone, improving both utility and comfort.

3. Glare

Glare is the number one reason guests describe lighting as “harsh” or “uncomfortable.”
Exposed bulbs or poor-quality fixtures produce harsh shadows and visual discomfort.
Deep-recessed, anti-glare downlights (such as those from inbright) keep the light source hidden and direct light only where it’s needed, creating a soothing, even ambiance.

4. Control

Modern travelers expect more than a single on-off switch.
Scene selection: Smart control systems let guests easily choose between settings like “reading,” “relaxation,” or “makeup.”
Inbright’s intelligent lighting systems offer hotels advanced, intuitive controls for guests and staff alike, making it easy to set the perfect scene every time.

Why Do Bathrooms Need Dual Color Temperatures? (Makeup × Relaxation)

Bathrooms are one of the most common sources of lighting complaints, especially from female guests.

• Makeup mode: Requires high CRI and cool/neutral white light (3500K–4000K) to render skin tones and colors accurately.

• Relaxation mode: After a long day, warm light (2700K–3000K) helps guests unwind in the bath or shower.

With inbright’s dual color temperature solutions, hotels can offer guests a one-touch switch between perfect lighting for beauty routines and a soothing atmosphere for relaxation—delivering a true five-star experience.

Case Study: How a Thoughtful Lighting Plan Raised Ratings from 4.5 to 4.9

Consider a leading international hotel chain struggling with persistent complaints:
“Rooms are too dark,” “Bathroom lighting is terrible,” “Mirror is useless for makeup.”

The management decided to overhaul the lighting using a professional team and inbright high-CRI downlights:

• Every fixture was specified for proper color temperature, brightness, and anti-glare properties.

• Bathroom mirrors were equipped with dual color temperature and higher CRI lighting.

• Scene controls were installed for different guest activities.

Within three months, guest satisfaction scores shot up from 4.5 to 4.9. Positive reviews cited “beautiful, comfortable lighting,” “finally a mirror that works for makeup,” and “perfect reading light at night.”
The investment paid for itself through better ratings, repeat bookings, and an improved reputation on every major travel site.

Lighting: The Most Cost-Effective Way to Boost Positive Reviews

Many hotels spend tens of thousands on new furniture, expensive décor, or even room expansions—yet still get negative reviews because guests feel uncomfortable or can’t use the space as intended.
Professional lighting upgrades, especially with quality downlights like inbright, are a fraction of the cost and deliver immediate, visible improvement.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced comfort and functionality for every guest.

• Improved visual appeal of all room elements.

• Smarter energy use and easier maintenance with modern fixtures.

• Fewer complaints and more five-star reviews—directly impacting the hotel’s bottom line.

Why Lighting Should Be Every Hotel’s First Step Toward Higher Ratings

From a guest’s first impression to their final review, lighting shapes everything they see and feel. It highlights your hotel’s best features, helps them relax, and ensures they leave with a positive, memorable experience.

The takeaway:
If you want to invest where it truly matters, start with lighting. In today’s hospitality world, it’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity for any hotel serious about reputation, ratings, and repeat business.