CoalCracker

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Following our recent CoalCracker Adventure to Tropicana Atlantic City, I recognized the importance of having a backup plan for sleeping comfortably should we ever receive a different room than what we booked. This seems to be a frequent occurrence in AC and in numerous other locales, as evidenced by several reviews I’ve encountered.

The challenge we faced during our last visit stemmed from not receiving the specific room we reserved. We choose a particular suite for our CoalCracker Travels to Atlantic City due to the furniture, as I grapple with sleep challenges arising from back and nerve issues, as well as sleep apnea. Extended periods of lying down can lead to discomfort that lingers for days. The Havana Suite we were provided on our journey had a couch but lacked the ottoman found in the South Tower 1 bedroom suite. After a single night, it became evident we needed a different solution. When the hotel couldn’t meet our needs, we decided to shorten our adventure.

Crafting Comfort on the Go: A CoalCracker’s Solution

Wiping away the stench from the valet issues we experienced during that trip, I began exploring various options for sleeping comfortably in an upright position. At home, I prefer a reclining sofa. However, it’s not something I can bring along when traveling. I considered inflatable furniture, foam cushions, and other alternatives. Ultimately, I decided to try a twin-size air mattress that stands as tall as my couch at home, accompanied by a similar sized foam pad.

I intended for the air mattress to serve as a mobile ottoman, with the foam pad providing potential extra height if needed. I tailored the foam pad to fit snugly in a suitcase, making room for other comfort items we prefer to carry on our travels.

To test out my makeshift ottoman, we opted for a two-night complimentary stay at Hard Rock Atlantic City. We reasoned that if it proved ineffective after the initial night, we could simply head home without any losses given the room was complimentary. Our decision to trial at Hard Rock was influenced not only by the glowing reviews it garnered across various platforms—strikingly different from the recent feedback for Tropicana—but also because their classic rooms consistently displayed a sofa that seemed compatible in size. Plus, the room looked spacious enough to house the setup.

Unpacking the Details: My Sleep Gear Selection

Our CoalCracker Adventure last week turned out to be a roaring success. The air mattress, doubling as a portable ottoman, fit the bill impeccably. Without needing the extra foam pad, its height was spot-on and it proved simple to assemble and dismantle.

I chose the INTEX 64121EP Dura-Beam Plus Pillow Rest Air Mattress (Queen Size) along with the FoamTouch Upholstery Foam Cushion – High Density, 2″ x 24″ x 84″. Both were purchased from Amazon, setting me back around $60.

I conveniently packed them into a 28-inch suitcase, leaving enough space for two blankets, a bed sheet, and some additional essentials.

Hard Rock Nights: Setting Up My Sleep Sanctuary

Upon reaching the hotel, we had dinner and some casino time before retreating to our room. There, I proceeded to arrange the air mattress, inflating it just shy of its full capacity. I then placed the foam pad atop, opting to forgo the sheet on this journey. This was so I could tweak things as necessary without the hassle of dismantling the entire setup.

As I leaned back on the couch for a preliminary trial, I felt a wave of optimism. Although the night’s outcome remained uncertain, I was fairly convinced this setup would offer greater comfort than my experience in the Havana Suite at Tropicana.

Triumph of the Air Mattress Ottoman: A Restful Night at Hard Rock

We settled into some TV viewing before opting to turn in a bit past midnight. It took me around an hour to drift off, largely due to my mind replaying the day’s happenings rather than any discomfort. I stirred a couple of times during the night. On one occasion, I removed the foam pad because my feet felt too elevated. This adjustment made things much cozier. Any subsequent awakenings were brief, as I just repositioned myself and quickly returned to slumber. By morning, my Samsung sleep tracker app showed that I’d slept more that night than nearly any other in the past month. The only comparable night was one following a muscle relaxer dose, which invariably sends me straight to dreamland.

Hence, the air mattress as an ottoman was a resounding success, pairing seamlessly with the couch in Hard Rock’s classic king room. I woke up invigorated, confident about spending the subsequent night there, and foreseeing no issues for future CoalCracker Adventures.

During our stay, we appreciated the ample space in the room, allowing us to easily shift the air mattress aside and still have a comfortable area to move about — a delightful advantage of the room’s generous dimensions.

Portable Ottoman Adjustments and Upcoming Travels

A minor observation across both nights was the air mattress’s tendency to shift position. While adjusting it was hardly burdensome, I aimed to devise a more permanent solution upon our return home.

My choice was a straightforward one: I opted for the TECEUM 2″ Polypropylene Webbing Strap – 10 Yards, available in various lengths. Additionally, I purchased a Set of 2 – 2-Inch Flat Dual Adjustable Plastic Side Release Buckles by EesTeck, both items sourced from Amazon.

My intention with these straps and buckles is to create two bands that would encircle the mattress and facilitate its alignment from the couch. Time will tell if this proves effective.

As for our upcoming CoalCracker Travels, another adventure is on the horizon in a few weeks. We initially planned a getaway for my wife’s birthday in early October. However, due to work-related scheduling clashes, we had to forgo that reservation, looking to potentially reschedule it for later in the month. We’re constantly refining our travel experiences to ensure optimal comfort and memorable journeys. The adjustments and tweaks, from air mattresses to polypropylene straps, aren’t just for our benefit; they’re insights we share in hopes they’ll enhance your own getaways. If you’ve found these tips helpful or have your own travel hacks to share, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to leave a comment below. Together, let’s make every trip a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation!