Soundproofing and thin walls in island chalets
You are coming for quiet and want to know how much sound travels between island chalets.
Some island chalets are quiet and some are not, and the word chalet alone does not tell you which. Sound depends on the walls, the doors, the gaps, the neighbours and the room position. Ask how the room is built and what is nearby, and bring a small kit in case the answer is not as quiet as you hoped.
Our checklist for quiet seekers choosing island rooms goes with this guide. For choosing a resort, see how to choose an island resort.
Where does noise come from?
Think of it in layers, from the room outward.
- the walls and ceiling between you and the next unit
- the door and its gap, and the windows
- the terrace next door, where people talk in the evening
- footsteps on decking or stairs
- the restaurant, bar or staff area
- generators, pumps and air-conditioning units
- early boats and the jetty
You may not mind some of these. Make a list of what would wake you, and ask the resort about those.
How do you ask so you get a real answer?
A question like “is it quiet?” gets a yes. Ask something that needs a description instead.
- What are the walls made of, and are they shared with a neighbour?
- Where is the nearest generator, pump or air-conditioning unit?
- How far is the room from the restaurant, bar or path?
- What time do boats and staff start in the morning?
- Which rooms do you give to guests who ask for quiet?
A resort that answers these clearly is giving you something to work with.
How do chalet types compare?
| Standalone chalet | Row of chalets | Hotel-style block | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared walls | Often none | One or two | Several |
| Footsteps | From the deck outside | From neighbours’ decks | From corridor and above |
| Privacy | Higher | Medium | Lower |
| What to ask | Distance to paths | Wall type and gaps | Floor and corridor |
Our guide on how chalet, villa and hotel rooms differ covers the labels in more detail.
Does room position matter?
Yes, a lot. A room at the end of a row, away from the restaurant, is usually quieter than one near the path. Read our guide on room position near the restaurant, jetty or generator before you ask for a specific room.
A sea-facing room may hear the sea. That is a different kind of noise, and many guests welcome it.
What can you bring to help?
Earplugs, a sleep mask, a small white-noise app on your phone, and a fan if the room allows. These are backups, not a substitute for the right room. If you travel with a baby, think about how a fan or earplugs affect hearing them at night.
Also plan your own sound. Thin walls work in both directions, so keep late-night talk low on the terrace.
A better fit if…
A standalone or end-of-row chalet may be a better fit if:
- quiet is your top priority and you can pay for position.
- you are happy to ask the resort for a particular room.
A hotel-style room may be a better fit if:
- you prefer solid walls and a corridor, and do not mind some hallway sound.
What should you ask the resort in writing?
- What are the walls made of, and are they shared?
- Which rooms are furthest from the restaurant, path and generator?
- Is a quiet position part of the room type, or a request?
- What time do boats and staff begin in the morning?
- Is there a curfew for noise on terraces?
- What can you do if a neighbour is loud at night?
Keep the replies. They give you something to point to if the night is not as quiet as promised.
Common questions
Are island chalets noisy?
Some are and some are not, and it depends on how they are built and where they stand. Many chalets are lighter in construction than a mainland hotel. Ask how the walls and doors are made and who is next door, rather than relying on the word chalet.
Can I request a quiet room?
You can ask, and a good resort will tell you which rooms are furthest from the restaurant, path or generator. Ask whether it is part of the room type or only a preference, and get the answer in writing.
What noises are common on islands?
They can include footsteps on decking, doors, early boat engines, a generator or air-conditioning unit, and voices from neighbouring terraces. The sea and the wind can also be a pleasant background. Ask which of these apply to your room.
Do earplugs solve it?
They help many people, but they should not be your only plan. Bring a pair as backup, and ask the resort for a room position that avoids the loudest source. Earplugs are less comfortable for a baby or for someone who needs to hear at night.