This happens to me every time I sleep in unfamiliar places. I've tried dust mite-proof covers but it doesn't always work. Is there some kind of room or treatment that hotels offer for this?
The main thing is to ask if they wash the bedding with hot water (above 60 degrees) and how often they do it, because dust mites can't handle that.
Also ask if they have hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses or if they let you bring your own, and if they can give you rooms without carpet (a lot of hotels have hard floors in some areas).
Some fancier hotels offer special allergy services, but most don't, so the most realistic thing is to bring your own dust mite-proof cover, a mite spray if one exists, and maybe even your own pillow if possible. Oh, and ask them not to vacuum the night before but on the day you're leaving, because it kicks up a lot of dust with the mites in it.
Besides what they mention about hot water, specifically ask if they have air conditioning with HEPA filters or if they'll let you bring your own travel one, because controlling humidity is almost as important as washing: dust mites thrive in high humidity and die if you keep the room below 50-60%. It's also worth asking them not to use feather pillows or a down comforter if possible, and to leave the window open before you arrive so the room gets a good airing out.
Humidity is your biggest enemy when it comes to dust mites, so the first thing would be to ask directly if the hotel can keep the room at a low humidity level (ideally below 50%). If they have climate control, even better. It's also worth asking whether they'll let you bring a dehumidifier or a portable air purifier, because some hotels don't mind and others do.
Apart from what's already mentioned about high-temperature washing, I'd ask if they actually use waterproof covers on both pillows and mattresses (not just the mattress). And if possible, ask them to change the bedding on the day you arrive, not just have it ready. Some hotels will do it without any problem. You can also ask if they have rooms with fewer textiles - fewer curtains, fewer carpets - because that cuts down on places where the bugs can nest.
One practical thing: bring your own dust mite covers from home and ask them to put them on the bed before you arrive. That way you know exactly what's underneath you. And if you've got the budget for it, look for chains that explicitly advertise hypoallergenic rooms; it's not a guarantee of anything, but at least they're already thinking about it.
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