earplugs ?

That can be problem if a light sleeper. Often you can request a room on the back side which would be quieter if available. We always carry some of wax ear plugs that are available in drug stores. Don't know if any type is better than another.

I've had good luck with the foam cylinder type. Whatever, you buy, try them out at home for a night or two, to make sure they fit well. Also, take several pairs with you. The foam type tend to squish down after a while, making them less effective.

I like the ones that cost just a tad more than the cheap ones. The cheaper ones fall out of my ears. But definitely do try before you leave like the person before mentioned. If you have an REI, I like the ones they sell.

I used the cylinder shaped, foam ones and found they worked very well as they form to your ears.

A friend gave me a pair of the earplugs that swimmers, and they were much better at blocking noise than regular earplugs.

Wow, I never travel without earplugs. I just buy the foam type from Walmart, they're purple. I put them on as soon as I get on the plane. It helps drown out the engine noise, which you don't realize you hear until you step off of an 8 hour flight. It also helps if you're super-sensitive (like I am) to people coughing, sniffing, annoying loud-laughers and loud-talkers :P

Earplanes? I think that's what they were called. Some complimentary toiletry kits have ear plugs in them. They aren't great but will do in a pinch.

The back of the building suggestion is a good one. It also helps if your room has double doors to block out hall noise from the partiers coming home at 3AM.

I have slept with earplugs for over 12 years. I always get mine at NORCO. They are the flourescent orange foam MAX 30. They are only cents, individually wrappped and I buy them in bulk. One pair will last me about a week. If I had to pick three items that I couldn't live without it would be: My Bible, My Lipstick and My Earplugs! :)