It is one of Davies' more introspective songs, musing about the cost of fame and stardom, and thus contributes to the album's theme of the difficulties of life on the road.

[3] Davies comments on his outlandish stage costumes and performance style, referring to himself as an "outrageous poove," and notes his attempts to avoid responsibility.

[2] Kinks guitarist Dave Davies has stated that "it doesn't matter how luxurious your surroundings are, you go back to your hotel room and it is like a prison.

"[1][4] Music critic Johnny Rogan regards "Sitting in My Hotel" one of the two or three indispensable songs on Everybody's in Show-Biz, describing the lyrics as "thoughtful," "self-deprecating" and "self-analytical.

"[1] Rolling Stone critic Bob Palmer calls the song "a bona fide Kinks Klassic, dreamily wistful with a beautiful melody and featuring 'the exquisite Mr. John Gosling at the pianoforte.

'"[4] Ole Jacob Hoel of Adresseavisen described it and "Celluloid Heroes," also from Everybody's in Show-Biz as "two of history's finest pop songs.