I disagree about the combo shower/tub versus separate. Because it is impossible to shave one's legs in most separate showers
could a ledge of some kind could be added?
re coffee, peninsula's (and some others) valet boxes might help resolve this and other things? of course this doesnt mean there shouldnt be coffee machines. (nespresso @ pen, etc)
re phones in bathroom, cordless phones leave it up to guests.
While we have talked about the big things like beds and showers, I do not think we have discussed this one before. What are the little things in the luxury hotel rooms/villas and suites that you really appreciate and the ones that you do not at all need?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robyng
I disagree about the combo shower/tub versus separate. Because it is impossible to shave one's legs in most separate showers without winding up looking like a contortionist - and a PITA to draw a bath for that sole purpose. I have a relatively big shower at home with a small stool which I use to raise my leg - but most hotel showers are too small for something like that. Obviously - most men don't have this problem .
Most hotels I've been in with separate showers usually have a shower head with the bath as well, I use it to wash my hair (what's left of it) when i don't fancy a shower. it's also useful for rinsing the bath down after use.
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I hate remote-sensor mini-bars because I want to explore before I choose. I also want extra space for my stuff instead of all those things I will never, ever consume.
I don't understand why some new hotels have noisy aircon - surely the technology today can achieve relative silence (Trisara manages it).
Comfortable beds are vital. Hard beds are no longer acceptable. Neither are sheets and blankets, synthetic pillows and hollow-fibre-filled duvets. I want goosedown or, at the very least, duck down.
I want a separate shower, large enough to move around in and with a bench, so I can shave my legs. In-bath showers are NOT acceptable.
I want suites that offer two toilets and preferably two bathrooms.
I want wired internet and desk-height sockets to plug in my laptop - most hotels never think that you need power as well as an internet connection. Many computer programmes are power hungry, so you need a socket.
I want a desk chair that can be adjusted hydraulically so that I do not have to pile two cushions on the chair just so I can reach the key-pad.
I want space for my toiletries in the bathroom and I do not want housekeeping re-arranging them on little mats and mixing my stuff up with Mr Vuitton's.
I want intelligent housekeeping (the most difficult thing ever to achieve in hotels) that recognises how I use the room and adapts to my needs rather than trying to re-educate me as to how the room SHOULD look.
I want chefs who can cook rather than chefs who have art degrees. Both would be nice.
I want private pools because I am no longer sufficiently beautiful to bare all at the main pool and, equally, I have grown out of sharing my space.
I want night lights so that I do not kill myself on a piece of contemporary furniture as I try to find the toilet in the middle of the night.
I want a dimmer in the bathroom so that I do not have to wake up in the middle of the night.
I want to be able to turn all the main lights off in my suite without spending half the night looking for all the switches, but I also want to keep on the reading light by my bed. This, generally, is an impossible task as the wiring is invariably on shared circuits.
I want canapes to arrive BEFORE dinner rather than when I return to the room after having demolished an entire 3-star Michelin menu.
I want windows that open and at least one balcony or terrace.
I want a phone list or directory that tells me which number to press.
I want to know what the hotel has to offer, so need a concise, up-dated directory.
I need to know which Spa products are offered in the Spa, not just a pithy description of the treatments.
There is more....lots more.....but life's too short and housekeeping just re-arranged my toiletries....
It's interesting that several of the items mentioned by robyng are proactively addressed by several near-luxury properties (4* to 4.5*).
The Solamar in San Diego provies three robes of different size and texture (plush and also waffle-weave). Most Omni hotels provide morning coffee/tea service, left on a tray at the door (the guest specifies delivery time via a hang-tag).
And several near-lux properties do provide proper electrical outlets (at the Hyatt Churchill in London, outlets for UK, US, and European plugs are installed next to the desk, aligned to the desk surface so that the guest does not need to crawl on the floor to use the outlet.
You're right. It's sometimes easier to get some of these things in non-luxury properties. I can't recall whether it's Hilton or Marriott - but a lot of lesser properties in the group have this really tacky lamp with about 4 plugs in the base. Nothing to look at - but very useful (and better than crawling around on the floor).
I don't recall any non-north American hotel I've stayed at recently that didn't have at least a few outlets for US type plugs - along with the appropriate current. Japan has a slightly different current - but it's close enough to US current so things work.
BTW - I like the coffee maker so I can make the coffee to the strength I want - and it's fresh out of the pot. Robyn
re coffee, peninsula's (and some others) valet boxes might help resolve this and other things? of course this doesnt mean there shouldnt be coffee machines. (nespresso @ pen, etc)
re phones in bathroom, cordless phones leave it up to guests.
A ledge would work if the shower's big enough (which it usually isn't). I have seen a few (maybe one in MO Munich? - can't remember).
And speaking of bathrooms - many have high end mirrors. Usually Brot. But they usually have the one that doesn't have an extension arm - so it's fixed on the wall at about the height where an average height guy would use it to shave. Not very useful for a shorter woman. FWIW - after I saw my first Brot mirror in a luxury hotel - I bought one as a birthday present for myself. 50th birthday. A long time ago . I also buy things like hotel robes if I happen to like them (the FS one works for me because the sleeves are short). There is actually a recognized decorating trend. People buying stuff for their houses that they like in the hotels they visit. Although I haven't gone so far as to buy a mattress or furniture.
I am not sure a cordless phone in a bathroom is a good idea. Especially if you're not particularly neat (I can just see my husband getting up in the middle of the night - going to the bathroom - and tripping over the cordless phone I've left on the floor). Robyn
Most hotels I've been in with separate showers usually have a shower head with the bath as well, I use it to wash my hair (what's left of it) when i don't fancy a shower. it's also useful for rinsing the bath down after use.
Most of the hotels I've been in with separate showers/baths have hand-held showers in the bath - and no shower curtain or door on the bath. Regardless - if the bath isn't enclosed - I'm going to wind up with a mini flood in the bathroom if I try to do anything other than take a bath in a bathtub. I'm kind of hopeless in that regard. Robyn
I hate remote-sensor mini-bars because I want to explore before I choose. I also want extra space for my stuff instead of all those things I will never, ever consume.
I don't understand why some new hotels have noisy aircon - surely the technology today can achieve relative silence (Trisara manages it).
Comfortable beds are vital. Hard beds are no longer acceptable. Neither are sheets and blankets, synthetic pillows and hollow-fibre-filled duvets. I want goosedown or, at the very least, duck down.
I want a separate shower, large enough to move around in and with a bench, so I can shave my legs. In-bath showers are NOT acceptable.
I want suites that offer two toilets and preferably two bathrooms.
I want wired internet and desk-height sockets to plug in my laptop - most hotels never think that you need power as well as an internet connection. Many computer programmes are power hungry, so you need a socket.
I want a desk chair that can be adjusted hydraulically so that I do not have to pile two cushions on the chair just so I can reach the key-pad.
I want space for my toiletries in the bathroom and I do not want housekeeping re-arranging them on little mats and mixing my stuff up with Mr Vuitton's.
I want intelligent housekeeping (the most difficult thing ever to achieve in hotels) that recognises how I use the room and adapts to my needs rather than trying to re-educate me as to how the room SHOULD look.
I want chefs who can cook rather than chefs who have art degrees. Both would be nice.
I want private pools because I am no longer sufficiently beautiful to bare all at the main pool and, equally, I have grown out of sharing my space.
I want night lights so that I do not kill myself on a piece of contemporary furniture as I try to find the toilet in the middle of the night.
I want a dimmer in the bathroom so that I do not have to wake up in the middle of the night...
I'm with you on the minibar and the airconditioning.
Regarding down covers - I think it depends where you are. In warmer climates - or cooler climates during summer - I think down is too warm. It's really hard to do a tropical weight down duvet. Also - with the recent surge in bed bug outbreaks (even in fancy places) - I like things that can be washed easily and often (and that *are* washed often). The comfortable bed is a must - but peoples' idea of comfort varies (although hard beds are definitely becoming a minority view these days IMO).
Glad to find another person who shaves legs .
Re toilets and bathrooms. Agree 100%. We stayed in a 750 sf suite at the PEN in Chicago - and it only had one bathroom! I don't expect a regular room to have 2 - but at the real suite level - it's essential (and it's nice to find an extra half bath at the executive suite level).
Agree on the plugs. Don't really care about the chair unless it's an ergonomic type office chair (which I tend to find more in properties lower than luxury level).
Funny - I never mind housekeeping tidying up any way it wants to tidy up. Because I tend to be a bit of a slob when I'm on vacation (although not at home). Although I have to remember to stash my dirty stuff away (otherwise - when I get back at night - it will all be neatly folded).
Hotel restaurants would need its own thread. I expect at least a basic decent restaurant - but sometimes the main reason/an important reason for staying in a hotel can be its restaurant - and there's a whole lot of room in between. I dislike the current trend of luxury hotels closing down flagship restaurants as opposed to their trying to keep in step with current economic reality (by doing things like serving small plates).
I like a nice public pool so I can meet people and chat - especially at cocktail hour in warm places.
I like night lights in important places - like hallways and bathrooms - but not in the room. Light keeps me up at night. FWIW - I usually pack a couple of those flat night lights you can buy at HD in my computer case. And place them in strategic places if necessary. Some way I deal with lighting in my house.
BTW - one thing I haven't heard anyone say is a hotel should use more things like CFLs - or flow constrictors on shower heads (although the latter are sometimes required by law). Isn't anyone here environmentally conscious ? I am at home - but - when I'm on a luxury trip - I don't want to worry about these things. FS sometimes sends me surveys - and the last one was about environmental concerns (like did I want every third day sheet changes and CFLs). If everyone answered the survey like I did - these things aren't likely to be a big priority in luxury hotels in the near future. Robyn
Turndown actually done at the time you said you wanted it (some hotels do this really well);
I obviously don't stay at the "right" hotels, but I have to ask - what's a turn down service and what's so great about it?
In my understanding someone comes in your room - presumably just before bedtime, (does this mean it's while you're in there, waiting in your jammies?), and folds down the sheet, duvet, whatever at the top corner, and possibly leaves a chocolate on your pillow. Is that it? Couldn't you do it yourself - is it so arduous to get into bed without someone pulling the sheets open for you first? Or am I missing something?
I hate remote-sensor mini-bars because I want to explore before I choose. I also want extra space for my stuff instead of all those things I will never, ever consume.
I don't understand why some new hotels have noisy aircon - surely the technology today can achieve relative silence (Trisara manages it).
Comfortable beds are vital. Hard beds are no longer acceptable. Neither are sheets and blankets, synthetic pillows and hollow-fibre-filled duvets. I want goosedown or, at the very least, duck down.
I want a separate shower, large enough to move around in and with a bench, so I can shave my legs. In-bath showers are NOT acceptable.
I want suites that offer two toilets and preferably two bathrooms.
I want wired internet and desk-height sockets to plug in my laptop - most hotels never think that you need power as well as an internet connection. Many computer programmes are power hungry, so you need a socket.
I want a desk chair that can be adjusted hydraulically so that I do not have to pile two cushions on the chair just so I can reach the key-pad.
I want space for my toiletries in the bathroom and I do not want housekeeping re-arranging them on little mats and mixing my stuff up with Mr Vuitton's.
I want intelligent housekeeping (the most difficult thing ever to achieve in hotels) that recognises how I use the room and adapts to my needs rather than trying to re-educate me as to how the room SHOULD look.
I want chefs who can cook rather than chefs who have art degrees. Both would be nice.
I want private pools because I am no longer sufficiently beautiful to bare all at the main pool and, equally, I have grown out of sharing my space.
I want night lights so that I do not kill myself on a piece of contemporary furniture as I try to find the toilet in the middle of the night.
I want a dimmer in the bathroom so that I do not have to wake up in the middle of the night.
I want to be able to turn all the main lights off in my suite without spending half the night looking for all the switches, but I also want to keep on the reading light by my bed. This, generally, is an impossible task as the wiring is invariably on shared circuits.
I want canapes to arrive BEFORE dinner rather than when I return to the room after having demolished an entire 3-star Michelin menu.
I want windows that open and at least one balcony or terrace.
I want a phone list or directory that tells me which number to press.
I want to know what the hotel has to offer, so need a concise, up-dated directory.
I need to know which Spa products are offered in the Spa, not just a pithy description of the treatments.
There is more....lots more.....but life's too short and housekeeping just re-arranged my toiletries....
Phew, well you are easy to deal with Vuittons, I'm glad I'm not a hotelier lol!
I obviously don't stay at the "right" hotels, but I have to ask - what's a turn down service and what's so great about it?
In my understanding someone comes in your room - presumably just before bedtime, (does this mean it's while you're in there, waiting in your jammies?), and folds down the sheet, duvet, whatever at the top corner, and possibly leaves a chocolate on your pillow. Is that it? Couldn't you do it yourself - is it so arduous to get into bed without someone pulling the sheets open for you first? Or am I missing something?
Well obviously! And you forgot the slippers, setting the mood music and lighting...
Turndown should be done while you are dining out (that was my point) and involves not only preparing your bed, but also tidying up - including in the bathroom, replacing the many towels you have wantonly used whilst getting ready, providing more luxury toiletries etc. Yes, I could do most of that myself, but I don't have to! That's why I stay in luxury hotels and I really don't like places that don't offer this level of service.
i just learned CFLs have mercury in them... will have to explore other alternatives, because im never buying those again...
all posts here on environmental stuff that i recall are in agreement with you.
Shocking, isn't it, about the low-energy lightbulbs (CFLs) and mercury. In Europe now, they have a law that has banned ordinary lightbulbs, so just about every hotel has these awful headache-making CFLs everywhere. They are incredibly dangerous to dispose of - if you break one accidentally, you have to vacate the room for at least 20 minutes so you do not inhale the gas.
Sometimes environmental stuff is completely misdirected.
i just learned CFLs have mercury in them... will have to explore other alternatives, because im never buying those again...
all posts here on environmental stuff that i recall are in agreement with you.
Look at the new LEDs. They're still pretty expensive. But they have more of a future than CFLs IMO (not only do CFLs contain mercury - so you can't throw them in the trash - but the quality of the light they emit is ugly). Robyn
Look at the new LEDs. They're still pretty expensive. But they have more of a future than CFLs IMO (not only do CFLs contain mercury - so you can't throw them in the trash - but the quality of the light they emit is ugly). Robyn
Agree with you, Robyn. The LEDs are the way to go. Trouble is, 'Europe' has decided not to wait for LEDs and to promote CFLs, despite the very well documented environmental and health risks. It begs the question, who is making money from this?
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Just a short list of some things that are important to me:
I find stereo systems with good sound to be more common in suites than in rooms. I really like this feature, as it enables me to relax and listen properly to the music I choose. I like it when there is a nice selection of CDs in the room/suite, and it is also just nice to be able to play the new CDs I buy while traveling.
Plenty of towels of high quality, very comfortable bathrobes, oversize bath towels, and high quality slippers. I am very particular about towels and slippers, I want towels to be carefully refreshed each time housekeeping enters the room, and I want the slippers to be changed for new ones daily.
Complimentary mineral water of high quality- preferably branded, but hotel private label is okay too if it tastes good.
I like intuitive housekeeping that don`t need to be told the same thing constantly. I hate having to ask for a particular amenity every day. If I have requested mouthwash, for example, that is something I want to be replenished constantly.
A well designed bathroom is very important. I expect newer hotels to have spacious bathrooms and separate stall showers. If I like an older grande dame hotel, I am a little bit less particular about this, but even then it is still nice when bathrooms are large and user friendly.
I like the Peninsula style "shoe boxes" the are convenient for receiving things that I have requested without the need for staff to ring the bell or enter the room. Of course they are also nice for their main purpose, shoes.
I dislike it when unsightly mini-bar items are out on display in full view. I do not want to have to look at jars of nuts or infernal bags of potato chips out on the counter in full view. I almost never consume these items, so I often have these things removed from the room.
There are many more things, but assuming a room has all the basics I find that the quality of the housekeeping often makes a huge difference. I like it when the are able to keep the room spotless, come just at the right times, and basically just "get it right"-- I am delighted to find that my needs have been anticipated and that an amenity the know I like is there for me, before I even have to ask. Quality housekeeping by a professional staff who care about doing their job well makes a huge difference.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Nov 5, 09 at 5:51 am.
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Well obviously! And you forgot the slippers, setting the mood music and lighting...
