high-end hotels usually disappointing?
#46
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#47
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If I travelled weekly for work and had an expense account, I would probably prefer to stay at a more "sterile" higher-end place that consistently delivered the same thing - a good night's sleep, and whatever else I need to get work done.
As a leisure traveller, I prefer lower-end places (anything from hostels and guest houses to 2*-4* hotels, depending on the mood and expense) where I'm not nickel-and-dimed for every cough and sneeze, and that have some character (and good reviews). Staying at a higher-end place every once in a while doesn't hurt, but I try to minimize my hotel time when traveling for leisure.
As a leisure traveller, I prefer lower-end places (anything from hostels and guest houses to 2*-4* hotels, depending on the mood and expense) where I'm not nickel-and-dimed for every cough and sneeze, and that have some character (and good reviews). Staying at a higher-end place every once in a while doesn't hurt, but I try to minimize my hotel time when traveling for leisure.
Having done this type of travel I prefer staying at mid-range apartment hotels where I can make my coffee in the morning and cook my own meals if I choose. I've stayed at higher-end hotels on business and the thrill wears off after you have to wade through a lobby filled with tourists every morning on the way to work.
#48
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As it happens, SFGate just published a survey of the best and worst hotel chains.
http://www.sfgate.com/life/travel/ar...el-7384827.php
JWM ranks as #1.
http://www.sfgate.com/life/travel/ar...el-7384827.php
JWM ranks as #1.
#49
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Never disappointed. I choose carefully, and mostly for a critical factor such as location.
No need for rococo decor, obsequious service and the like.
No need for rococo decor, obsequious service and the like.
#50
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I have yet to find an app that can replace a good concierge. One who listens to your interests/wishes, makes recommendations based on personal experiences, and then makes it happen using his connections. I'm not talking about slipping the guy in Vegas $50 for getting you into a steakhouse, or anything as vulgar as that, btw.
Most of the time in my experience when I've asked a concierge, I end up getting a blank stare from them or a useless answer. Since I now have google in my pocket, I don't even bother wasting my time asking them. If I want to know of good things to do in say, Miami, I'll just google for it, way faster and I can quickly scan reviews to see what others think.
No need for an app, just google for anything and everything these days
And btw, the one time I did stay at a Ritz Carlton, the valet took about 25 minutes to bring me my car when he promised me 3 minutes, and then, he managed to bring the wrong one. And then, he just showed some attitude and didn't apologize for the delay or screwup. I tipped him just $1 to basically tell him his service was horrible. I quickly got out of there and haven't been back to that property again.
#51
I think high end hotels are a waste of money if you just sleep there. But if you fully utilize its amenities and facilities, it is totally worth it. Four Seasons on a weekend business trip? Count me in. But if I am going somewhere for the first time and have a jam-packed sightseeing schedule then splurging on a hotel makes no sense.
With all that said I do believe Aman hotels are disappointments to say the least. For thousands of dollars a night you get not much more than something like the Four Seasons, MO, IC, etc. Especially in Asia when service is great at any hotel.
With all that said I do believe Aman hotels are disappointments to say the least. For thousands of dollars a night you get not much more than something like the Four Seasons, MO, IC, etc. Especially in Asia when service is great at any hotel.
#54
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I think high end hotels are a waste of money if you just sleep there. But if you fully utilize its amenities and facilities, it is totally worth it. Four Seasons on a weekend business trip? Count me in. But if I am going somewhere for the first time and have a jam-packed sightseeing schedule then splurging on a hotel makes no sense..
If your destination is the hotel (and the hotel lounge) - whats the point of going anywhere, just check into your local *insert chain here*
#55
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Sometimes, a drive up motel is the best option if you're on the road, have a lot of valuables in your car, and simply need a place to sleep. Basically, an in by 10pm and out by 9am kind of situation, being able to drive right up to the room, and only taking two steps to bring stuff into the room is really nice.
#56
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And I have yet to find a concierge that can find information faster than I can google for it. As for restaurants, I'm not really that into fine dining and I prefer Asian food, and since I grew up in an Asian home, I can tell the difference between an authentic hole in the wall place versus a high end decór imitator like PF Chang's. Unless the concierge is Asian, then I doubt they can accurately make any decent recommendations for me.
Most of the time in my experience when I've asked a concierge, I end up getting a blank stare from them or a useless answer. Since I now have google in my pocket, I don't even bother wasting my time asking them. If I want to know of good things to do in say, Miami, I'll just google for it, way faster and I can quickly scan reviews to see what others think.
No need for an app, just google for anything and everything these days
And btw, the one time I did stay at a Ritz Carlton, the valet took about 25 minutes to bring me my car when he promised me 3 minutes, and then, he managed to bring the wrong one. And then, he just showed some attitude and didn't apologize for the delay or screwup. I tipped him just $1 to basically tell him his service was horrible. I quickly got out of there and haven't been back to that property again.
Most of the time in my experience when I've asked a concierge, I end up getting a blank stare from them or a useless answer. Since I now have google in my pocket, I don't even bother wasting my time asking them. If I want to know of good things to do in say, Miami, I'll just google for it, way faster and I can quickly scan reviews to see what others think.
No need for an app, just google for anything and everything these days
And btw, the one time I did stay at a Ritz Carlton, the valet took about 25 minutes to bring me my car when he promised me 3 minutes, and then, he managed to bring the wrong one. And then, he just showed some attitude and didn't apologize for the delay or screwup. I tipped him just $1 to basically tell him his service was horrible. I quickly got out of there and haven't been back to that property again.
#57
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I think high end hotels are a waste of money if you just sleep there. But if you fully utilize its amenities and facilities, it is totally worth it. Four Seasons on a weekend business trip? Count me in. But if I am going somewhere for the first time and have a jam-packed sightseeing schedule then splurging on a hotel makes no sense.
With all that said I do believe Aman hotels are disappointments to say the least. For thousands of dollars a night you get not much more than something like the Four Seasons, MO, IC, etc. Especially in Asia when service is great at any hotel.
With all that said I do believe Aman hotels are disappointments to say the least. For thousands of dollars a night you get not much more than something like the Four Seasons, MO, IC, etc. Especially in Asia when service is great at any hotel.
#58
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
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Having done this type of travel I prefer staying at mid-range apartment hotels where I can make my coffee in the morning and cook my own meals if I choose. I've stayed at higher-end hotels on business and the thrill wears off after you have to wade through a lobby filled with tourists every morning on the way to work.
#60
Join Date: Mar 2005
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i'm never disappointed because i get high end hotels on points or by gaming priceline name your price to get 5 star hotels for $70 a night
personally i'd never pay more than $100 for a hotel anywhere
and yeah i've stayed in $5 night guesthouses in peru that were ^^^
personally i'd never pay more than $100 for a hotel anywhere
and yeah i've stayed in $5 night guesthouses in peru that were ^^^