Very interesting discussion. What a novel concept: hotel architect taps knowledge base of savvy frequent travelers for design input!
Favorite hotel room features:
1) Separate vanity with sink outside the closed-in bathroom. I guess architects don't consider how important it is that both people in a traveling duo be able to "get ready" at the same time. All rooms with two beds should have an extra vanity with sink.
2) Storage niche at shoulder height in the shower, for shampoo, bath gel, razor, etc. I hate having to balance these items on the edge of the tub and bend over constantly to access them.
3) Wall-mounted and lighted mirror for makeup application. Would be nice to have light on magnifier side (makeup) and no light on plain side (hair styling, using main mirror to view side and back of head).
4) Separate light and fan switches in bathroom. I detest same-switch operation, fan noise is so obnoxious. Sometimes you want the bathroom to get steamy, like when you are trying to de-wrinkle just unpacked clothing.
5) Multi-bar drying/towel rack above the tub or shower. This is where you hang hand-washed laundry items, so it must be mounted fairly high to allow for a full length nightgown or dress on a clothing hanger. It's nice to have a second one of these in the main part of the bathroom to actually keep the towels on, and hang items to "steam." (see above about steaming out clothes) Be sure rack bars will accommodate the hangers from the room closet!
6) Hand-held shower head on a vertical rod, adjustable for both tall and short users.
7) Niche on wall at vanity, like a home medicine cabinet, for cosmetics and so forth.
Pet peeves:
1) Tub/shower faucets which don't allow user to control volume of water delivery. I hate the ones that throw water full-blast with no other setting.
2) The "unfathomable faucet," when the guest can't figure out how it operates.
3) Poor lighting, mentioned by many people.
4) Those heating and a/c controls that don't have a thermostat, just the low-medium-high switch.
Wish List:
1) Built-in steamer in the bathroom, next to the towel rack to hang the clothing being steamed. I have one of these freestanding steamers at home and LOVE it, hardly ever use my iron anymore. Have never seen this in any hotel, revenue generation loss I guess.
2) Built-in nightlight in bathroom, with a switch. This should be a no-brainer. I hate having to carry my nightlight everywhere I go.
3) Big sign on back of entry door with fire safety and security tips.
Henryw, thanks for this interesting thread and your commentary. I'm headed out tonight for my favorite hotel in all the world, the little Alam Jiwa just outside Ubud, Bali. At this hotel you have a friendly tokay lizard in the rafters for bug patrol, mosquito netting over the bed, marble floors, fabulous carved wood doorways, vanity and mirrors, the shower comes out of an urn perched on a lady's shoulder (statue of course...), and the staff places floral offerings in palm-leaf trays outside your room entrance to appease both good and bad spirits---ensuring a happy stay. Same-day laundry service is about 50¢ per item, the huge breakfast is included in the room rate and served at the time you designate on your verandah, and you awaken in the morning to a majestic view of the mighty holy mountain, Gunung Agung, rising in the mists across the brilliant green ricefields. I definitely recommend a research visit to Bali for any hotel architect!