Originally Posted by
stut
I'm very anti-social at times. One of those times is when I've just travelled a long way.
So please, please, please, stop insisting on making check-in an 'experience' for everyone. I want my arrival at a hotel to be an exercise in getting my into my room and left alone in an absolute minimum of time. You already have all my details - or at least have had the opportunity to capture them. You've probably already selected what room I'm getting. You've certainly got my credit card details.
Fundamentally, I want a quiet, relaxing room, and I want to get there as soon as possible. I don't want a welcome drink, chit-chat, forms, unrequested mini-tours of the facilities, an escort to my room or a 10-minute lightswitch and television masterclass. I want a key and the lift, and to be left alone until I request otherwise.
I know others want full-on fawning service, or feel slighted if they're not personally welcomed. I know the marketing people love getting front desk staff to lecture customers who had the temerity not to book on the hotel's website. I don't.
...though I do agree with the tone of this. I suppose it comes down to true hotel professionalism.
Maybe have your son spend some time at the Oriental (unfortunately the Wachtveitl era is over but it's still pretty fantastic at what it does well.).