It's a fine line that most middle of the road and less expensive chains have to play with. We as guests are always looking for Pricleline rates, yet we want Ritz service. It's almost an impossible goal for the hotel managers to achieve especially in the larger cities where the $6-7 an hour don't get you much.

On the other hand, I'm very surprised that the major chains don't get their software suppliers to customze the programs for each hotel. So when a clerk punches in a number, the screen will show exactly where the room is located at, smoking or not and bedding. After the initial expense there would not be any additional cost and finally even the less than enthusiastic employee would not be able to f**k up and pi**off the guests.