Originally Posted by Babu
Makes me wonder why they can't have a sign saying the guest is out/in? Recently I stayed in my room to work (a very definite non-luxury hotel, believe me), and I couldn't imagine the number of intrusions: mini bar, housekeeping, room service tray removal, and even an electrician (came to the wrong room). I kicked myself for not using the Do Not Disturb sign.
You really never want to leave a 'Please Make Up Room' sign - lets robbers know you are not in. You can always tell the front desk you'd like your room cleaned when leaving. However, I agree, a deluxe hotel should not need to be told. Another must - no service carts in hallways - bugs me totally! I remember staying at the (supposedly 5 star) Fairmont Chateau Whistler last summer & they left service carts in the hallways all day - one about every 6 rooms - made me crazy! Just one of the many irritations on this stay that made me seriously question how it ever got all those stars.
Thorough housekeeping - once found a pile of cig butts on our room balcony
at Grand Hotel du Cap (Ferrat) - yuck!
Large complimentary bottles of chilled water at night - Mandarin Rafael Munich offers both sparkling & flat - nice touch. They also did a wonderful & huge fruit basket that was easy to eat & fruit was perfectly ripe - another nice touch.
Second the separate toilet & shower. I (kindof) understand if it's a really old hotel, but feel strongly about private toilets & showers not in bath tubs if you want to be considered deluxe. Love the bathrooms at the Park Hyatt Vendome & Manele Bay Hotel! Both gorgeous.