Originally Posted by grumbler
BTW, I think you would be surprised at how many people (who are not millionaires) do pay for luxury travel on their own dime.
I didn't say they didn't exsist. I am not a millionaire and enjoy luxury personal travel.
It the same point in going to a fancy restaurant. Part of the $20 club sandwich is service even if it is room service. If I order a club sandwich from the Ritz-Carlton I expect it to be served on a white linen covered wheeled table, along with a votive candle, fresh flowers, etc. If I order a club sandwich from the Hampton Inn for $6.95 I expect very little.
I wouldn't go into Morton's steakhouse and say that I could go buy that slab of meat at the local butcher for $10. Part of the $40 steak price is SERVICE.
HSIA was originally installed for the business traveler who could expense the cost. However, many personal travelers now have laptops and I think with time HSIA may become a free amenity.