Appreciating and leveraging services, benefits and amenities
Feb 28, 2019, 12:49 am
#1
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Appreciating and leveraging services, benefits and amenities
I believe in extracting as much as I can from our luxury hotel stays whilst minimizing aggravation.
One of my favorite services is ... LAUNDRY. Not only because it is done so well and packaged beautifully but it means I don't have to pack so much and can minimize baggage. True luxury! Yet I have learned to be careful after one Parisian hotel stay during which I incurred a 1200-Euro charge for laundry -- let it be our secret, don't tell Jim.
Room service is essential. Breakfast in one's room is the best, you don't have to get dressed. We often dine in our suite because that is more comfortable given Jim's dementia. And, we order countless pots of tea or coffee, sodas and drinks/wine (for me, how do you think I cope). So, room service is de rigueur and great room service is amply rewarded.
Early checkin/Late checkout -- Maybe my favorite benefit, especially the former. When we do check out late, it rarely is more than an hour or two. I am not averse to booking the previous day to ensure early checkin but I don't love paying for a following day when I am in the room only an extra hour or two.
I appreciate turndown, especially when we have a suite, but sometimes turn it away when exhausted. I love it when we are not in, then return to find the room pristine and serene. Not crazy about pillow nibbles. Often appreciate other tokens of esteem.
Love all the bathroom goodies, the more the better. Which doesn't mean I use them all apart from the soaps. Speaking of soaps, ok to supply liquid pump soap but there had better be bar soap as well or I will be on the phone tout de suite because Jim will not suffer that liquid stuff. Loofa sponge I do use and appreciate. Yes I sometimes take these goodies home but not all that often. They have to be pretty special to earn a place in my luggage.
Unpacking and packing -- dear god have I learned to adore this after years of pish-tushing it.
Coffee-making facility -- OK when I can figure out how to make it work AND when there is 1/2 n 1/2 in the fridge (often there is not and a request must be called in) and when supplies are replaced automatically.
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland provided Moleskine notebooks which just might be my favorite amenity!
Binoculars and Telescopes -- The former are desired in most locations; the latter in some locations.
Candles - always a plus, don't forget the bathroom.
Gratis wine and snacks -- who would say no?!
Gratis bottled water is a requirement.
In some places a flashlight lends comfort.
We are annoyed by Gideon bibles and the like so rarely open drawers in bedside tables. Don't put anything important in there.
In Mexico, many luxury venues provide a chess set. Wish this were more ubiquitous.
Those slippers: always too damn big for me.
Totes are useful as are umbrellas.
The lime-green pens at Le Bristol in Paris are to die for.
OK, your turn. What do you like? What do you love? What is superfluous? What annoys?
One of my favorite services is ... LAUNDRY. Not only because it is done so well and packaged beautifully but it means I don't have to pack so much and can minimize baggage. True luxury! Yet I have learned to be careful after one Parisian hotel stay during which I incurred a 1200-Euro charge for laundry -- let it be our secret, don't tell Jim.
Room service is essential. Breakfast in one's room is the best, you don't have to get dressed. We often dine in our suite because that is more comfortable given Jim's dementia. And, we order countless pots of tea or coffee, sodas and drinks/wine (for me, how do you think I cope). So, room service is de rigueur and great room service is amply rewarded.
Early checkin/Late checkout -- Maybe my favorite benefit, especially the former. When we do check out late, it rarely is more than an hour or two. I am not averse to booking the previous day to ensure early checkin but I don't love paying for a following day when I am in the room only an extra hour or two.
I appreciate turndown, especially when we have a suite, but sometimes turn it away when exhausted. I love it when we are not in, then return to find the room pristine and serene. Not crazy about pillow nibbles. Often appreciate other tokens of esteem.
Love all the bathroom goodies, the more the better. Which doesn't mean I use them all apart from the soaps. Speaking of soaps, ok to supply liquid pump soap but there had better be bar soap as well or I will be on the phone tout de suite because Jim will not suffer that liquid stuff. Loofa sponge I do use and appreciate. Yes I sometimes take these goodies home but not all that often. They have to be pretty special to earn a place in my luggage.
Unpacking and packing -- dear god have I learned to adore this after years of pish-tushing it.
Coffee-making facility -- OK when I can figure out how to make it work AND when there is 1/2 n 1/2 in the fridge (often there is not and a request must be called in) and when supplies are replaced automatically.
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland provided Moleskine notebooks which just might be my favorite amenity!
Binoculars and Telescopes -- The former are desired in most locations; the latter in some locations.
Candles - always a plus, don't forget the bathroom.
Gratis wine and snacks -- who would say no?!
Gratis bottled water is a requirement.
In some places a flashlight lends comfort.
We are annoyed by Gideon bibles and the like so rarely open drawers in bedside tables. Don't put anything important in there.
In Mexico, many luxury venues provide a chess set. Wish this were more ubiquitous.
Those slippers: always too damn big for me.
Totes are useful as are umbrellas.
The lime-green pens at Le Bristol in Paris are to die for.
OK, your turn. What do you like? What do you love? What is superfluous? What annoys?
Last edited by KatW; Feb 28, 2019 at 9:02 am
Feb 28, 2019, 1:11 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,225
One of the amenities we have really appreciated travelling with small children to the O&O Reethi Rah is the free laundry for children under 2. That has been such a help for us and saved us a fortune! Sticking with amenities at the O&O Reethi Rah we love the oil burner and clove incense sticks that they leave in the bathroom and the torch for wandering around at night.
Feb 28, 2019, 2:35 am
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Room service breakfast. Beats slogging it with the masses at the buffet.
Slippers. Almost always too small for me in Asia-Pacific.
Feb 28, 2019, 12:11 pm
#4
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
always great when laundry is included, inclusive rates in general can be convenient
decent room service if i really need it will likely keep me from staying in 'nonluxury' hotels
has anyone negotiated rates including some laundry and dining (including room service) ?
jonjparr, what about 'stay list' ? IIRC you and MacMyDay have mentioned before
disappointing when luxury hotels do not even make attempt at flexibility, vs procedures
many here love properties which deliver housekeeping every time one leaves their room
rates including both laundry and unpacking / packing can work out extremely well
decent room service if i really need it will likely keep me from staying in 'nonluxury' hotels
has anyone negotiated rates including some laundry and dining (including room service) ?
jonjparr, what about 'stay list' ? IIRC you and MacMyDay have mentioned before
rates including both laundry and unpacking / packing can work out extremely well
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 28, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Feb 28, 2019, 12:48 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
KatW, I always enjoy your great threads and your writing style.
I also love absolutely everything about Le Bristol, including the amenity pens and the quality of the laundry service. Fortunately I have never had quite that high of a laundry bill, as when I travel for long periods of time I try to keep that under control by using outside services. I suppose one silver lining of having a spouse with dementia is that it is easier to keep little secrets about such expenses
I also love absolutely everything about Le Bristol, including the amenity pens and the quality of the laundry service. Fortunately I have never had quite that high of a laundry bill, as when I travel for long periods of time I try to keep that under control by using outside services. I suppose one silver lining of having a spouse with dementia is that it is easier to keep little secrets about such expenses
Feb 28, 2019, 1:32 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,225
My stay list mainly has what others might consider to be inane things on there.
Examples:
- I detest sparkling water
- I like Robinsons Fruit & Barley Summer Fruit
- All the Nespresso pods need to be swapped for decaf ones
- I like chamomile tea (bud) but only when served with honey
- Extra towels / baby towels
- Bathrobes for my daughters
That's about it really - I'm pretty low maintenance!
Examples:
- I detest sparkling water
- I like Robinsons Fruit & Barley Summer Fruit
- All the Nespresso pods need to be swapped for decaf ones
- I like chamomile tea (bud) but only when served with honey
- Extra towels / baby towels
- Bathrobes for my daughters
That's about it really - I'm pretty low maintenance!
Feb 28, 2019, 1:37 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
interesting, thanks. also thanks KatW for another great thread
unlimited water in room also great for me, unfortunate not more standard
re room service - anyone had success with special orders (not on menu) ?
unlimited water in room also great for me, unfortunate not more standard
re room service - anyone had success with special orders (not on menu) ?
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 28, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Feb 28, 2019, 3:09 pm
#10
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
while others want convenience and do not care about cost
that is me for decent room service, vs nonluxury hotels, even if i almost never use it. actually same for laundry.. personally almost never pay for it, but if i do i prefer luxury hotel to nonluxury. the gap between even lower level luxury and nonluxury can be significant especially for certain things.
IIRC laundry included in all-inclusive rates at twin farms
(my post was only re when property doesnt charge for it)
luxury means spending a lot to offer a lot of things, 24 hours a day, and sometimes very quickly. contrary to perception, high prices (sometimes even rates) can still lose a lot of money. when one 'needs' something, the value can range from fairly high to priceless. major part of luxury service.
Early checkin/Late checkout - nice to be standardized by peninsula, as they are a smaller brand with quite a history and mostly owns their properties. was first at Beverly hills, early on.
that is me for decent room service, vs nonluxury hotels, even if i almost never use it. actually same for laundry.. personally almost never pay for it, but if i do i prefer luxury hotel to nonluxury. the gap between even lower level luxury and nonluxury can be significant especially for certain things.
IIRC laundry included in all-inclusive rates at twin farms
(my post was only re when property doesnt charge for it)
luxury means spending a lot to offer a lot of things, 24 hours a day, and sometimes very quickly. contrary to perception, high prices (sometimes even rates) can still lose a lot of money. when one 'needs' something, the value can range from fairly high to priceless. major part of luxury service.
Early checkin/Late checkout - nice to be standardized by peninsula, as they are a smaller brand with quite a history and mostly owns their properties. was first at Beverly hills, early on.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Mar 1, 2019 at 10:28 am
Feb 28, 2019, 4:37 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Mar 1, 2019, 12:04 am
#13
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
I appreciate a full sized refrigerator on long term stays. PH Toronto, GH Dubai were both good enough to provide one. FS Dubai didn't have one but did offer to store whatever I bought in their room service fridge.
This doesn't mean giving me a Diplomatic suite either. Just putting one in any room!
This doesn't mean giving me a Diplomatic suite either. Just putting one in any room!
Last edited by Aventine; Mar 1, 2019 at 5:09 am
Mar 1, 2019, 4:06 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,225
FS Surfside and Chateau Saint-Martin recreated my daughter's favourite restaurant meal (Mini Chicken Katsu: panko breaded fried chicken breast, sticky Japanese rice, sweet corn, shredded carrot, cucumber ribbons)