Appreciating and leveraging services, benefits and amenities
Mar 2, 2019, 9:30 am
#31
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,368
Some people are allergic to flowers, so hotels shouldn't automatically place them in rooms or bathrooms.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellant are thoughtful touches. Even though most people have their own favorite brands, the backup is nice when you forget to bring these items or run out during a stay.
I've stayed in hotels that had some kits for those whose luggage is lost. They're a luxury version of what some airlines distribute when you report that they lost your checked bag.
I like having a few desk supplies, such as post it notes, paper clips, bionder clips, a small stapler, paper scissors, and tape, although I realize that they would be irrelevant for the paperless office crowd.....and of course electric outlet adaptors, device charging cords, and extension cords depending on the outlet situation in the room.
If paper and pen are provided---and they should be---they should be beautiful/elegant/high quality.
Housekeepers should never rearrange my stuff, including items on the desk, nor should they thoughtfully put anything away (hide the umbrella?) that I have deliberately put in a prominent position to remind myself to do something or not forget the item. Similarly, I like my shoes and slippers to be visible and not hidden under a luggage rack or placed in some closed that I didn't plan to use. Also, don't hit the master light switch as I might be recharging electronics or not want to wrestle again with a complicated TV setup to find the channel I want.
It's fun when the hotel provides a bath toy such as a rubber ducky. There are some creative/artistic versions available in certain museum shops. It also looks pretty when towels are artistically arranged (but not the way some cruise ships do for kids with the animal towels) or tied with an elegant ribbon or golden rope. I've also seen toilet paper done beautifully, far beyond the usual fold to a point. In parts of Asia, I almost expect the origami animal next to the "your room was prepared by housekeeper XXX" card.
I want the personal linen bedside rug, and if the hotel doesn't supply one, I sacrifice a towel for this purpose.
I like when hotels invite guests (me!) to management receptions, although I understand that this can be a nuisance obligation for certain staff. It needs to be well done, in a pleasant place with reasonable numbers of people. It can be used as a way for the hotel to show off some of its F&B offerings (just like outstanding lounge food can make a good impression and encourage me to eat in hotel restaurants or even hold events at the property).
Sunscreen and mosquito repellant are thoughtful touches. Even though most people have their own favorite brands, the backup is nice when you forget to bring these items or run out during a stay.
I've stayed in hotels that had some kits for those whose luggage is lost. They're a luxury version of what some airlines distribute when you report that they lost your checked bag.
I like having a few desk supplies, such as post it notes, paper clips, bionder clips, a small stapler, paper scissors, and tape, although I realize that they would be irrelevant for the paperless office crowd.....and of course electric outlet adaptors, device charging cords, and extension cords depending on the outlet situation in the room.
If paper and pen are provided---and they should be---they should be beautiful/elegant/high quality.
Housekeepers should never rearrange my stuff, including items on the desk, nor should they thoughtfully put anything away (hide the umbrella?) that I have deliberately put in a prominent position to remind myself to do something or not forget the item. Similarly, I like my shoes and slippers to be visible and not hidden under a luggage rack or placed in some closed that I didn't plan to use. Also, don't hit the master light switch as I might be recharging electronics or not want to wrestle again with a complicated TV setup to find the channel I want.
It's fun when the hotel provides a bath toy such as a rubber ducky. There are some creative/artistic versions available in certain museum shops. It also looks pretty when towels are artistically arranged (but not the way some cruise ships do for kids with the animal towels) or tied with an elegant ribbon or golden rope. I've also seen toilet paper done beautifully, far beyond the usual fold to a point. In parts of Asia, I almost expect the origami animal next to the "your room was prepared by housekeeper XXX" card.
I want the personal linen bedside rug, and if the hotel doesn't supply one, I sacrifice a towel for this purpose.
I like when hotels invite guests (me!) to management receptions, although I understand that this can be a nuisance obligation for certain staff. It needs to be well done, in a pleasant place with reasonable numbers of people. It can be used as a way for the hotel to show off some of its F&B offerings (just like outstanding lounge food can make a good impression and encourage me to eat in hotel restaurants or even hold events at the property).
Mar 2, 2019, 11:11 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,048
It's fun when the hotel provides a bath toy such as a rubber ducky. There are some creative/artistic versions available in certain museum shops. It also looks pretty when towels are artistically arranged (but not the way some cruise ships do for kids with the animal towels) or tied with an elegant ribbon or golden rope. I've also seen toilet paper done beautifully, far beyond the usual fold to a point. In parts of Asia, I almost expect the origami animal next to the "your room was prepared by housekeeper XXX" card.
I want the personal linen bedside rug, and if the hotel doesn't supply one, I sacrifice a towel for this purpose.
I like when hotels invite guests (me!) to management receptions, although I understand that this can be a nuisance obligation for certain staff. It needs to be well done, in a pleasant place with reasonable numbers of people. It can be used as a way for the hotel to show off some of its F&B offerings (just like outstanding lounge food can make a good impression and encourage me to eat in hotel restaurants or even hold events at the property).
FS Seoul is good at this in their lounge.
Mar 2, 2019, 4:41 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,504
Basically I hate anything that clutters a room - and that includes almost everything on Musken's list. Flowers, fruit and snacks etc tend to be politely removed on arrival and we ask that nothing is delivered to the room at turn-down, apart from basic bathroom stuff. I also dislike those awful magazines that get in the way, so those get dumped immediately.
Mar 2, 2019, 7:43 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,244
Likes
Easy to use Coffee machine with great selection of coffee ( and actually taste good )
Valet Box
A true master-switch by the bedside that turns off every light in the room
Comfortable Lounge sofa chair
Free mini-bar
Welcome amenities that are actually decent ( otherwise don't bother )
Dislikes
No proper work desk
Promotion pamphlets in room to promote the hotel restaurants + spas etc..
Tiny shampoo and shower gel bottles that are hard to squeeze out
Low water pressure
Suites that end up feeling smaller than rooms because of excessive partitioning
Insufficient plugs
Hates
Tiny hotel safe that I cannot even put my laptop inside
Poor sound-proofing and noisy room
Slow or non-functioning internet
Non-functioning air-conditioning
Reading lights that are excessively bright
Never answer phone calls for service even after repeat tries
Easy to use Coffee machine with great selection of coffee ( and actually taste good )
Valet Box
A true master-switch by the bedside that turns off every light in the room
Comfortable Lounge sofa chair
Free mini-bar
Welcome amenities that are actually decent ( otherwise don't bother )
Dislikes
No proper work desk
Promotion pamphlets in room to promote the hotel restaurants + spas etc..
Tiny shampoo and shower gel bottles that are hard to squeeze out
Low water pressure
Suites that end up feeling smaller than rooms because of excessive partitioning
Insufficient plugs
Hates
Tiny hotel safe that I cannot even put my laptop inside
Poor sound-proofing and noisy room
Slow or non-functioning internet
Non-functioning air-conditioning
Reading lights that are excessively bright
Never answer phone calls for service even after repeat tries
Mar 3, 2019, 1:42 am
#37
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
Housekeepers should never rearrange my stuff, including items on the desk, nor should they thoughtfully put anything away (hide the umbrella?) that I have deliberately put in a prominent position to remind myself to do something or not forget the item. Similarly, I like my shoes and slippers to be visible and not hidden under a luggage rack or placed in some closed that I didn't plan to use. Also, don't hit the master light switch as I might be recharging electronics or not want to wrestle again with a complicated TV setup to find the channel I want.
However, I have seen some hotels taking their "afraid of moving things" almost too far. Not changing a glass because there is a tiny sip of champagne left at the bottom of the glass, not trowing away garbage (empty box of of crisps or chocolate paper) because we left it outside instead of putting it in the bin.
Oh, and another nice thing is when a hotel really move away the extra bed during daytime so that the suite looks perfect and can be fully used during the day. Best was at Amanruya. I also think they should remove the stand for the suitcases when we clearly do not use it, that is if it is not hidden in a cupboard. Actually I do not understand the usage of such suitcases stands at all since I have a suitcase which is packed both in the top and bottom part.
Last edited by Musken; Mar 3, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Mar 3, 2019, 7:28 am
#38
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,643
No, I merely see what they do and then I ask them not to! I'm afraid an unripe banana and a packet of M&Ms does nothing for my self-esteem.
Last edited by Pausanias; Mar 3, 2019 at 9:49 am
Mar 7, 2019, 12:37 pm
#39
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
The musts:
Excellent air con--or there will be hell to pay. That's why I always confirm in advance in writing that the room/suite be guaranteed to achieve 67 F or cooler and be pre-cooled before my arrival. I always carry my personal thermometer to be sure and avoid unnecessary discussion, courtesy of the Prince de Galles.
Blackout shades. Sunshine should never awaken me. But I always have an eye mask just in case.
Bottled water, still or sparkling. As much as I want. We drink a lot of water.
24 hours room service. I don't know how people survive in a luxury environment without it. GrubHub and UberEats help in bigger cities, but 24 hour room service is essential in rural/remote locations.
The preferred:
Welcome amenity that I love: chocolate covered strawberries or cheese and crackers and you have my undying loyalty almost at that, fruit (only for my husband), wine (usually not to our standard, but we've been surprised), etc. Occasionally, we will get some amenity that blows us away that we'd never have expected: a celebration cake at the St Regis Florence, amazing sweets at Amangiri, or the most outlandish fruit and wine/cheese spread of all time at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Toto washlet. My bum is always so grateful. My husband, too, for other reasons.
Laundry service. It's nice to have, particularly if I'm packing lightly/carry on for a location that's warm. Otherwise, I tend to pack all that I need.
I do it all the time. Omelettes are something I always can get as others have mentioned. I've had many pizzas that aren't offered on the overnight menu and gotten them after hours. I got noodle dishes I wanted at Amanjiwo. I've even gotten non-menu gazpacho a few times at the StR Punta Mita, StR Bahia Beach, and StR San Francisco!
Excellent air con--or there will be hell to pay. That's why I always confirm in advance in writing that the room/suite be guaranteed to achieve 67 F or cooler and be pre-cooled before my arrival. I always carry my personal thermometer to be sure and avoid unnecessary discussion, courtesy of the Prince de Galles.
Blackout shades. Sunshine should never awaken me. But I always have an eye mask just in case.
Bottled water, still or sparkling. As much as I want. We drink a lot of water.
24 hours room service. I don't know how people survive in a luxury environment without it. GrubHub and UberEats help in bigger cities, but 24 hour room service is essential in rural/remote locations.
The preferred:
Welcome amenity that I love: chocolate covered strawberries or cheese and crackers and you have my undying loyalty almost at that, fruit (only for my husband), wine (usually not to our standard, but we've been surprised), etc. Occasionally, we will get some amenity that blows us away that we'd never have expected: a celebration cake at the St Regis Florence, amazing sweets at Amangiri, or the most outlandish fruit and wine/cheese spread of all time at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Toto washlet. My bum is always so grateful. My husband, too, for other reasons.
Laundry service. It's nice to have, particularly if I'm packing lightly/carry on for a location that's warm. Otherwise, I tend to pack all that I need.
I do it all the time. Omelettes are something I always can get as others have mentioned. I've had many pizzas that aren't offered on the overnight menu and gotten them after hours. I got noodle dishes I wanted at Amanjiwo. I've even gotten non-menu gazpacho a few times at the StR Punta Mita, StR Bahia Beach, and StR San Francisco!
