But, by starting this thread, it helps all of us in the hotel industry regardless of the level of hotel to anticipate your needs. I have encountered most guests in this situation in the evening or middle of the night when those resources are unavailable. So, I am asking what items we should have on hand for when you arrive in that situation to at least help before any stores are open, or luggage is delivered. Most guests in that situation don't really have an interest in running to the store or having us run to the store that late and I don't blame them. Most want food and the essentials.

This happened to me in Indianapolis last summer. The hotel was wonderful and gave me a bag with the essentials - deoderant, toothbrush, comb, etc. But the thing that impressed me most was that they offered me contact solution and a small lens case. As a contact lens wearer, this was a godsend as I hate sleeping in my lenses.

The suggestion of a bathrobe was a good one also.

That's often why I don't ask the concierge/front desk these questions, and instead look for cleaning staff. Of course, it helps to speak the language in these cases, but depending on the hotel, the concierge generally refuses to suggest lower-end options.

Free wifi might be no use if you don't have your luggage but I bet it comes in handy when your flight's been cancelled and you're trying to rebook.

There is typically a business center at every hotel where guests may use the computer free of charge. Most guests have smart phones where they can talk to the airlines directly and/or use an application to rebook travel. Airlines have specific teams that deal with passengers in that situation and take care of bookings. I think it is clearly outside of the scope of necessities that I am asking about to offer free wireless access based on an event that I have no involvement with. Besides, if you are a frequent enough guest with certain loyalty programs, you never have to pay for wireless anyway. Have the airline reimburse you for those charges if need be. I am not sure what they offer for passengers in that situation.

+1 Trust me on that one. Or heck where I worked at it didn't take any where near that.

This.

Cheers.

Kimpton Hotels have a program in place to deal with this kind of situation. They have saved me a couple of times. This is one more thing that sets them apart for me and builds loyalty...

https://www.kimptonhotels.com/servic...we-got-it.aspx

Wow, we have all of those (except for fashion tape? - not sure what that is) and nearly all are available without a fee, granted there are times when I don't feel like charging guests so I don't. We really need to carry hair brushes because combs just don't work for ladies. We have several guests that leave luggage and clothes with us. It is so easy to track, and all hotels should offer such a service for being loyal. I must say that I do like a lot of the Kimpton programs but have yet to stay at one of their hotels. They are usually too pricey.

My laptop had recently broken as I was about to leave for my Jiangsu (China) vacation. I spoke with one hotel, the Changzhou Grand Hotel, about it, and they lent me a desktop at a nominal fee.

I've also noticed that a bunch of Japanese hotels rent out laptops, but is this a common occurrence in Europe/North America?

Never seen that in Europe (you're more likely to see a business centre, or an internet-connected PC in the lobby). As you say, I've found similar in East Asia - often finding desktops in your room as a matter of course, even in, for example, a fairly basic hotel in Seoul.

Think its the tape that stops your bits falling out revealing frocks!

The most impressive solution I have found wasn't a luxury hotel, but a Holiday Inn at an airport. I went down to the front desk to ask if they had a spare toothbrush / paste, as mine were buried in my suitcase for a flight the next day, and I really didn't fancy unpacking. The gentleman opened up a huge drawer behind reception which was filled with deodorant, toothbrushes (decent ones!) paste, hair spray, tampons, contact lens solution and cases, mini static guard spray, etc etc. He invited me to take not only the toothbrush and paste, but anything else I "might find useful". Excellent service, especially considering this is not a high end hotel.

Titty tape!

I can't say I have ever had a guest want to rent a laptop. But, many have either had it replaced by their company and sent overnight, or we have a variety of options for stores so that the guest can buy a new one.

I think it is a good business practice regardless of brand to have all the necessities on hand for guests. I also don't like those cheap toothbrushes or generic toothpastes and yet nearly every high end hotel has those, and the lower brands have decent toothbrushes and branded toothpaste? Definitely something to improve upon. Interesting about fashion tape. Somewhat sorry I asked. :)