Azamaraal

I like to stay in the Conrad Hong Kong. This is one of the nicest hotels in the world and they go out of their way to make your visit extraordinary. One night we were arriving late from JNB (a few minutes past the closing time for the Lounge) so I emailed and asked if they could put a few snacks and two glasses of wine aside for when we arrived late. To my surprise they met us in the lounge with Champagne and snacks and after they sent a small meal to our suite with a complementary bottle of wine. We were travelling on points that time so we were totally gobsmacked. So I think staying in high end hotels does often "make" the journey. Mind you we also enjoyed a very nice $50 hotel in Siam Reap.

CMK10

Can't say I'm surprised at all by your story, that's one of the best hotels I've stayed at.

emma69

I genuinely don't mind uninspiring and lifeless. I don't need style, I need function. I was quite narrow in my wants (bedding, towels, black out blinds) and it is rare a room is that sparse. I do prefer glass and chrome (even white tile) over wood etc. as they are so much more obviously dirty (or clean, if you like) than other, darker surfaces. There might be a work desk, a flat screen television, a sofa or chaise, a coffee table, bedside tables, a picture on the wall, etc. Provided they are not obtrusive, all those things are fine. I had a lovely room in Tokyo, there was a picture of some sort on the wall, there was a chaise by a beautiful full length window, a work desk, a table to eat room service at etc. Muted colour scheme, nothing 'grated' on the eyes. But with the blinds closed, that room could have been anywhere, and I am fine with that. Contrast that to some of the rooms I have been given in the tropics, which feel the need to ram down YOU ARE IN THE TROPICS, with carvings, and an over-abundance of art work, and locally made throws on the sofas, and shells on the vanity, etc etc.

And then there are the 'statement' rooms - I stayed at one hotel that I swear used 'serial killers' as its theme - the wall (and curtains) had random blood red splodges on, so at first glance looked like CSI never quite finished their clean up. I stayed in another boutique property and felt like I was in a storage room at Versailles. They could not have crammed in more antique furniture if they had tried - I think I counted at least 6 side tables.