What amenities matter ?

[Anil]

I am beginning to realize that most amenities provided by hotels are never used or under utilized. On business travel, I have less use of an ironing board, than internet access. 

[José Balido]

Interesting topic, Anil!

What about those sad swimming pools that rarely see a soul? Those lonely sewing kits? You're right, today's traveler, IMHO, wants internet access. Maybe hotels should skimp on the shower caps and give us free wireless!

[Anil]

Hi Jose, you reminded me of those sewing kits :) Another pet peeve of mine is 5-star business friendly"hotels chains" charging 10-20USD/day for internet access, over and above 250-450 USD/day rack rates. Heck, I have slowly begun to wean myself off, the chains if another hotel offers me quiet room, internet access and buffet breakfast - That is a sign of business friendly :)

I plan to apply this thumb rule for my upcoming trip to India. Difficult as it is to wean off points and miles, I think in this recession plagued world, we all have to rethink what matters most, and take our dollars to a place that addresses those needs.

Jose Balido said:

Interesting topic, Anil!

What about those sad swimming pools that rarely see a soul? Those lonely sewing kits? You're right, today's traveler, IMHO, wants internet access. Maybe hotels should skimp on the shower caps and give us free wireless!

[James Morris]

I agree. Most hotels don't offer much extra that is valued in my opinion. Large corporate luxury hotel chains are more interested in turning rooms quickly to make quick profits.

Ammenities that matter most in my opinion, are: luxury soaps, haircare products, hand creams, spa products and so on. Also, top quality bed linens and bathrobes (i.e., the best Irish linen or similar), down to freebies like bottled mineral waters, free parking, et cetera, are all what I cherish. Of course, free internet should always be included in such large buildings with large communication budgets!

Most importantly, one should always ask: why stay in a hotel that offers substandard architecture and design, let alone knock-off designer furniture, or, mass produced period furniture that looks cozy, but, that's about it. Hotels can't afford to furnish their multi-room properties the way very small vacation rentals can. Economy of scale makes doing so virtually impossible.

Ciao,

R.M.