Name Your Favorite Small Features in a Hotel Room

Magifying mirror with light.

A really comfortable chair to sit in and read; 2 are even better.

Good towels, thick, absorbent ones. White preferably.

Really high quality bathroom amenities - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer.

Turn down service, with a chocolate left on the pillow.

Fresh towels in the evening. I know about the waste of laundering. I am willing to skip fresh sheets everyday for fresh towels 2 times a day. {ok, fresh clean, crisp sheets are nice too.}.

No polyester bedspreads, a light down duvet, with removal cover that is actually washed between guests.

Good lighting to read in bed or in above chair.

I could go on and on, I guess.

I am lucky enough to have found such accomodations many times.

Deb

Decent hangars and enough of them!

Room to store my empty luggage (because the first thing I do when I get to a hotel is unpack, unlike my DH, who is perfectly happy to live out of his suitcase for days on end and, yes, I've been known to unpack for him!).

Enough dresser drawers (see above).

Of the things already mentioned, great shampoo, at least a mirror, but also preferably a sink outside the main part of the bathroom, free internet, GREAT TOWELS (in all caps, because it's one of those things I notice when they aren't, fresh towels at night, because invariably we shower before going out for the evening, which means we don't have "fresh" towels in the morning.

hooks in the bathroom to hang clothes

enough wastebaskets (at least 3) strategically placed

enough electrical outlets (at least 4 doubles) empty ones, well placed and with correct configurations for all our gadgets.

complimentary bottled water if the tap water is . . . well . . funny tasting

a separate area for the coffee maker, so you aren't spilling water all over the toiletries. (I do bring my own coffee, so, I like a decent coffeemaker.

Two really nice extra pillows per person.

Complimentary bottled water.

Plenty of shelving in the bathroom. It's such a pain to see a nice bathroom with great fixtures and a granite counter top, but NO place to put stuff: makeup, deodorant, etc. I don't want all those things on a little counter.

Free WiFi

Plenty of pillows (either varying firmness, or extra-firm, just for me)

Plenty of accesible electrical outlets

Good lighting, especially for reading in bed

An inroom safe

A good quality make-up mirror on an extendable neck so you can position it for your height (most women are taller than 5'2").

A card with the TV channel listing (does somebody always steal these?)

Here is my list:

bowed out shower curtain rod

soft thick absorbant towels

Lots of hangers

Free bottle of water

free Internet

more than one trash can

good bedding - high thread count, soft sheets - NO BEDSPREAD - washable duvet covering a comforter.
thick towels
high end toiletries
free wifi
free water is nice

All of the above are available at Hampton Inns

A small refrigerator
A coffee maker
Heavy drapes to keep the room dark and quiet
A hair dryer
Bottled water
Thick, good towels
Quality linens on the bed
A good mattress
Bedding which is cleaned after each guest
exhaust fan in the bathroom

I had forgotten about well-placed outlets. I stayed at a Marriott in Florida that had a strip above the desk that had all the connections you need - electrical outlets, ethernet, USB, etc. all within easy reach. As opposed to having to move the bed to find an electrical outlet to charge your phone!

Mirrors stategically placed so one can see the back of the hair.

Good reading lights on both sides of the bed.

Two overstuffed chair - somewhere for both myself and DH to sit comfortably other than the bed.

Wine glasses.

An ice machine in the same zip code as our room. I hate calling room sevice for ice.

Feather pillows.

Bathroom storage. Who ever thought that pedestal sinks should be put in hotels?

I like a coffee maker and please give me real glass mugs. I bring my own coffee, but don't make me drink it from paper cups!

I prefer a room with the sink and mirror outside the room with the toilet and the shower. That way others can get ready when someone is in the shower.

Duvet cover that is washed between guests..
600+ thread count sheets and pillows..lots of them and good quality and only things on the bed that are washed after every guest.
Good beds of memory foam.
Flat Screen TV
Super clean rooms
NO turn down service but take the chocolates..hate someone interupting us..
Free Internet
NO Coffee Maker..seen too many 20/20 features on what hotel guests do to them..
French Press with good coffee
Sauna/Spa
Great towels.
Free water & paper
Free Room Upgrade
Ipod dock
Great Room Service
Usually have a basket of something sent up of wine/cheese.
Quiet rooms..not hear someone above or below you..
Free Valet..
Lots of light in the room and of course a fridge..without sensors.
Computer desk with a great chair and ergonomic desk.

Free Breakfast..cooked to order

Duvet cover

Fitted bottom sheet

Extra pillows

Small fridge

Plentiful and conveniently located outlets

Bowed shower curtain

Free wireless

Self service laundry room

* Good reading lights on both sides of the bed
* French Press Coffee (Hotel Listel in Vancouver brought this to the room each morning - complimentary!)
* Good pillows, preferably down
* Extra blanket and pillows accessible in the room if needed
* Self-serve ice machine nearby(do not want to call front desk)
* Iron and Ironing Board
* Excellent mattress, no plastic mattress cover - or at least cover it with a quality washable one, and a fitted bottom sheet or a bottom sheet that will stay in place!
* Bath salts are nice
* More than 1 bar of soap
* street map of the area
* have turn-down service as a request-only (We don't care for it)
* Yes, a card with the TV channels/stations, a tv guide and instructions on operating the tv
* A great feature at Abigail's in Victoria is that they will launder and fold as many clothes as will fit in a provided bag for $10 (24 hrs)

Doors that do not slam shut automatically - creating all sorts of noise in the hallway.

1. Washable duvet covering a comforter

2. Four pillows (we both use two)

3. Coffee pot and good coffee

4. Sink outside of the bathroom

5. Two confortable chairs

6. Small refrigerator

7. Free breakfast

8. Center hallways

Hope a hotel executive gets to see this thread. The common items are not that expensive, but rarely provided.

Ones that I rarely see are the fitted sheets and adequate wastebaskets--what's with the tiny little trash cans with the plastic liners that don't fit properly?

And I do like the Ipod docks such as they have at Hyatt, and the bowed-out shower curtain rods.

And I understand they're trying to save power by using low-wattage light bulbs, but it seems that we just end up compensating by having to turn on every light in the room.

Also, while I love free wi-fi, I don't mind paying something for it--but I do mind if the pricing makes me feel like I being hugely taken advantage of because I'm trapped there and have no choice.

I was so happy to see this thread! It reinforces what MANY bed & breakfasts have been providing for some time. Other than a spa/sauna, French pressed coffee, room service (except for continental breakfast option) and in-room coffee makers...my place is good to go according to what you say you want.

I was also happy to see the bowed out curtain rod comments. I have been thinking about these for some time so will put this on the list of things to do.

Thanks so much for all the comments. I knew we have been striving to be a cut above always, but going by these lists I know many of us have already accomplished this long ago!

Several people already mentioned accessible electrical outlets and free internet access so my others are:

-Being able to sit at the desk and see the TV. So many places seem to put them side-by-side.

-A night light, so you don't have to turn on the klieg lights most bathrooms have, when you make a trip in the middle of the night.

-A window that opens, so you can shut off the A/C when it's nice outside.

Grab bar in the tub, but I rarely see them

cd, what do you mean by "center hallway"?

sf
We take a lot of road trips and many times we stay in LaQuinta Inns. I've found many of them to be quite nice for an overnight stay and also Holiday Inn Express and others, but you have a room that has an outside entrance instead of going into the hotel and then taking a hallway to your room. I prefer that hallway.

No noise from the next door or above.

Closer to the elevators then 1/2 mile

cd, DUH (I much prefer that, too)

If hotels are going to use feather pilllows and feather filled duvets they MUST make accommodations for people who have allergies. I find in europe I can easily get what I want (you have to ask for a "plastic" pillow) - but at some supposedly upscale places in the US they are just not prepared.

Why the bowed-out shower curtain? I don't get it.

Regular shower curtains tend to blow in and cling (to your body). The bowed out kind don't do that.

Fresh cut flowers.
Cheese and fruit tray.
Chocolate covered strawberries.
Pillows that don't have a slight rumpy smell.

1) A phone system that has a computer-set wake-up call system!

Then you never have to fear that a human will miss the wake-up call. Once you have this happen to you a couple of times, you understand how great the automated call system is.

2) Lots of counter space in the bathroom (usually this means nix on the pedestal sink configuration.)

Great question, by the way!

LisaG

TV remote controls that have been cleaned after each guest.
No phones in the bathroom. Yech!
Triple sheeted beds.

a couple more things..
a hamper for towels instead of the floor..sticky stuff for the tub bottom since a lot of them are slick as hell and a liability too.
I bring a clear clingy plastic wrap over the whole tv remote and it works perfectly and I don't get sick..which they attribute to the tv remote.
has to have a wall built-in dryer
when having shampoo/shower gel make sure the font is big enough to read when you are taking a shower without glasses on..you can guess the rest of the story on this one.
I don't trust glassware since it stems back from the 20/20 show with the towels from the previous guests..I order glassware from housekeeping or room service.
Please do not use all those cardboard advertisments that are all over the room..hate those things.
Make sure you clean your air vents and after the room is cleaned, have a 3rd person go in and give it visual once over..
Merry Christmas!

In order of importance:

great bed with down comforters with duvet covers that are washed

free wifi

enough outlets to plug in

free water

nice toiletries

safe

late checkout till 4 pm if room is unbooked the next day.

Two hotel policies I'm glad to run into are:

1. No regular use of scented air "fresheners" in rooms, and

2. Either fitted bottom sheets on the beds, or at least bottom flat sheets which have been tucked in, so they don't shift during the night.

Just the simple things:

Wifi that stays connected.

Bowed shower curtain rod.

Lotsa electrical outlets I can access without moving furniture or crawling on my hands and knees.

And I wish they'd leave the towels alone when I hang them up indicating that I intend to use them again as described on the card they provide.

A non-feather pillow selection that is the same quality as the down pillows. I'm allergic to feathers and often the beautiful down pillows are replaced by pathetic non-feather lumps.

Washcloths.

If I'm travelling alone, either a valet or someone to walk me to my car.

Loads of good suggestions here...
I want a couple of paper cups. I do not trust glassware in hotel rooms, no matter how fancy.

My number one desire? Something that can make white noise. A fan or a sound machine. I have even put the TV on a channel with static all night.
I hate hearing sounds and need the white noise to drown out doors slamming, drunks getting back after dinner, kids waking up at 4am or falling asleep at 1am, trash trucks, jackhammers, etc...!

Down comforter, great linens and pillows, free bottled water, small frig, cd player, jacuzzi tub, cookies or chocolates!

I like a coffee maker, I'll bring my own coffee.
I like a little fridge
Nice towels
Good reading lights.

I sure wish the hotels were reading these lists as there are some great wants we all have and most would be very easy for them to implement. My biggest pet peeves are no fitted sheet on the bottom and counters in the bathroom that will not hold anything.

Skirt hangers.

TxTravelPro,
I bring my own white noise machine. It is small so it doesn't take up much room or add much weight to my suitcase.
I LOVE room darkening drapes.

I must be easy to please.

I don't drink coffe, but really 'need' my Diet Coke in the morning. I realize some hotels use Pepsi products and I can deal with that, but vending machines that don't work are my pet peeve.

On a recent trip to Ft. Lauderdale, I checked the machines on four different floors and they were all sold out or the machines didn't work at all. This was at a Hilton.

I don't worry about germs on the glasses or germs on the bedspreads. I'm a nurse and am constantly exposed to nasty things.

I want a quiet room and I hate noisy heating/cooling systems that cycle on and off.

Not to sound uneducated, but why do so many list the curved shower curtain as a big deal? I have a curved shower rod in my home (I thought it looked nice), but can't say that it would make or break a hotel stay for me. Certainly not on a par with many other things listed. Just interested to learn.

TC, I think there are lots of things on these lists that are less than make-or-break, more like nice-to-have. A curved shower rod is so much better than a straight one -- the curtain blows in and clings to your body with a straight one (makes me cringe just thinking about it), whereas it doesn't do that with the bowed-out one. It also gives the shower the feeling of more room.

Toilet seats
No bullet holes

Just a comment on the curved shower rod. If the accommodations have the proper shower liners with weights, they won't blow in and stick to you. It is only those cheap light ones that do.....and they are really annoying! I do think bowed rods are nice, but again not neccessary always.

-Completely nonsmoking hotel and staff that enforces it.
-Washable duvet covers
-Fitted sheets
-Make-up mirror
-Sink and mirror outside shower area
-2 comfortable chairs
-Large vanity counter
-Minifridge
-Free wifi
-Extra pillows and towels
-Curved shower rod so that curtain used by many doesn't stick to me, Ick.

My favorite hotel was the Omni Shoreham in D.C. I love the charm of the architecture. So, to answer this question, I love the wallpaper, the bed sham, the blankets, the room service, the tray they wheeled in for room service, the halls, the ceiling, the small bathroom, the windows, the lights.

BUT I can't recommend the Omni. I went there last year south of Cancun, and had to listen to the construction and the terrible manager there.

But, what I did like ther was the pool that looked like it went into the ocean, the Mexicans who helped me speak Spanish over breakfast each morning, the quacamole....the porch, the shower, etc.

I am a sucker for a well managed hotel.

a book light!

Correct me if I'm off, but I believe the Hotel Benjamin in NYC offer 40-different types of pillows that you can request before checkin.

I'm a bath person, so shower curtains aren't much of an issue, however, when I've taken showers the weighted liner keeps the actual curtain away.

Pedastal sinks should be outlawed in hotels; good only in someone's powder room, if that.

Comfortable soft chairs
Magnifying mirror
Good hairdryer not attached to the wall
Thick towels
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (as above with printing you can read)
Down duvet with washable cover (still want a top sheet in case duvet is too warm and has to be tossed during the night)
Good quality sheets, top and bottom
Real china (or mugs) for coffee
Refrigerator, you can actually use
- I always ask hotel to remove contents of the mini-bar, don't need the contents
Free bottled water
Decent coffee and coffee press
Real milk or half/half
Breakfast juices
Power strip with various connections (for all of our toys) that is easily accessible
Clean remote control
TV/VCR instructions

A clean room

Ditto, ditto, on the adequate lights especially for reading, and they need to make SURE the bulbs aren't burned out.

OK, I want to know what 'those hotel guests' did to the coffeemakers that turned you off. ??

Me too! I always love having a coffee maker (but not the with skimpy coffee pods, so bring my own) But I usually just swish out the carafe under the tap. Oh no but I'm still healthy!?!

Mind you there are several almost phobic germ fears listed above. Need to build up one's immunity if one travels worldwide.

Wife and I are huge Benjamin hotel fans in NYC and the one thing she loves to do is ring up the pillow concierge and get her 12 different types of pillows.

On the coffee maker..sorry for being so blunt on this but I have seen stories where people pee in the carafe and pour it through the coffee maker..so gross!
Can't look at a coffee maker the same way.

eeuw, maybe I didn't want to know.

Many excellent ideas here. I, too, hope that some hotels read and take action. In this economy, every little thing will help them fill rooms.

On the issue of coffee makers. I've heard some of the horror stories too, but I use the coffee makers and like others, I'm still here to tell the tale. I always figure I'm running boiling water through the machine which must do some good toward cleaning it.

While your story of urine is truly gross, I believe its a fact that even that wouldn't kill a person. Some things are just better left unsaid....or unknown. If one wants to travel, they have to be willing to put up with a few germs. Honestly, we've eaten in "restaurants" in China, Thailand, Mexico and other places that would have instantly been closed down by the US Department of Health. But it was some of the best food we've ever eaten and some of the best travel adventures and some of the nicest people and again....no one got sick. Life is too short and there are so many places to see to worry about such things.

Two more "small features" to add to the list:

1. An accessible electrical outlet near the bedstand (to recharge phones, iPods, etc. overnight but still be within reach).

2. Hooks in the closet, in the bathroom, on the walls, to hang hangers, clothes, or towels on.

I wondered if I could possibly think of something that hasn't already been mentioned.

I love the hotel stationary that is often in desk drawers, in a folder with a pen and postcards, preferably with an etching of the hotel.

I use the paper for an informal journal or planning list, to write a complimentary letter to the hotel staff, to send letters to friends, but most of all, to take back home as a easily packable souvenir.

Right now I have Chateau Marmont and Hotel Laguna notepads by the phone.

good towels
great shampoo, mositurizer etc
a place to sit
a magnifying mirror with light(my dream perk)
extra pillows
good temperature control and windows that open

I also like the notepads. They remind of the places I have been. Right now by our phone I have:
Hotel Henry IV-Paris
Dominion 1912-Quebec City
The Beekman Arms-Rhinebeck,NY
the recollections of any and all sure beat an average day in Oakland,California.

Oh yes! Still have a piece of stationery and notepad from Craigellichie in Scotland, and St. Clerans in Ireland.

Conditioner! Why is it that some hotels only have shampoo?

Window curtains that cross rather than meet in the middle to insure no light gets in.

It depends on whether I am on my own dime or on business.

On my own dime, I just want a clean, quiet, rm. w/a comfortable bed, and I must have a coffee maker as I can't even get in the shower in the morning without coffee. Free internet is great, as is free breakfast of whatever kind. I am thinking of Sage Inn in Santa Fe as I write this. All the fixins for a great hotel for me.

MRand- take a few wooden clothes pins along- fixes that problem.

and on business, I could go on and on...it takes more to keep me happy when I have to travel for work...

An alarm clock that is simple to use! Oh, and the hotel located in a place that I want to visit.