Euro

I suppose ideas of a good hotel are different. But first some comments about your post: <BR> <BR>- IRON???? You donīt iron your clothes in a hotel room. What is room service there for? <BR> <BR>- Ice machine? Where do you need ice? People here drink their whiskey just like that, no ice to spoil the noble drink. And you donīt put ice into your white wine. But if you want to taint your drinks, there is always a room service that brings you a bucket of ice. <BR> <BR>- Sound proofing? Good hotels are usually in oldf buildings that has meter thich walls. I have never heard anything. <BR> <BR>- TV with a big screen? You mean you watch movies from cable TV? TV is there so you can get a glimpse of news and weather forecast. If you want a movie, that is what movie theatres are for. <BR> <BR>- Poor quality bed clothes? Donīt you appreciate good 100% linen and real eiderdown? <BR> <BR>There are always business style imoersonal chain hotels (like factories) for people who think that is good standard. <BR> <BR>Personally I have had the loveliest hotels on my birthday trip to Spanish countryside. My husband had booked two weeks accomodation in Paradores, old castles, monasteries and manor houses turned into hotels. And that is my classification of CLASS. TV-screen and gyms would have been eye sores. So, you have your definition if standarsds, I have mine.

curious

I would advise uglyamerican to do better research. Personally, when traveleing in Europe, a gym or pool isn't the least bit important to me. We walk all day and wouldn't have the time to spend at either. I like the Karen Brown Guides. I have stayed at several of her recommended inns in Europe and have been very happy and have never spent $ 400/night! These places had beautiful clay tile floors, high quality linens, beautifully tiled baths, french doors, very charming and all included breakfast. I think they averaged between $80-$120/night. La Fenice in Positano (which actually did have a pool and an icredible view!)and I can't remember the name of the place in Florence. Try her recommendations. I've had great luck with them!

uglyamerican?

I can not get over the number of people that are so forgiving regarding the terrible hotels in America. <BR> <BR>Hard Single beds (their excuse everyone in Europe sleeps on them) <BR> <BR>Noisy poor sound proofing (their excuse, I am so tired that it does not bother me) <BR> <BR>Lack of ice machine (Their excuse- They prefer wine- Many people prefer cold soda!) <BR> <BR>Lack of facilities (their excuse- the buildings are old. Have you ever heard of remodeling?) <BR> <BR>Admit it people European hotels generally are poor and they will not improve until people demand more and take off their rose colored glasses)!

I love

Uglyamerican, what and why are you at this Fodors with all your ugly thoughts? Go to a Us location. Why travel so much if you think that <BR>There is a misconception of the original "ugly American. In the book he was the good guy. You, you are something else.

b

Does it matter, or are you Americans just spoiled? <BR> <BR>I agree with the perspective: If you can enjoy Eiffel Tower, Rome Forum, Florence Dome etc etc just by lifting your eyes, why bother with numbers of bed's square acres? <BR>Europeans may be somewhat more modest than you, and possible less spoiled, and also with a slightly higher degree of responsibility regarding resource vasting. In E, 1 dollar a litre gaz of course is considered a very good bargain, and a 200 x 100 cm bed is more than luxury. <BR>Try it, and please do not complain on our standards. <BR>B <BR> <BR>

clairobscur

I can understand you want soundproof rooms, comfortable beds, etc.... <BR> <BR> <BR>But what I can't get is this "ice machine" thing. Why would you expect ice machines in countries where people generally don't add ice in their beverages, and don't want to. Ice filled sodas are an american peculiarity, not an universal need. Apart if the hotel was receiving on a regular basis an important number of american patrons, installing an ice-machine would be pointless.

Capo

Good comments, Kate. I like your theory too, about the American desire for "big" -- not just big rooms, but big houses, big cars, big portions of food, etc. -- having something to do with all the space we've had in the U.S. <BR> <BR>In all my trips to Europe, I've only stayed in one or two places where the rooms were so small that they seemed a big claustrophobic. Otherwise, the size of the room doesn't matter much to me since I use it only for sleeping (and, ahem, a few other activities), not for running laps. :^)

xxx

Unfortunately Ugly American you fail to realize that not every country needs or keeps the same standards as American hotels. I have travelled for business through America, and obviously I love American hotels because of the service, the amentities... However, you shouldn't consider a European hotel substandard simply because you are judging according to typical North American standards.

European

I just think that Americans are spoiled malcontents who think that they deserve to be treated like royalty. This is not the way it is in Europe. If you find the need to criticize the way we do things, don't come!

may

European, unfortunately I do believe that American's can be spoiled and demanding. At the same time the service industries in this country (I'm in America and am American) have really gone downhill and people who deal with the public can be rude and unthinking (and uncaring). Mix the two together and it can create some toxic situations. Here's to more tolerance in the world.

Dan

A question to some of the European posters here. Why when one American poster says something negative about Europe many of you reply with "you Americans". One or a few people from our country don't speak for all of us.<BR>Those of you who who go on your tyrades often fall for the postings of troll who try

European

Dan, you make a very good point and I apologize in making a generalization.

Dan

Sorry. Trolls who post messages to get a reaction out of you. Most Americans love travelling to Europe and enjoy their stays. Generalizations and prejudices are ugly. Certainly there are ugly Americans. Unfortunately Europe has a few uglies too.

Shanna

Hey, on my last trip to Paris I found a little doggie turd under the desk. Now, I've never found one of those in an American hotel. So, that hotel at least had something more to offer!

Not true

Just not true! All the hotels in America that I have stayed in were charmless, ugly, big buildings filled with loud, ugly Americans. And more expensive than the nice, clean, small hotels in Europe full of charm and filled with wonderful people. I am sick and tired of Americans who are only good at one thing: complaining. Stay home. Travel is to broaden yor mind. To experience and see new things. If you want a Hilton or Marriott, go to horrible places like Orlando or Los Angeles.

xxx

What's so horrible about Orlando? Mickey Mouse lives there!

Dan

The posting by Not true was not written by a European. Rather it was written by Josh the troll who just a few minutes ago stated the thread about Canada. He is not the swiftest of trolls.