What do you look for in a hotel?
Feb 13th, 2009, 11:52 AM
#21
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I don't stay in hotels unless I have to on my husband's business trips. We stay in B&B's instead.
When we stay in cities our requirements are slightly different than when we do not. In the city we like to be in a quiet residential area, far from activity and noise. Maximum number of rooms is 5.
When Not Staying in a City Rooms Must Have:
- charm and character and atmosphere
- clean and NON SMOKING
- be in an idyllic rural location with great walking and preferably great gardens
- peace and quiet
- en suite or private bath
- lovely local fresh breakfasts
- plenty of room for parking
- within walking distance (a couple of miles) to a restaurant
- access to a fridge (we always buy great food to snack on whilst on vacation)
Don't Need:
- amenities such as clocks, phones, TV's
- a restaurant
Our goal is to spend about $100 CDN but sometimes get that gorgeous 5 star B&B for $150 (in the UK). We've been in 5 star hotels but if given the choice it would be B&Bs every single time. Or self catering.
When we stay in cities our requirements are slightly different than when we do not. In the city we like to be in a quiet residential area, far from activity and noise. Maximum number of rooms is 5.
When Not Staying in a City Rooms Must Have:
- charm and character and atmosphere
- clean and NON SMOKING
- be in an idyllic rural location with great walking and preferably great gardens
- peace and quiet
- en suite or private bath
- lovely local fresh breakfasts
- plenty of room for parking
- within walking distance (a couple of miles) to a restaurant
- access to a fridge (we always buy great food to snack on whilst on vacation)
Don't Need:
- amenities such as clocks, phones, TV's
- a restaurant
Our goal is to spend about $100 CDN but sometimes get that gorgeous 5 star B&B for $150 (in the UK). We've been in 5 star hotels but if given the choice it would be B&Bs every single time. Or self catering.
Feb 13th, 2009, 02:13 PM
#22
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I look for windows that open so that I can get fresh air. I hope for air that is not from an improperly cleaned hvac system or moldy carpet. I hope for grout that is not moldy (and that doesn't include when they just put new grout over the old grungy stuff and it starts to bleed thru right away). I want a fitted mattress protector that stays in place and doesn't bunch up and I want a fitted sheet that doesn't bunch up. I want enough light in the room to be able to read without having to contort to catch enough light on the page. I don't want to hear the TV next door, kids running down the hall, the elevator or the ice machine. Unfortunately you can't tell about these things from most reviews, pictures or most websites.
Feb 13th, 2009, 08:04 PM
#23
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Musts for me are clean, quiet and good value. It's gotta be free of mold, smoke and perfume smells and I almost always want a fridge available, and location is usually pretty important.
Other factors depend on how long I will stay.
For longer stays or a remote location kitchen facilities are essential - especially if I'm traveling for leisure.
Internet can be important, again it depends upon why I'm traveling.
Because I enjoy walking I really prefer to stay places where it is safe and comfortable to go walking from the accommodation.
Other factors depend on how long I will stay.
For longer stays or a remote location kitchen facilities are essential - especially if I'm traveling for leisure.
Internet can be important, again it depends upon why I'm traveling.
Because I enjoy walking I really prefer to stay places where it is safe and comfortable to go walking from the accommodation.
Feb 14th, 2009, 09:45 AM
#24
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My requirements are different when traveling for business vs leisure.
Leisure:
1. nonsmoking
2. clean (check TripAdvisor)
3. quiet (check TA)
4. comfortable bed (check TA)
5. safe neighborhood (check reviews)
6. air conditioning, if summer (protection against noise as well as heat)
7. curtains that block sunlight
8. free parking if driving else walking distance to public transportation
9. lowest price for these
Extras that are nice, but not essential:
1. ensuite shower and toilet
2. refrigerator, microwave or tea making facilities
When business travel add:
1. internet access
2. iron and ironing board
Irrelevant to my decision, though I might use if available:
1. exercise facilities
2. restaurant
3. laundry
4. elevator
5. bathrobe
6. toiletries
7. concierge
8. bellman
9. alarm clock, television
10.newspapers
11. tub
I don't care if twin/double/king bed even when traveling with husband--we adjust. Decor is an extra and not essential. View, balcony, etc. is great but not essential. Chain/brand irrelevant because I show no loyalty except to value.
On recent trip to Australia found low rates by prepaying months in advance. Plus exchange rate was in our favor. Considering ski trip to Utah and while rates look OK, I don't see a real drop in prices.
Leisure:
1. nonsmoking
2. clean (check TripAdvisor)
3. quiet (check TA)
4. comfortable bed (check TA)
5. safe neighborhood (check reviews)
6. air conditioning, if summer (protection against noise as well as heat)
7. curtains that block sunlight
8. free parking if driving else walking distance to public transportation
9. lowest price for these
Extras that are nice, but not essential:
1. ensuite shower and toilet
2. refrigerator, microwave or tea making facilities
When business travel add:
1. internet access
2. iron and ironing board
Irrelevant to my decision, though I might use if available:
1. exercise facilities
2. restaurant
3. laundry
4. elevator
5. bathrobe
6. toiletries
7. concierge
8. bellman
9. alarm clock, television
10.newspapers
11. tub
I don't care if twin/double/king bed even when traveling with husband--we adjust. Decor is an extra and not essential. View, balcony, etc. is great but not essential. Chain/brand irrelevant because I show no loyalty except to value.
On recent trip to Australia found low rates by prepaying months in advance. Plus exchange rate was in our favor. Considering ski trip to Utah and while rates look OK, I don't see a real drop in prices.
Feb 15th, 2009, 02:38 PM
#25
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I visit the islands regularly and just returned from Kauai. I first check out the deals on Expedia and Travelocity and identifying the hotel that is in our price range and it's location.
I then get the direct phone number and call them up. I get a better deal by asking "what's your best rate". They are ready to reduce the rates now with the economy there suffering.
I ask about wi-fi, request a top floor end unit and ocean view. We stayed at the Sheraton and it was super deluxe for bargain prices. I ask if there is a restaurant in the hotel and check online for restaurants in the vicinity. I check the daily newspaper for events during my stay, it's called the Garden Isle and the Hawaiiphotobank website for activities.
One other thing to ask, how big is the room. The Marriot had small rooms, another reason for choosing the Sheraton.
I then get the direct phone number and call them up. I get a better deal by asking "what's your best rate". They are ready to reduce the rates now with the economy there suffering.
I ask about wi-fi, request a top floor end unit and ocean view. We stayed at the Sheraton and it was super deluxe for bargain prices. I ask if there is a restaurant in the hotel and check online for restaurants in the vicinity. I check the daily newspaper for events during my stay, it's called the Garden Isle and the Hawaiiphotobank website for activities.
One other thing to ask, how big is the room. The Marriot had small rooms, another reason for choosing the Sheraton.
Feb 18th, 2009, 03:02 PM
#26
I like cheap, friendly, family-owned hotels in the local style (Mexico, islands, etc.) I like low-rises with a small room count. I like funky places with loads of personality. A private bath is my only must-have. A nice sunny pool is good too. And a central location for walking
HATE high-rises, HATE chains.
Besides that I don't really care about clean, quiet, size of room, state of the furniture, TV, frig, smoking, curtains, etc.
HATE high-rises, HATE chains.
Besides that I don't really care about clean, quiet, size of room, state of the furniture, TV, frig, smoking, curtains, etc.
Feb 19th, 2009, 11:33 AM
#28
Not in the way that some people seem to!! I don't mean staying someplace filthy but rather...
In Mexico, I like when there are roosters crowing, noise from live music or traffic I don't mind. If the bathroom towels are frayed, the sheets mended, the curtains a bit dusty, that's OK with me.
In Hawaii, my favorite hotel had rusty bathroom mirrors and stained on the wall-to-wall carpet (as complained about at length on TA reviews) but I was busy appreciating the lush tropical gardens, friendly staff, fresh pineapple welcome upon arrival, full kitchen for a reasonable price.
In Mexico, I like when there are roosters crowing, noise from live music or traffic I don't mind. If the bathroom towels are frayed, the sheets mended, the curtains a bit dusty, that's OK with me.
In Hawaii, my favorite hotel had rusty bathroom mirrors and stained on the wall-to-wall carpet (as complained about at length on TA reviews) but I was busy appreciating the lush tropical gardens, friendly staff, fresh pineapple welcome upon arrival, full kitchen for a reasonable price.
Feb 19th, 2009, 08:25 PM
#29
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Doug, we have similar hotel habits for leisure travel. In fact, the Ibis Bastille is one of my favorites - great location, great breakfast, adequate space to perform the 4S rituals, and save those euros for something that matters more than how the room around me looks when I am sleeping in it. I have stayed and at - and absolutely loved - some very luxurious hotels, but usually on someone else's dime or for a rare very special occasion.
Unfortunately, my partner is the polar opposite, judging a hotel to be inferior if the room service menu is less than ten pages and not available 24/7. OK, that may be an exaggeration, but only a slight one. Of course, those tastes were developed traveling on daddy's dinero, and now that he is footing the bill himself he is learning to make do with less. (yk, he is booked to stay at LSE next month - let's hope he survives!)
Like kay2, I have different expectations for business travel - for that, I do want:
high speed internet access
space to work with a decent, height adjustable desk chair
iron that does not leak and ironing board that is not crusty rusty
comfortable bed of whatever size
convenient location
really like having a coffee pot in the room, or at least a place in the lobby to pick up good coffee that doesn't have a mile long line each morning.
My business travel is restricted to pretty abysmal corporate rates, but I do find that being a loyal customer helps get regular upgrades and perks. I tend to avoid Marriotts for personal/political reasons but do pretty well with the IHG properties. And you are so right about the star rating being meaningless - during a recent stay at one of their Intercontinental properties (supposed to be the higher end) there were a dozen "little things" off - shower curtain that didn't fit the space and leaked, one of those single cup coffee makers with only nasty flavored coffee and powdered nondairy creamer, no wastebasket in the room, drapes that didn't quite close, etc. In contrast, during a recent stay at one of their Holiday Inn properties (chosen for location) I had a huge, decently furnished room where everything worked, plenty of decent in room coffee with half and half in the mini refrigerator and a buffet breakfast thrown in as a perk, in a penthouse restaurant with incredible views. I have already booked another stay at that HI!
Unfortunately, my partner is the polar opposite, judging a hotel to be inferior if the room service menu is less than ten pages and not available 24/7. OK, that may be an exaggeration, but only a slight one. Of course, those tastes were developed traveling on daddy's dinero, and now that he is footing the bill himself he is learning to make do with less. (yk, he is booked to stay at LSE next month - let's hope he survives!)
Like kay2, I have different expectations for business travel - for that, I do want:
high speed internet access
space to work with a decent, height adjustable desk chair
iron that does not leak and ironing board that is not crusty rusty
comfortable bed of whatever size
convenient location
really like having a coffee pot in the room, or at least a place in the lobby to pick up good coffee that doesn't have a mile long line each morning.
My business travel is restricted to pretty abysmal corporate rates, but I do find that being a loyal customer helps get regular upgrades and perks. I tend to avoid Marriotts for personal/political reasons but do pretty well with the IHG properties. And you are so right about the star rating being meaningless - during a recent stay at one of their Intercontinental properties (supposed to be the higher end) there were a dozen "little things" off - shower curtain that didn't fit the space and leaked, one of those single cup coffee makers with only nasty flavored coffee and powdered nondairy creamer, no wastebasket in the room, drapes that didn't quite close, etc. In contrast, during a recent stay at one of their Holiday Inn properties (chosen for location) I had a huge, decently furnished room where everything worked, plenty of decent in room coffee with half and half in the mini refrigerator and a buffet breakfast thrown in as a perk, in a penthouse restaurant with incredible views. I have already booked another stay at that HI!
Feb 21st, 2009, 09:12 PM
#30
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I'm only concerned with clean and comfortable if I'm on vacation because I'm never in the room. I like having a coffee maker in my room and breakfast is good.
It's important that everything be working. It's just sloppy business to not have the shower, sink etc in good repair. I stayed at a hotel last week that the clock wasn't set and it bugged me because I didn't think about it until I woke up in the middle of the night and I couldn't turn on my light to set the darn clock b/c dh was sleeping. It affected the maid's tip.
When I'm staying at a hotel for business my needs are different. I want all of the above plus a fridge, a kitchenette is ideal, internet, at least a pool but hot tubs and/or saunas are welcome. The room should be well appointed with a table, or good desk and comfortable chair. I tend to spend more nights in my room while working.
It's important that everything be working. It's just sloppy business to not have the shower, sink etc in good repair. I stayed at a hotel last week that the clock wasn't set and it bugged me because I didn't think about it until I woke up in the middle of the night and I couldn't turn on my light to set the darn clock b/c dh was sleeping. It affected the maid's tip.
When I'm staying at a hotel for business my needs are different. I want all of the above plus a fridge, a kitchenette is ideal, internet, at least a pool but hot tubs and/or saunas are welcome. The room should be well appointed with a table, or good desk and comfortable chair. I tend to spend more nights in my room while working.
Feb 23rd, 2009, 01:51 PM
#31
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I am feeling like a white raven here on this thread but I really do spend a considerable part of my income on good hotels.
My priorities are:
1. Swimming pool (this is a must - I never book a hotel without pool unless there is none available at my destination).
2. Decor. I both like historical structures (e.g. castles) and ultra-contemporary designer hotels).
3. Q beautiful bathroom with nice toiletries.
4. Cozy public areas - especially a good bar.
5. Ambiance - the "feel".
6. Specials, like a club room with complimentary full bar and food or a jacuzzi tub for two in the middle of the bedroom...
7. A reasonable rate for all above mentioned amenities. This is also a must. And surprisingly often, all seven criteria come together. You need examples?
Everything else is secondary. Cleanliness etc. is understood. (I have never stayed in a hotel room which was not clean.)
As you can imagine, I like to stay at 5-star hotels. I especially like to stay at members of The Leading Hotels of the World. But I have found enough 3-star hotels meeting the above mentioned criteria.
My priorities are:
1. Swimming pool (this is a must - I never book a hotel without pool unless there is none available at my destination).
2. Decor. I both like historical structures (e.g. castles) and ultra-contemporary designer hotels).
3. Q beautiful bathroom with nice toiletries.
4. Cozy public areas - especially a good bar.
5. Ambiance - the "feel".
6. Specials, like a club room with complimentary full bar and food or a jacuzzi tub for two in the middle of the bedroom...
7. A reasonable rate for all above mentioned amenities. This is also a must. And surprisingly often, all seven criteria come together. You need examples?
Everything else is secondary. Cleanliness etc. is understood. (I have never stayed in a hotel room which was not clean.)
As you can imagine, I like to stay at 5-star hotels. I especially like to stay at members of The Leading Hotels of the World. But I have found enough 3-star hotels meeting the above mentioned criteria.
Feb 25th, 2009, 01:50 AM
#33
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I consider these rates as "reasonable", considering that we are speaking about 5-star hotels:
- §216 for an executive floor double room including full buffet breakfast, snacks during the day and unlimited high-quality alcoholic (and non alcoholic) drinks. - Stephen F. Austin in Austin, Tx.
- $83 for a double room . - Grand Hyatt Denver, Co. (senior citizen rate - normal rate including full buffet breakfast $156, still reasonable).
- §99 for a double room - Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, La (okay, just 4 stars, but otherwise very nice).
- €126 for a double room including full buffet breakfast - Gasthof Schütte, Sauerland, Germany.
- GBP164 for a double room including breakfast - Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, UK.
- €130 for a double room in a 5-star hotel whose restaurant is rated 3 Michelin stars. Victors Residenz Hotel, Perl, Germany.
- €215 for a double room in one of the world's finest hotels - Rocco Forte's Hotel de Rome, Berlin, Germany.
- §216 for an executive floor double room including full buffet breakfast, snacks during the day and unlimited high-quality alcoholic (and non alcoholic) drinks. - Stephen F. Austin in Austin, Tx.
- $83 for a double room . - Grand Hyatt Denver, Co. (senior citizen rate - normal rate including full buffet breakfast $156, still reasonable).
- §99 for a double room - Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, La (okay, just 4 stars, but otherwise very nice).
- €126 for a double room including full buffet breakfast - Gasthof Schütte, Sauerland, Germany.
- GBP164 for a double room including breakfast - Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, UK.
- €130 for a double room in a 5-star hotel whose restaurant is rated 3 Michelin stars. Victors Residenz Hotel, Perl, Germany.
- €215 for a double room in one of the world's finest hotels - Rocco Forte's Hotel de Rome, Berlin, Germany.
Feb 25th, 2009, 04:46 AM
#34
Well, I don't think about 5-star hotels if I'm paying, but those rates for Denver and New Orleans are certainly what I'd consider reasonable. And possibly the German ones, except I paid much less than that for very comfortable hotels (but certainly not 5-star) in Austria (haven't used a German hotels in ages). Of course, I travel solo, and that impacts what I'm willing/able to pay, and as I posted way up-thread, I don't need/want bell-hops, elevators, concierges, room service etc. I like small, local places. Given I travel very light, they might not let me in "one of the world's finest hotels", lol!
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