Neopolitan

Oh yes, I also hate it when someone feels they have to "show you to your room". Like I can't figure out how to press the appropriate elevator button and follow the number signs? Then they stand there telling you about the AC and the TV -- duh, what am I, an idiot? Meanwhile I just want them to leave so I can pee! After all I've been in the car or a plane and taxi for hours.

kureiff

I like upscale accommodations, too. But I agree with most of you -- it's inconvenient to wait for someone to bring my car. I also prefer to carry my own luggage.

But if we're travelling with our daughter and have car seat, diaper bag, portable crib, food, etc. it's nice to have some help.

GoTravel

Without all those extra people; bellhops, concierge, valet, etc, hotels cannot get the luxury ratings which command higher room rates.

Catch 22.

JJ5

Can't stand the service people hovering around at upscale facilities. I won't go into all the reasons as I've stated all of them before.

I have traveled for work, but not extensively, and can understand that aspect might make others feel differently. But knowing myself, I stay away from upscale, upscale places unless it is absolutely necessary. And this is not about the money.

A three day stay at an upscale hotel which hosted my youngest son's wedding, for instance, was free to me- but utterly not enjoyed. Beautiful place filled with posturing and pretense with more "servants" than served. I want to drive my own car and carry my own possessions as well. I want to fix my own hair, and do my own wardrobe etc. I am not handicapped, nor do I have need of something every moment.

I actually let services know if the stay is longer than 2 days, that I am not needy and that I will call them for any assistances needed. I usually ask at that same time for restaurant rec's, learn their name, and tip them then to stay out of my hair for the duration.

claire_bluesky

After a long day of sightseeing or hiking, sometimes I just want to get back to my room, turn on the t.v., order room service, and relax. In scenic places, we get a room with a view, so I like to take the time to enjoy it. Partly, we enjoy the peace, quiet and privacy that can be rare on some trips. That's when room service is perfect.

I agree that the rest is more of a nuisance than help, although I'm glad it's there when I really need it.

travel_addict

I agree - the people who insist on showing you around your room are annoying, as are bathroom attendants, but I love having people take care of my luggage and I love valet parking too - even if it costs money for tips. Sometimes when you're in a new city trying to figure out where to park and how to get to the hotel from there (not always right next door!) can be a big pain in the butt. Plus if you're staying for awhile and have extra bags to carry, it's even worse. I would much rather pull up, give them my car & luggage and go check in. I've also called the valet stand before and asked them to get my car ready while I was still in my room. Most places will do this for you if you're nice about it.

sylvia3

Gosh, I'm really concerned if the "concierge" (one of 15 young people lined up behind the counter) or a bellhop at an upscale hotel thinks I'm cheap!

sylvia3

Yes, I know the difference between a clerk and concierge, but I've watched the little separate desk go through amazing rotations--and the few times I've needed help, got none. (Except in Europe and Asia, where I got wonderful assistance and my money waved away.)

Neopolitan

Oh, those annoying bathroom attendants. Let's not even go there!

BTilke

We try to stay in 4 or 5 star hotels whenever budget allows (we travel off season and shop around carefully, so we usually can indulge ourselves a little). There are times when I really do appreciate help with my luggage or parking the car. But I prefer it when I have the option of doing it myself rather than being forced to use the bellboy services (esp. when they're so busy it would be much faster doing it on my own). And I agree about the too-early evening turn downs.
OTOH, I love hotels that have good room service dining options, along with a good onsite restaurant and bar. For example, the Sofitel Water Tower in Chicago has great room service all day. Macadamia nut pancakes for breakfast or perfectly roast chicken for dinner, yumm, either way I'm happy. Every year I spend a week in Chicago on business. I usually arrive the day after Thanksgiving. One of my very favorite things is to check in, unpack, stroll the Mag Mile admiring all the fabulous Christmas decorations and chatting with the friendly people at the stores, then retire to my room at the Sofitel, change into sweats or pjs, have dinner in my room, and crash by 9 pm. Bliss. And if I wake up hungry at 3 am, I can dive into the complimentary box of Belgian chocolates.
Our two favorite hotels--the aforementioned Sofitel in Chicago and the Dorint/Sofitel in Baden-Baden (Germany) strike the right balance of providing almost every service you can think of when you need it without being "in your face" about it (the BB Dorint/Sofitel even keeps an Audi A8 on hand for guests to test drive around the Black Forest if they're so inclined).

April

I too am glad someone brought this up. Concierges and bellhops don't bother me as much as valet service, which I will go out of my way to avoid. Perhaps the annoyances come in when these services aren't as good as they should be. While, on the one hand, I would prefer a luxury hotel without all the hubbub, on the other, the bellhops at the Pulitzer in Amsterdam were so over-the-top fantastic, they made our stay unforgettable.

TioGringo

Depends totally on where I am.

In an urban location like Manhattan, I *DO* want valets and bellhops.

In a spa type hotel 20 miles from anywhere and with acres of open parking, I do *NOT* *NOT* *NOT* want a valet under any circumstance whatsoever, and a "luxury" hotel that forces guests into valet parking should be downrated for their bad service ethic.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

vegasnative

since I have done both (valet & bellman) here in Vegas, I'll just throw my 2 cents forward. Personally I don't like it either when going to a property and feeling "obligated" to hand over car keys or my bags. Anymore, I just don't care if the bellman or valet huffs and puffs if I choose not too, it's ones own choice to use these services or not. I think storing bags is great if someone does not have their own car, and they will be flying out hours after they have to check out of the room. It's better to let a bellman store them for you then haul them everywhere. It also works the other way, if a guest arrives before check-in or before any rooms are available. Someone commented on their stay at the Bellagio and the bellman not being able to go to self park, the reason for this is because if they did it would typically take longer for that bellman to be "away" than if he/she just took the guest to valet. Usually the valet and bell desk are very close together for this purpose, otherwise if they "could" go all the way to self park either the hotel would have to hire more pesky bellman or those that really want to use the service will be waiting longer. Oh, ya the showing a guest where everything is routine...I "had" to do this as well, when I worked as a bellman we had to point out 5 features before leaving the room, and the reason they do this is because that is a part of a hotel earning their ratings (such as the diamond award). We never knew when it was a "regular" guest or someone visitng to "rate" the hotel, so that is why they "room" (that is what we called it) as guest. As far as the welcome baskets that come, they typically don't come from the hotel itself. If you are on business or for a convention (which we get tons of here) the "group" you are with has so many "drops" (gift bags, newletters, baskets) that it can be bothersome and trust me the bellman would rather be delivering bags for a better chance of a tip than delivering something unexpected because there is usually no money in the "drops".

rjw_lgb_ca

I actually appreciate the extra service at the high-end places, and my feeling is: We're worth the few bucks. Besides, the bellhops, valets, doormen, etc. can be VERY valuable sources for getting your bearings in a strange city, if you're willing to engage them in a minute of chat. I always am, and I learn a lot.

You know what they say:

Life is short. Eat dessert first.

kangamom

The best experiences I have had a luxury establishments have been in Asia and Europe. All with no tipping!

I wish the luxury hotels would just build the service into the rate so I don't have to worry about carrying around small bills in my pocket, especially at a beach resort.

One of the most amazing luxurious and relaxing vacations I've had was the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Sayan in Bali. Every request was met with "certainly". If you had the room service there, you would love room service. Brought in baskets and set up on your lanai. Dirty sneakers washed and wrapped in paper on our doorstep the next day. I could go on an on.

All this without tipping. I think true luxury is when I'm not stressed about who, what, and how much am I going to tip. (this is another reason that I will be loathe to ever go on another cruise)

Neil_Oz

"Without all those extra people; bellhops, concierge, valet, etc, hotels cannot get the luxury ratings which command higher room rates."

Exactly. Which is why we prefer a decent 3* hotel which doesn't have an array of bells and whistles we don't need. I don't need an army of uniformed flunkeys, a glitzy lobby, a gym or conference facilities. I got used to a decent buffet breakfast when I used to travel for work, but otherwise eat in hotel restaurants only when there's no practical alternative.

On a recent business trip to Perth (Western Australia) a concierge went to so much trouble for them that my wife and her boss decided a tip would be in order (Australia is mostly a tip-free zone). His response was "Thanks anyway, but this is what they pay me to do".

Neopolitan

NeilOz, so now we have indeed gone full circle. I think the original point was wouldn't it be nice to get a five star room without all the bells and whistles? I also often stay in three star places to avoid those extras I don't want and the fees that accompany them. But I'd still love to be able to find a luxurious room like you find at those places without the extras. When you select a three star place to avoid the extras, your room quality goes with it.

lynnejoel1015

I don't care for the extra service. Fortunately, my husband and I can't afford 5 star hotels, so we're in luck

I can't stand valet'ing my car and I'm a strong lady, I don't need help with a normal amount of luggage. I'm also just private and independent.

Our car is an 11 year old junker, so valet is pure embarrassment anyway!

vegasnative

neiloz, "uniformed flunkeys"...OUCH!! What is even more sad than a remark like that, is in many places one can graduate with a 4-year degree and earn more money as a bellman and/or valet than if they got a job that required their schoolings. As I mentioned in my previous post I have done both bells and valet and typically they are the best of the best. When a property opens in Vegas you will get about 500 people apply for one of these positions...doorman, even more app's. They hire a crew for each department about 20-30, doorman about 5-10. They pass extensive background tests, drug tests and most that I have worked with did have schooling and/or degrees...myself included. At most luxury properties they won't hire "flunkeys" because there are about 20 educated individuals per "liveried servant" applying for the same position.

MikeT

"I wish the luxury hotels would just build the service into the rate so I don't have to worry about carrying around small bills in my pocket, especially at a beach resort."

Unlike Third world countries--like Bali--where people are so desparately poor that they are grateful to have a job to support their families of 12 and they are paying pennies while charging your $350 a night, you just can't expect that kind of thing built into the cost of a hotel in most First World locations where the profit margins are much lower