Soundproofing is a real plus for me, a good mattress, triple sheets, QUIET a/c and heating with easily adjusted room temperature. Cleanliness is expected. Easily adjusted window treatments. Big fluffy bath towels and high-quality hair and skin products (just stayed in a Hilton with Neutrogena products that were very nice). A good iron and full size ironing board and a working hair dryer. A full length mirror. Hangers in the closet for skirts as well as trousers. High speed internet (especially if I'm on a business trip of more than 2 or 3 nights) access. I'd rather get the local paper than USA Today so if they offer a choice... (I'm kind of a snob when it comes to newspapers, and USA Today just doesn't do it for me.) The Hilton also just got points with me for providing both wine glasses AND regular drinking glasses.

That's just for hotels. I need to think a bit about my requirements for restaurants.

I can tell you that my worst experience was seeing a bottle of water on the table with a card that said "welcome". I drank it and was surprised when my bill included $5 for the water. When I said I thought it was complimentary I was told I should have looked at the mini bar list because the price was clearly written on it.

For restaurants: I love it when it seems as though they can read my mind. It sounds nuts, but here's a case in point: Last Friday my family and I were at the local Outback, treating my mom and dad to dinner for my dad's 65th birthday. TWICE during the meal, I looked at my glass (both times it was about 1/2 full) and thought "I should order another Sprite soon..." when lo...it appeared from nowhere, just when I wanted it. They (at the Outback anyway) are great like that, and that, along with the cheese fries, is what keeps me going back.

Just thought of one for hotels: anywhere that doesn't have the air conditioning blasting when I get to my room gets the most points. I am UNBELIEVABLY sensitive to cold, for whatever reason. I can't stand walking into a room that feels like a meat locker. Even if it is 95 degrees outside, it doesn't need to be 40 inside!!! A 20 degree difference would do it for me, so if it comfortably cool, I am happy.

Hotel: CLEAN room, very good soundproofing, comfortable mattress, extra pillows, a blanket and sheets that I can actually pull up to my neck rather than having to slide down b/c these won't budge; large soft towels that don't have that "syrupy" smell, extra towels and washcloths, lamps on all sides of the bed(s) so that my husband and I can both read as long as we want; sink/vanity area seperate from toilet, bright lighting in bathroom area and in room itself; DEAD BOLTS on door; mini-fridge that's empty.

Restaurants: I have different requirements based on the type of restaurant but at all of them, I like servers who see my glass is half-full and either top it off or bring another glass without my having to ask. I also love it when I get a real tea spoon rather than having to stir my sweet-and-low with a straw or worse--with my knife! I also like servers who see that my menu is closed and come take my order, rather than taking drink orders and then disappearing for a while.

When I go to my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants, I like to be greeted by servers or owners who know I'm a regular and it's even better when they know I'll be wanting a Diet coke! I do appreciate any restaurant that is welcoming when you walk in the door and thanks you for your business (sincerly) when you leave.

Years ago I had to travel on business in Western Australia. The hotel/motels in those small places always had a little fridge in the room and more often than not there was a can of beer in it with a "Welcome" wrapper ! Yes, it was free too. Great touch in that dusty place.

Ted Turner
Dallas/Fort Worth isn't exactly a top tourist destination, but if you are ever in that area, don't miss dining at Del Frisco. It fits all of your criteria and more. Pricey, but worth every penny. There is one in each city. Dallas - more the power broker spot. Fort Worth - still upscale, but more charming and in a great location. If you think you will ever be there, I can tell you a little more.

... RLA, FW has those two great museums, close together. My AA stops at DFW enroute to Maui later in '03, but doesn't afford enough time for a visit to either, alas.

Hotels with free parking get extra points with me.

Currently I'm staying at Summerfield Suites in West Hollywood, Ca. While I love the fact that I have free high speed internet service (since I joined the Wyndham by Request Club for free), I'm appaled at the telephone prices. If I call a friend over the hill in the valley (considered long distance), I'm charged an instant $3.00 access fee plus .50 per minute. The same is true just to call and make a dinner reservation half a mile from here!! And when I called home to Florida to make a 2 minute call -- the cost was $5.50. So, I'm now with others that appreciate the free calls -- especially local ones.

Indicentally, this summer in Europe, I direct dialed from my room to the US several times. The charges were generally under 1 euro, and a 20 minute call home costs me 1.70 euro. Why do US hotels have to rip us off on the phone calls? You know it's costing them practically nothing.

pchsmiles- the FW museums are outstanding. Yes, you would be wise not to get off over there. Our traffic is too unpredictable and you may just miss your connection!

I do have an unconventional suggestion for you or anyone who has a significant layover at DFW. If time allowed, you would not regret a visit to Fellowship Church (yes, church!). It is only a short (5 minutes or less) cab-ride just north of the airport just across the highway from Grapevine Mills Mall. Christians, non-Christians, church-goers, non-church goers, any denomination, all would be pleasantly surprised. It's very large (seats 4,000 per service), so you would not be conspicuous. I would be happy to meet any Fodor friends there and have you sit with us. Otherwise, there are friendly greeters, an internet cafe, Christian bookstore, there is no obligation to give money, and no one will make you wear a visitor name tag (unless you want to!) The message is contemporary and ALWAYS good, the music is contemporary and higly entertaining with professional-level singers. There is sometimes even an awesome drama. You will see why it is one of the top fastest growing churches in America. One of my Catholic friends who attended with me was so excited and remarked, "Does this really count as church?" LOL In spite of the entertainment value, it is reverent, but charismatic (not holy-roller charismatic) and very moving. There is no dress code, but people do dress respectable. Nothing much is out of place unless it is just in plain bad taste. You will fit in everything from a suit, to business casual, to jeans.

There are five identical services:
Saturday
5:00 & 6:30pm

Sunday
8:30, 9:45 & 11:15am

and 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm is a special service - a little more intense.

P.S. There is an extensive website: www.fellowshipchurch.com. You may have seen or heard the pastor, Ed Young, on t.v. or on the radio in your area.

... very, very thoughtful of you, RLA. I will look at the website.

... earlier in 2003, New Yorker did a piece on the two modern art museums in FW, and how the new one (by a Japanese) fitted with the older one which was designed by an American and was thought to be wonderful. Or did I have that backwards. Nevertherless, each gallery was praised as being fantastic to visit, if only to enjoy the architecture. Sadly, I saw the article several weeks after spending a bad time in Dallas, although I did like the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Square.

... Dealy Plaza, sorry!

First and foremost is the water pressure and comfort of the bed. Second, the lighting & climate control. I don't care about candy, but the hotel Sacher in Salzburg put a Sacher Torte on each pillow. Now THAT, was heaven. I also like a TV that is actually big enough to see from in the bed and a remote control that you don't have to bang on the nightstand because the batteries are dying. Extra points for lots of towels, a bathmat, quality TP, and good counter space in the bathroom.

As for restaurants, if I have to wait for a table, at least give me a place to stand where I am not in a pathway. I also would like enough light to read the menu without having to move the candle about it as if it were a Ouija board. I don't want to brush the crumbs off the seat/booth before sitting, that should have been done already. Points for warm bread, butter that is room temp and does not shoot across the room when attempting to cut in half, and who brings my drink before scooting over to take another table's food order.

oops, last line should read ' and a waiter who brings my drink before scooting over to take another table's food order'.

Somebody mentioned having a working plug in the bathtub and boy, do I agree!!! Also, a bathtub made for a normal height person is nice. I am 5'4'' and have been folded into the tub a few times at hotels.
As far as restaurants are concerned,I appreciate it when the waitstaff isn't disappointed when I just order water for a drink!

I have come to appreciate the bedside button which tells the maid "Do not disturb" outside the door. Although you pay for the privelege, it is nice not to be harassed. This summer, in July, a maid at a Residence Inn(Lynnwood, Wa.), actually knocked on our door, one hour prior to checkout, to ask when we were going to be gone! My husband told her as soon as we could zip our suitcases,lol. "Oh, no problem, just checking" we were told. Hmmm. I appreciate good quality terrycloth robes, spotless bathrooms, as in no stray hairs(Sorry).
In restaurants, it would be nice to have them quietly stroll by, not asking how the food is while in mid-chew. C'mon servers, us wives have a major say-so in the tipping decision, so don't make us look like sloths at the trough and expect an answer before we can give a dignified response.

pchsmiles - Oh, sorry you didn't enjoy Dallas. Like everywhere, has good/bad albeit not a top tourist destination by any means! Glad you made it to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Lots of locals are enjoying that too, and I have heard nothing but great things. You were at or near Dallas' West End. I shutter to think this cheesy tourist trap is anyone's reflection of Dallas. As for Fort Worth, the places we spoke of are located at Sundance Square which is a great place now. Safe too. Lots of people enjoy going over there. There another great area just blocks away that many miss as they are not aware it is there. If you return to D/FW, www.guidelive.com is the best resource for where to go and what to see and do.

If I reviewed hotels I would definitely rate them on cleanliness; mattress comfort; large, fluffy towels; a thermos of water w/ice (would be great); a small coffee pot w/coffee; and a quiet, restful night's sleep.

As far as restaurant's go tasting food served in a attractive presentation. Most restaurants should give their servers prior training before they emerge on the dining room floor. And other than having difficulty with "YOU GUYS" I'll leave the rest to y'all.

I also feel these should be accomplished with reasonable prices too!