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.