socialworker

A quiet room!!! I don't care if it is the best hotel in the world for amenities and location, if I can hear conversation/TVs from adjacent rooms or what sounds like elephants above me, or people screeching in the hallways--what even normal conversation sounds like if it is coming thru your room door at 1:00am or any other inconvenient time-- it is useless as a hotel to me. That is why the Century Plaza in LA is one of my all time favorite hotels. I have always had the illusion there that I was the only guest, even when the hotel is sold out.

TxTravelPro

Any remaining suggestions before I head off to the meeting?
Again, I really appreciate all your thoughts!
Laura
PS... I am curious if anyone has any specific security criteria?

Cassandra

No way to know ahead of time, but it drives me nuts when outside doors are posted that they're locked either after a certain hour or at all times and guests must use keys, BUT the door actually remains open all the time -- is never locked.

But I don't know how you build that into a search item.

my2cents

If it's not too late I did think of a security feature -- card keys or normal keys? Inside hallways or outside?

Meesthare

If I'm driving, how do I get there? I've seen so many "directions" provided on websites that work very nicely if you already know the city or the neighbourhood. Hotels should be aware that guests coming in rental cars are often tired, it could be dark outside, and they're in unfamiliar places. Very clear directions with landmarks if possible are very, very helpful.

KathrynT

A couple more thoughts:

Internet excess? Included in price? Wireless?

Laundry facilities? Laundry service or coin-operated?

jorr

I would like to know which of the emplyees have a criminal history and which ones are registered sex offenders. I use to frequent a nice pub in our town and looked up the names of the employees on criminal records web sites. One of the employees was listed as a registered sex offender, who mingled with the ladies after his shift was done. I warned the pub owner about his past. Now three years later he is in prison again for rape.

Wednesday

jorr, I think many people would be shocked at how prevelant they are...At one job I had people began going to check them and several male employees were register offenders...

ncgrrl

Is there construction going on at the hotel? What about within earshot of the property. If there are road construction projects going on near the hotel, please give updated directions with the detours.

begete

I would like to know if the hotel has "green rooms." I am chemically sensitive and cannot stay in a room that has been cleaned with harsh, scented chemicals, sleep on sheets that have been washed in harsh detergent and dried with fabric softener, and especially where carpet deodorant has been sprinkled on the rugs.

There are such hotels (with safe room for those like me, but they are very hard to find.

TxTravelPro

EXCELLENT suggestion, begete!
I love that one!
Thanks for taking the time to post, everyone!

beebs295

if they use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and refrain from using air fresheners (chemical sprays)
bebe

L84SKY

For some destinations I want to know how to get there using public transportation. What tram/ metro number or line and which way to turn to once I get to the street. How easy is it to use public transpo. This isn't much a of problem in the U.S. but when we go to Europe sometimes it takes a lot longer to take a cab than hopping on the train.

LucieV

** Can I open the windows or is the AC the only source of "air"?

** Natural light is important to me.

** All the stuff aggiemom said.

BayouGal

How comfy the bed is and if the room is located in a quiet area . . . and if it's REALLY a non-smoking room.

artlover

Sounds like a great project. Most of my concerns have already been mentioned, and they vary depending on location and purpose for the stay, but DH and I both need a hard matress, and I rarely see that listed. Sometimes we've been to a place where the matress is too soft and they've been able to bring in a board that made if fine.

Also, internet access and if it's free or what the charge would be.

Shuttle to airport important when we're staying at a place to catch an early flight the next day.

I find it really helpful when hotels have pictures of the outside, lobby, rooms, pool, etc. Although I've found that sometimes these can be deceiving, they are usually a good idication of what to expect.

And yes, non-smoking rooms. I can tell (as I'm sure most non-smokers can) if this is for real.

girlonthego

Queen vs double beds. Big difference!!!

Quiet room locations, renovations last?, comfy beds a must.

Nearby restaurants for a good, cheap breakfast. When we were in San francisco, we had a hard time trying to find a decent inexpensive breakfast on Nob Hill. It didn't exist.

Neighborhood metro train station locations, bus stops, public transit info.
Does the room have a safe? Is there a car rental agency available at the hotel or do you have to go off property to get a rental?
Is there a concierge that can arrange dinner and show tickets?
Is there entertainment at the hotel?

Most everything I could think of was listed above. Great project!

artlover

When I mentioned the pictures, I meant on the hotel's website as well as those in places like hotels.com, orbitz, expedia, etc. (Infact, sometimes, I just enjoy looking at various hotels' pixs, but I know, I'm a travelholic!)

wliwl

I just want to know if it has fitted sheets or if I'll wake up lying on a bare mattress (yuk).

JJ5

Many, many things that others care about, I don't. But I like to know how easy it is to get in/out of ground floor or lower level rooms, and if the bathroom entranceway is right next to the incoming door. Also want a lock on the inside that is substantial, as I've seen some in very nice places that are a joke.