How do you judge a hotel? By the stars? By the service? Or by the amenities you get? Let’s face it everyone wants swag these days, and if you are like us the goodies you get with your stay really enhances it. Here are things that we look for, some are bundled into the price and some aren’t, but they make a statement about the property and at the comfort level.
Bathrobe
For us, the number one must in amenities is a bathrobe. It feels luxurious in the morning when you’re having your coffee. And there is nothing better when one wants to say “Let me slip in to something more comfortable.”
Internet
There is only one thing to say about hotel internet. It should be free. That goes for everywhere else on the property, too – at the pool, in restaurants and even at the gym. In this crazy world of social media one needs to feel totally connected and even on a vacation, internet should be completely accessible.
Turn Down Service
Nothing says luxury more than a chocolate on your pillow before lights out. Some hotels have taken the goody to a new level like offering Neuchâtel or home-made chocolates. Others offer local or regional sweets on your pillow or even chocolates inscribed with a “good night” message. That’s the stuff that sweet dreams are made of!
Bath Amenities
For many guests, the bath toiletries can be the deal breaker and they vary greatly from hotel to hotel. At the Four Seasons you’ll find shampoo, shower gel, bar soap and body lotion from Bulgari. Other hotels serve up Eco Sciences which are environmentally friendly soaps and toiletries. W Hotels offers its own Bliss Spa products while others offer top brands like Aveda, L’Occitane, Molton Brown and even Malin & Goetz or Demeter. Even mid-range hotels will offer you shampoo and soap from Neutrogena these days. I miss that glycerin soap!
Other Bath Items
What about the other items that your find in your bath like a shower cap, sewing kit and shoe shine sponge? Not sure if we think these things matter much. We’ve never done any mending while traveling, but I guess the sewing kit could come in handy if a button popped off. In the Peninsula, Tokyo we received a toothbrush and toothpaste—thumbs up for that. Who doesn’t like a disposable toothbrush with a cute tube of toothpaste? We always wonder how they can make the toothpaste so small! The Peninsula also offers a very small hair brush and comb—useful for working those gels and crèmes through your locks!
Slippers
Most luxury hotels offer slippers in the bath. From Europe to Asia, these items are great for lounging around. More upscale hotels inscribe their names on the slippers and they make a great souvenir.
Newspaper
Who doesn’t like to keep current? Most hotels from mid to luxury now offer newspapers to keep you up to date on world news as well as what’s happening in the city you’re visiting. We love to read the local papers to see the interesting faits divers (French for local news) that are happening.
Quick and Easy Check Out
Get up and get out is our motto and that includes leaving the hotel. We love getting the bill discreetly slipped under our door the night before departure. Review it while packing and you’re ready to leave in the a.m. with an express check out.
Hope this capsule update gives a bit more info on hotel amenities to think about whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.