Once in my hotel room I began looking for several staple items 1.)Internet information, 2.) area restaurant and hotel guide, and 3.) my ice bucket. I searched this room high and low and found no information about the internet. I booted up my computer and was guided to the hotel's website to enter my name and room number, but was unable to find a price listing for how much this service was going to cost. I knew I would have to pay for the service, but I wanted to know how much I would be paying! I finally had to call the front desk to inquire--the cost was about $9.95 a day which was in line with what I was expecting, unlike the $24.95 per day parking fee, in which I was NOT expecting! Due to the location of my hotel I knew that there were restaurants within walking distance, so I looked for a hotel/area/guest services guide in the room and there was absolutely NOTHING. The only literature in the room was a sales guide on how to purchase the $2600+ bedding package. This particular hotel brand has taken a minimalist approach to marketing. This brand prides itself on clean lines and no clutter--which is nice and pretty and green--however, for the business traveler--we NEED resources--put a damn guide in the room! I want to know where things are and what room service has to offer and what amenities are in the hotel!
Not only was there not an ice bucket in my room--but the mini-bar was empty except for two rumpled napkins. My fear was that it had not been re-stocked, so I went to the front desk to inquire about my ice bucket, which was supposed to be in the room, and I mentioned that the mini-bar was empty (not that I wanted anything--more that I didn't want to be charged for anything!) and I was told by the front desk clerk that they were no longer stocking the mini-bars because they were losing more money than they were making. So--here is an idea for you sell your mini-bars and put area/hotel guides in the rooms!!!
So, now I know they are cutting corners, which has been reflected in my room very clearly. No ice bucket, a messy mini-bar, and dirty glasses. There is also a bottle of Nestle PureLife water next to the coffee maker. Now, again, I am completely used to hotels placing a bottle of water in the room--but it is usually a larger, more expensive bottle of water and if you take it or drink, you can expect a $5.00 or more charge to result on your bill for the convenience of taking the bottle in your room. However, in this instance, I JUST purchased an entire case of Nestle bottled water, in which I paid a grand total of $3.99 for an entire case of 24 bottles! I am not touching that bottle of water with a 10 foot pole!
There have been several other odd things, such as no napkins on the break table for the meeting I was attending or not enough staff to clear dishes (or at least a tray stand to sit my empty glass) during my trade show today--I searched the hotel over for a table, a stand or a staff member and found none of the above. I just had to sit my glass on end of a food table.
I also think there is a fine line between being green and being cheap! I appreciate the recycle bin in the room and the option to be green and skip housekeeping service. But don't but a super awesome dual spout shower head in the room and then place a note above it saying that you have turned off the second shower head to be green. Now, I am going to feel so guilty for using it or wanting to use it that I would rather it just not be there! Come'on that is totally dangling the carrot--here is this awesome thing and it is totally cool--but you are SO NOT GREEN if you choose to use it--it is almost cruel.
I know it seems as if I am complaining a lot---I am probably more sensitive to these items since I am in the hospitality business--the truth of the matter is that overall the hotel is quite nice and it is in an awesome location. I did opt for no housekeeping and received a $5.00 off voucher to use in the restaurant--I thought that was a nice touch.
Since I am traveling on business I will be reimbursed for my trip, but the fact remains I would rather stay at a 3 star, moderate or upscale hotel which has complimentary internet services, free parking, and a hotel/area guide in the room! Give me a Candlewood Suites, a Crowne Plaza, a Comfort Inn, a Howard Johnson, or a Hilton Garden Inn any day of the week--I don't need prestige, I need functionality!
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