Search Results for: blog hotel room woes

Make the Most of Hotel Rewards

In a previous blog I may have suggested that being a Starwood Preferred Guest member pales in comparison to being a Hilton Hhonors member. That’s simply not the case. I merely mentioned that unlike my Hilton HHonors friend, I have not made the most of being a member of a hotel rewards program. Being a Starwood Preferred Guest member certainly has its privileges; however, you can’t take advantage of the perks unless you know what they are and how many points you need to accrue in order to score them. You earn points by staying at any of the 1,000 … Continue reading →

Does it Pay to Join Hotel Rewards Programs?

I am a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, yet I have never redeemed my points for a single reward. Conversely, my BFF, who is a member of Hilton HHonors scores free stuff all the time. She would undoubtedly tell you that it is well worth it to join a hotel rewards program. Me; not so much. So why is my pal such a fan of Hilton HHonors? For starters, the rewards are amazing. In addition to free hotel stays, you can redeem points for: *Tickets to Disneyland *Car rentals *Cruise certificates *Gift cards to Starbucks *Jewelry from Tiffany … Continue reading →

Dealing With Noisy Hotel Guests

How do you deal with unruly guests at a hotel? A. Contact the front desk staff and have them handle it B. Pound on the wall separating your room from the offender’s C. Knock on the loud guest’s door and politely ask them to keep it down D. Hail a “sleep warden” and have them kick out the belligerent guest If you are vacationing at select hotels in the United Kingdom, answer “D” is an actual option. “Sleep wardens” are all the rage at Travelodge properties in Europe. The specially trained staff members patrol the hotels’ halls making sure that … Continue reading →

Cheap Hotels Get New Look

The last time I stayed at an economy hotel I was greeted with tissue paper-thin sheets that nearly ripped each time I turned over in bed, stained carpet and missing light fixtures. Still, I didn’t make a fuss because you get what you pay for, right? Maybe not. According to a new report, several budget hotel chains are getting a makeover that would impress even the pickiest travelers. For example, the new look of Motel 6 includes platform beds with crisp white sheets and taupe coverlets; 32-inch flat-screen TVs; modern furnishings that maximize space and hip wall decorations. Ditto for … Continue reading →

How Would You Rate Your Last Hotel Stay?

Was your last stay at a hotel a nightmare? Did you have to deal with bed bugs, noisy neighbors or poor service? If you did, you aren’t alone. According to a new survey completed by 53,000 people who stayed at a hotel in the last year, their experiences were nothing to brag about. Guests didn’t hold back when it came to filling out the annual J.D. Power and Associates North America Hotel Satisfaction Survey, which found that overall guest satisfaction, which covers everything from reservations to check in, room quality, fees, food and prices, was down in all segments except … Continue reading →

Protecting Yourself from Dirty Hotel Rooms

By now I’m sure you are aware that neatly folded towels and wrinkle-free bedspreads don’t equate to a germ-free hotel room. In previous blogs I have discussed the studies that prove hotel staff typically don’t have the same standards of cleanliness that most of us have for our own homes. I even shared a study, which showed that a virus can live on objects like faucet handles and ice buckets for at least a day (not exactly what you want greeting you when you wheel your suitcase and kids into a $200 per night suite). With summer vacation season in … Continue reading →

Economy Hotels Getting Upgrades

Personally, as long as a hotel is not infested with roaches or bed bugs and is clean then I don’t have a problem staying in it. And with the recent news that bed bugs have been found in even the most luxurious 5-star properties it kind of makes you wonder what you’re doling out the extra cash for these days. If your risk for getting bit by bugs is the same in a room that cost $500 per night versus one that costs $50 per night, sign me up for the latter. And speaking of $50 hotel rooms, budget properties … Continue reading →

What do you look for in a Hotel?

Do you insist on getting complimentary breakfast or would you give up the free bagel for free in-room wireless Internet access? If you rather stay at a hotel that gives out complimentary waffles and OJ in the morning you might have to look a bit harder these days, according to a recent survey of 10,000 hotels conducted for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The study also found this irony: the more you pay for your room, the less likely you are to get free Wi-Fi. Wireless Internet access is being offered by 91% of hotels, up 35% from four … Continue reading →

Hotel Woes and Pros

HOTEL WOES I’m not sure who to feel more sorry for in this next situation—-the hotel employees or the hotel guests. If you watched the news last night you might have seen the report about 40 traveling salespeople who were given the boot from a Minnesota motel for what managers there call, “very, very rude behavior.” Apparently, the three-dozen or so salespeople (reportedly all in their 20s) who were staying at the AmericInn Lodge & Suites in Moorhead left behind more than just their unwanted behavior. According to motel managers, complaints about the unruly guests started pouring in less than … Continue reading →

Hotels Going the Extra Mile

Personally, I don’t ever have a problem falling asleep-—no matter what time zone I am in. However, some travelers (especially those who have no hint of narcolepsy) struggle with falling asleep especially when they are in foreign lands. Hoteliers are well aware of this problem and some are now coming to the aid of their guests by offering unique sleep services. Take for example Hyatt’s new Andaz Liverpool Street location in London. For the next two weeks the lodging will host the world’s first “Hotel Reader in Residence.” Need a bedtime story to lull you to sleep? Writer Damian Barr … Continue reading →