What is really important to you in a hotel room or establishment?

Question

I have been a housekeeper for almost sixteen years. I have worked in dozens of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts' and inns. My question is what is more important to you, the traveler? How clean your bathroom is, the landscaping of the hotel, whether or not there are scuff marks on the walls from luggage carts and the like...what sticks out the most to you when you're traveling? Do you choose a place because of the name or because you've stayed there before? How much detail of the cleanliness of a place are you really noticing other than how clean your room is? I mean, I know that's the most important but I'm wondering about the little things outside your room, what are you looking for in a place to stay that's going to feel as comfortable as home?

Answer 1

I also have worked in hotels one of the most important things to me is the staff and how friendly and attentive they are. I like going to a hotel were people smile, where people are nice, where people say hi. Yes the room being clean plays a huge part but, the staff is also a huge part to my decision. I don’t mind scuff marks, or minor things like that, however I do mind things not working, old looking rooms, old furniture, and an unhappy, unfriendly staff and things like that. A hotel does not have to have a pool, but they do have to be up to date. I have stayed at everything from high end hotels to mom and pop motels and I can tell you that some of the motels have been way better than the hotels. The service, atmosphere and the overall appearance of the room has been as good as a 4 star hotel. I do not choose places because of their name, however location does matter. I am willing to stay farther away from my destination if it means a good room for a good price; however I am not willing to stay in high crime areas, no easy access areas, and such. When choosing a place to stay I look at all the variables above. I really do not care about the amenities the hotel/motel provides, however it should at least have a new paint job and the grounds should look kept and nice. I applaud you for being in the hotel “business”, it is very hard work. Being in it for 16 years is even more amazing. After working in the “business” for a while I have learned that it is a hard, unappreciated business.

Answer 2

For me, the first priority is location, then outward appearance and interior cleanliness, as well as friendliness of the staff.(The staff should have a smile, and appear to enjoy their work; not initiate contact with the customer). I also used to work in several hotels, and I expect a high level of service. It should be very simple to obtain certain items that the maids may have forgotten to replace, such as shaving cream and razors.
I once stayed in a hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada, and on the second night I found loose potato chips on on my pillow and under the sheets, which had been replaced. I also found the empty bag under the bed. I will NEVER, EVER go back to that same hotel, and it will always get a bad review from me.

Answer 3

That I don't have strange dark ethnic men loitering or calling me.
(yeah, .. weirdos call out of the blue)
..and general cleanliness.

Answer 4

it has to be as clean and organized as possible so I easily know what is where