11 Dec 2014

Why don't more hotels have "convenience stores"?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Basically, as the company Airbnb expands to new cities around the world, the share economy is really taking their toll on regular hotels. Executives have figured a way around this with lend and lease programs all around the country with critical ads like “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” Hotels around the country are now going out of their way to treat guests with a sense of loyalty and service they’ve never had before to draw them away from share companies like AirBnB! Anything from books, CDs, movies, and even running equipment is being offered to guest to borrow on a stay, making their flight easier with less checked bags!

The one major thing I would like to see is more "convenience stores" in hotels. I have seen some hotels offer this (like the Extended Stay Canada I am in right now). The hotel doesn't have to give me these items - I am willing to pay a premium price for the convenience of having a store in the hotel. Some items I would like to see are:

  • frozen meals and snack items (like crackers, sausage, cheese, fruit, etc.) Even if you want to enjoy all the dining experiences the town offers, sometimes you just want to crash after a long day and have a quick meal.
  • micro-wave popcorn. Hotels give us movie channels (and sometimes, on-demand movies) - why not provide the popcorn to go with the movies?
  • pints of coffee cream. I like real diary products in my coffee, like 1/2 and 1/2 or, minimally, whole milk. I am finding this habit to be extremely stressful, since it means I must find a grocery store with cream and then, somehow, store it.
  • various over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, cold medications and Rolaids. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a cold or stomach ache on a trip and finding that the medication in your bag expired - 2 years ago.
  • personal items, such contact lens solution, feminine care products, deodorant and toothpaste. Let's face it - forgetting these can mean that the first few hours of your trip will be spent stressfully searching for open drug stores - which are, hopefully, convenient to get to.
  • books and movies. Although this is becoming less of a need due to Kindles, etc., it would still be nice to be able to buy (or borrow) a good book - especially books (and maps) about the local area.
  • bike and exercise equipment rental. Ok - this is not a normal convenience store item. But - I like the idea!

What would be really great is if you could "order" items to be delivered from the vendor the hotels get these items from. So, for example, you could order a favorite frozen meal or deodorant that would be set aside for you to pick up when you come into the hotel that night (or even, delivered to your room, for those high-end hotels).

Read the full article here:
Hotels Let Guests Borrow Items or Leave Them

Related Content:

26 Nov 2014

Hotels - a personal perspective

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

This is great overview of ones personal perspective on hotels. With very informative information, it gives you thought and ideas on what makes a hotel good, great or just down right wrong. If you are an avid traveler, I highly recommend this article. The author also gives some recommendations with a list of hotels from personal experience that are worth while to check out to make decision making easier.

9 Nov 2014

Hilton introduces smartphone features

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Hilton is offering a new service to their guests that allows them to pick their own room and floor plan from their mobile device. The guests will also be able to customize their stay by requesting certain amenities for their room. The day prior to check-in, the guest will log in with their mobile device and pick their room and added features. Guests will also be able to check in and out of the hotel remotely from their smart phone.

19 Oct 2014

What hi-tech hotel equipment do you want?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Hotels are constantly looking for new ways to entice travelers, and the latest development appears to be rooms with hi-tech options for those with a multitude of digital tastes. Business travelers in particular seem to lean toward rooms loaded with new technology, including super-charged remote controls and personal iPads that serve as a digital concierge for guests.

19 Oct 2014

Hotels like the Omni are basing their renovations on reviews from websites like TripAdvisor. They say that since the customers are so candid, it gives them a good opportunity to understand what is lacking in their hotels, and where they can improve.

15 Oct 2014

Do you tip housekeeping when you are at a hotel? And, if so, how much?

There was a poll done a couple years ago that concluded that if you don't tip, you are one of the 39% of travelers that don't tip. If you do tip, you belong to the 23% minority that always tips. I believe that most people just are not aware that they should tip housekeeping.