by Katie on August 4, 2010
Thanks to black-light-wielding investigators and the morning talk shows that feature them, there’s no shortage of guests that distrust hoteliers’ cleaning practices.
Hotels promoting their iPad innovations, luxurious furnishings, and exceptional concierge take note: clean, comfy rooms put those amenities to shame.
Check out The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s new hypoallergenic suite, and their squeaky-clean guarantee:
“Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has also completed a redesign of its one and two bedroom suites, among which is the new Hypoallergenic Suite. With beautiful hardwood floors throughout, hypoallergenic bedding, toiletries and shades instead of curtains, the suite is the perfect retreat for those who suffer from allergies. In addition, the guest room – which features stunning views of Lake Michigan – is cleaned with allergenic free solutions, ensuring a clear stay.”
I’d love to see more hotels adopt similar practices, which are life-saving for those with allergies, feel life-saving if for germophobes, and help the rest of us sleep a little easier, too.
Would this amenity win your business? Is it excessive for allergy-free guests to demand extreme cleanliness? How skeevy were those black-light findings!?
by Katie on July 27, 2010
We love Hospitalitynet.org’s updated and occasionally hilarious list of hotel technology do’s and don’ts.
A few of our favorite tips, plus, how to really knock our socks off:
DO…
- Check all the peep-holes on guest room doors to make sure they are secure, and installed in the correct direction, and if possible, keep shady characters from even getting that close to your guests’ rooms.
- Clearly display broadband charges, if your hotel has any, or… never charge for broadband!
- Have an emergency torch/flashlight in the guest room and a back-up generator.
- Have a shelf in the toilet cubicle where guest’s can place their mobile phone/PDA and maybe a book, and consider stocking the shelf with a couple area-appropriate travel magazines.
- Make sure your guest room safe is bolted down to a floor or wall and cannot be easily removed, and that the safe code is a little more challenging than 11111.
- Provide MAC computers in the business center, and not just Window’s PC’s; bonus points for iPad access.
- Have a person to monitor social networking sites for mentions about your hotel, and encourage that person to join the conversation! HMS tells you how.
And our favorite DON’T…
- Automatically believe that by putting loads of technology into your hotel that the guest experience will be enhanced. So true. The best technology doesn’t hold a candle to authentic, passionate people.
Hoteliers: looking for more great tips? Take a few moments to read Terence Ronson’s recent review of the Ritz Carlton Pu Dong.
Share your hotel technology do’s and don’t in the comments.
by Josiah on July 24, 2010
Unique art is one of my favorite hotel amenities, especially when it’s created by local artists.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver, set to open this fall, will showcase nearly 1,200 original works of art by contemporary Colorado artists, enhancing the hotel’s modern design concept. The unique collection will be on display throughout the 45-story building, creating a gallery-like setting that will rival a private art museum. “We are thrilled to support the local arts community and showcase amazing works created by artists from across the state of Colorado,” says Thierry Kennel, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Denver, noting that 90 percent of the pieces on display are by local artists.
[story via Green Lodging News, photo from the Flickr group they set up - brilliant idea!]
by Katie on July 20, 2010
by Josiah on July 17, 2010
Traveling light, but need something printed? If you’re staying at The Sax Chicago, you’re in luck.
HotelChatter reports that guests can print up to 8 pages for free from their mobile phone, iPad (or laptop).
To print from your laptop, you have to upload your documents to the hotel’s PrintSpots website to receive a release code. And to get a release code for your smartphone, you must e-mail your document as an attachment to a designated Sax Chicago PrintSpots e-mail address. That confidential code allows you to retrieve documents from the hotel’s printer.
Very useful for printing out boarding passes, documents, or anything else for the flight back…
