Some Hotels Are Giving Free Stuff; Some Are Not
This article from Florida Today mentions how many hotels are starting to pull back on the complimetary stuff that they usually offer to guests. For instance, the toiletries you have grown to love may be diminished in numbers when you check-in (one bar of soap, not two or shampoo but no conditioner.) And your copy of the ubiquitous USA Today might not be at your feet when you open your door in the morning.
"We are cutting back on little things that the guests may miss, but I think they will understand why we have to do this," said Jim Ridenour, general manager of the Residence Inn Melbourne and Courtyard Melbourne West, both part of the Marriott chain.
Earlier this month, both hotels stopped stocking rooms with lotion and shower caps. They are available by request. And coffee is now offered in the lobby only in the morning and late afternoon, rather than 24 hours a day.
The article goes on to list some of the freebies and services that other hotels are cutting out in the area. But this might not be true for the entire hotel industry.
The Globe and Mail also had an article this week about the things that hotels are giving out for free as a way to entice guests. (Full disclosure, we were quoted in this article.) Here are some examples:
In some cases, you will discover little bonus services that are overlooked by most of your fellow guests. For instance, while many hotels offer guests free gym access, Four Seasons provides guests with exercise clothing, so they can decide to dash down to the gym even if they forgot to pack their sweats. And if you're hurrying off to a meeting, some hotels (including the Park Hyatt Toronto) will help you look sharp with a complimentary shoe shine.
Naturally, you can argue that we are comparing apples and oranges here---luxury hotels versus extended stay brands. But what has your experience been lately? Have you started to notice a drop off in amenities or service in the past few months? If you have, tell us all the juicy details.
Comments (2)
Post a CommentReturn to » Some Hotels Are Giving Free Stuff; Some Are Not
Return to » Some Hotels Are Giving Free Stuff; Some Are Not
Join the conversation!