Hotels

Years ago, it was considered the height of fashion for a hotel room to include a “Magic Fingers” vibrating bed. Now the sky is the limit when it comes to hotel amenities, although you will have to pay more for the most luxurious features.

At a very basic level, most discount hotels offer a phone, TV, call service for waking you, and free ice. A small bar of soap or two and a couple of wrapped paper or plastic cups are usually found as well. You may also have equipment provided with which you can make that morning cup of coffee right in your room.

Internet access has become commonplace in the mid-range hotel. Wireless access is usually only available in the lobby, though, unless you are staying in a top dollar hotel. Business centers are becoming more commonplace in mid-priced motels and hotels. These range from an old computer and copier to top of the line complete business set-ups that are available for use around the clock.

Swimming pools and playgrounds are often provided and even expected with lower or mid-priced hotel rooms. But, luxury hotels and motels also provide an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna or steam room. Exercise equipment in a fitness center is a common amenity when staying in the nicer mid-range motel rooms.

Other amenities found in mid-range hotel and motel rooms include grooming aids, such as an iron, ironing board, and blow dryer. In addition to soap, some motels provide shampoo and hand lotion. Laundry facilities are offered in many cases.

Mid to higher priced hotel rooms usually provide at least one restaurant for the convenience of the guests, with more than one in some. These restaurants increase in quality of cuisine as the price of the room goes up. Bars are also a common feature, sometimes even located in the lobby of the hotel. Sometimes motels feature live entertainment at their own nightspot.

Luxury hotels and motel amenities include thirsty cotton bathrobes and slippers and toiletries from designer labels. Sheets are fine quality cotton, and pillows are filled with expensive down. Mattresses are of the high quality pillow-top variety. Bathroom countertops are sometimes made of fine granite, and a curved shower curtain rod provides for more space in the shower.

Towels are thick and fluffy, and quite frequently, spa treatments are available. You might be able to get an in-room massage. Spa treatments available at some of the spas include foot reflexology, hot stone massage, and time with a personal trainer.

Cable TV is common in budget hotels and motels, but the higher priced hotels also provide large screen televisions and DVD players. Business guests may find their room equipped with a good desk and high quality desk chair for their comfort and ease. Hair dryers and coffee makers are top quality.

Budget hotels and motels are still interested enough in your business to provide what used to be unheard of hotel amenities. Gone are the days of the tourist court when a swimming pool was top luxury. Today’s high-end establishment pay attention to hotel business and luxury spa-like details to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Now that you have the basics let’s look at some great hotel and resort ideas…