They are my second home. I love the feeling of anonymity they allow and a sort of “Howard Hughes” safe haven they provide me. I like the views they inspire and the possibilities of voyeurism and exhibitionism they provoke. The neighboring sounds are always distinct and personal. Over the years, I have heard moans, and sighs and pain. I love that they stimulate the ‘dirty girl’ in me and conversely make me want to be swaddled in fresh linen and be waited upon. I like the routine they provide…open blinds to see view, unpack suitcase, put out toiletries, hang up all clothes, check quality of pillows, unpack laptop and power charges for all electronic devices and set wake up calls. I laugh when checking out the attendant asks “What room number” and I have to think, and then really think, so as to not confuse it from the last trip. I am amazed that at times, I can be walking through the lobby and not remember what city I’m in. I enjoy the ease of conversation that can occur between other fellow travelers over cocktails at the lobby bar. I like striking out to find something distinct about the city I’m in, on my own, and with no direction. Whether it be the local tavern, sushi bar or family owned restaurant. I’ve tasted about 100 club sandwiches at 2 in the morning after a long night of drinking; I have consumed many $8.00 mini bar beers and have even dared eating the infamous $10 bag of cashews. As hotels are constantly vying for business, I am a loyal follower to the following:
- Please have an open plug next to the bed for my phone, because when I’m on the road, time zones don’t exist.
- Please have an open power source by the desk and an easy way to access the internet from my room. And, better yet, have internet access be free.
- Offer room service 24 hours 7 days a week. My schedule doesn’t revolve around yours. I actually sometimes work until well after midnight and haven’t eaten since breakfast.
- Give me enough hangers to actually use for a week’s worth of clothes. I don’t care if they are the ’little head hangers’, just give me enough
- Always have an iron and ironing board in the room
- Give me actual glass drinking glasses. If they are plastic cups in plastic sleeves, forgetaboutit. Besides, when I put my toothbrush in one, the plastic cups tip over.
- Provide me with a choice of pillows. Feather and other – I will find one out of 6 that will suit me.
- Give me something special about my stay. For example at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto, they provide all things Zen. Mats for meditation, choices of incense, soothing in room water fountains, and inspiration stones left on your pillow during turn down service.
- Have a spa. If there is a spa on site, you are likely to get my business. And, if you are open past 7pm, you are really likely to get my business.
- And finally, and maybe most importantly, give me a view. This might be the only time I see beyond hard walls the whole time I’m in your city. I will be grateful for it while I’m there and will remember when I leave.
It’s funny, my friends see my job as glamorous, in that I travel all over the world, and I’m in some new city every month. But I envy them and the ability to stay home, and not pull out the suitcase, and be able to have pets, keep plants alive, take night classes, and have weekends home for family, friends or just themselves.
- Please have an open plug next to the bed for my phone, because when I’m on the road, time zones don’t exist.
- Please have an open power source by the desk and an easy way to access the internet from my room. And, better yet, have internet access be free.
- Offer room service 24 hours 7 days a week. My schedule doesn’t revolve around yours. I actually sometimes work until well after midnight and haven’t eaten since breakfast.
- Give me enough hangers to actually use for a week’s worth of clothes. I don’t care if they are the ’little head hangers’, just give me enough
- Always have an iron and ironing board in the room
- Give me actual glass drinking glasses. If they are plastic cups in plastic sleeves, forgetaboutit. Besides, when I put my toothbrush in one, the plastic cups tip over.
- Provide me with a choice of pillows. Feather and other – I will find one out of 6 that will suit me.
- Give me something special about my stay. For example at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto, they provide all things Zen. Mats for meditation, choices of incense, soothing in room water fountains, and inspiration stones left on your pillow during turn down service.
- Have a spa. If there is a spa on site, you are likely to get my business. And, if you are open past 7pm, you are really likely to get my business.
- And finally, and maybe most importantly, give me a view. This might be the only time I see beyond hard walls the whole time I’m in your city. I will be grateful for it while I’m there and will remember when I leave.
It’s funny, my friends see my job as glamorous, in that I travel all over the world, and I’m in some new city every month. But I envy them and the ability to stay home, and not pull out the suitcase, and be able to have pets, keep plants alive, take night classes, and have weekends home for family, friends or just themselves.
2 comments:
I really don't like hotels.
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