15 most annoying mistakes hotels constantly make
We all know how annoying it is when you can't figure out how to turn off the lights in your hotel room or when you have to move a heavy piece of furniture to get to a plug that doesn't even have a USB port.
The Times has collected the mistakes that hotel owners make over and over again. They were told by tourists who experienced these inconveniences and suggested how to change them.
There is no kettle
"I know we are a nation of coffee drinkers now, but first of all, I want to have a cup of tea. Secondly, hotels have a fancy coffee machine but no kettle. I don't know why they think we need fancy porcelain. Please give me a chunky mug and fresh milk," Jenny Coad says.
Scarce choice of tea
"As we are talking abou tea, why is there only one breakfast bag and seven blackberry leaf bags? There should be mint and chamomile tea and alternative types of milk, such as almond or oatmeal because many of us prefer them," Gemma Bowes says.
A lot of ads
"Tourists provide their name and email address when they check in not to receive marketing messages from the hotel. This is often the case when you leave your data. The same goes for spa questionnaires," Cathy Adams says.
Closing the pool before sunset
"Hotel pool often closes before sunset. There's something special about a night swim, so I'm always disappointed when I see strict hours that don't extend past 6 p.m.," Lizzie Frainier says,
Bad room odor
"Smell matters. It doesn't have to be a signature scent, but a hotel room should smell clean, with no hint of previous guests or their dogs. It doesn't matter if the building is old, it shouldn't smell like a sewer," Jenny adds.
Child cob fees
"Many hotels accept children and provide cobs. However, some charge £25 for such a privilege, and it always turns out to be a worn-out travel cob with ill-fitting sheets. Dogs tend to be treated better," Jenny shares her experience.
Bad hair dryer and no iron
"There is no excuse for bad hair dryers these days. Justgive us a normal one with a long cord, please, and an iron with an ironing board," Laura Jackson and Gemma said.
Lack of hygiene products
"Who needs a shoeshine kit or a safety pin? How about something really useful like tampons?" Lucy Perrin asks.
Important TV functions
"Opinions about the TV are divided. It can overload the space and look ugly in a historic pub. However, we all like to watch TV in bed, don't we? If they're there, they should have a Chromecast, and none of us need obnoxious music from the TV or radio when we arrive. Please don't ask us to access hotel information with a QR code from a TV or iPad," Lucy and Liz Edwards say.
Cosmetics attached to the wall
"Of course, we all disapprove of environmentally unfriendly miniatures, but when shampoo and shower gel are attached to the walls, it's too much. We're guests, not thieves," Huw Oliver says.
A la carte breakfasts
"I'm sure they're good for preventing waste, but they also keep greedy buffet lovers like me in check. Plus, the toast that is brought to the table - if it's not cold yet, it will be by the time you want to eat it," Liz says.
Large containers of tea
Giant pots of loose leaf tea that end up boiling over before you even have your first cup because you can't get the leaves out of the water fast enough.
Staff who snatch the bag out of your hands
"Staff who insist on carrying your bag so much that they actually snatch it from you even when you don't need it are annoying. It raises a lot of agonizing questions about whether to tip," Liz says.
Long lines at the reception
An intimidating line at the front desk is much more pleasant and welcoming when you are seated on a couch and given a drink (preferably free).
Unclear navigation and signage
"Bad signage makes you accidentally walk through the bar in a bathrobe while you're looking for the spa," Gemma says.
Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about the top 6 best hotels in Sardinia: from chic villas with private pools to secluded boutiques in the mountains and historic houses with an authentic atmosphere.
