When booking a hotel, you are not just paying for a place to sleep. You are paying for the experience that comes with it. And that experience often hinges on the amenities. But not all perks are created equal; some can make a real difference. Others are merely glossy extras that sound good in a brochure but are rarely used.
Here is a breakdown of hotel amenities, from essential to overrated, so you know what to look for and what to ignore.
Amenities You Must Have:
- Reliable Wi-Fi – this is no longer a luxury. Whether you’re traveling for business or checking maps and dinner spots, fast, free Wi-Fi should be a standard. Hotels that still charge for it are stuck in the past.
- Comfortable Bedding: A king-size bed means nothing if the mattress and the pillows are flat. High-quality linens, blackout curtains, and good soundproofing go a long way toward restful sleep.
- Clean, Functional Bathroom: give us good water pressure, clean towels, and basic toiletries. Add a well-lit mirror and you have all the essentials. Bonus points for rain showers or heated floors, but they are not deal breakers.
- Secure and Simple Check-In: Contactless check-in has become increasingly common, and it’s a win. No lines. No fuss. Keyless room entry is another plus, especially for frequent travelers.
- Power Outlets Where You Need Them: This sounds minor-until you find yourself crawling behind furniture to charge your phone. A thoughtful room layout includes accessible outlets near the bed and desk.
Amenities That Are Nice to Have:
- In Room Coffee and Mini-Fridge: Not a full minibar. Just the basics. A place to store leftovers or chill drinks. A decent coffee maker is a quiet morning win.
- On-Site Dining and Room Service: convenient, especially for late arrivals or business trips. However, travelers are often seeking local food, so this is not always necessary.
- Fitness Center: a small gym with a few treadmills and weights is enough. Unless it is a wellness-focused stay, most guests will not need a full-scale fitness center.
- Pool or Spa Access: great for vacationers. Less critical for business travelers. Indoor pools can be a plus in cold-weather destinations.
- Concierge or Local Guide Services: applicable in unfamiliar cities. But most guests rely on apps and reviews. A concierge who can honestly recommend hidden gems still adds value.
Overrated Amenities:
- Turn-Down Service: a nice touch, but not missed when it is gone. Most people want privacy and fresh towels.
- Pillow Menus: cute idea, but rarely used. Just give us quality pillows.
- TV with 100+ Channels: Streaming has changed how we watch. A smart TV or the ability to cast from your device is far more practical.
- Branded Toiletries: Unless you are offering something genuinely premium, most people bring their own.
The bottom line is that an exceptional hotel knows the difference between what looks good on paper and what improves a guest’s stay. Prioritize the basics: comfort, cleanliness, connectivity, and offer thoughtful extras. That is the formula that keeps people coming back.
At Scarano Architect, PLLC, we furnish our clients with the finest amenities in hotel accommodations. Our first-class hotel projects consistently draw clients to return to our firm for repeat business. We have found that the finer the amenities, the greater the draw the hotel has. We will continue to provide top-notch facilities in our hotels in the years to come.
Because in the end, the best amenity is one that works exactly when you need it, and does not make you pay extra to feel at home.