The humble shoehorn and bubble shower caps have long since been replaced by newer amenities. Here’s a list edited by STAAH of amenities that modern travellers have requested. Some are essential, some nice to have and others are (admittedly) over-the-top…
Free Wi-Fi
You don’t expect your guests to check if your property’s room includes power and indoor plumbing; it is a given.
Same with wireless and free internet. This is 2019, and we’re all connected. Wi-Fi is not a perk reserved for your loyal or business guests. It should be an amenity that’s available to all. Forcing guests to join your loyalty programme (a common practice) to access free Internet is also a no-no.
Adequate power points
Most guests today move around with an average of three to five gadgets. Therefore, they need to be charged. Hotels that feature easily accessible power points, including in the bathroom and by the bed, are a winner modern travellers.
Quality bathroom toiletries
Thanks to airline restrictions, an increasing number of travellers (75 per cent if some statistics are to be believed) use the toiletries provided. So, anything sub par just won’t do. Here’s also an opportunity for you to infuse a bit of local into your rooms. Partner up with a local provider and weave in a story about the toiletries provided. With the increasing demand for conscious hotels – a topic that Hotel Designs will be exploring on stage at the Independent Hotel Show 2019 – the latest hotel groups to pledge miniature-free hotel bathrooms globally include IHG and Marriott International.
Hair dryer
This is so popular, it deserves a whole point of its own! Put yourself in your guests’ shoes, travelling with hair dryers is too cumbersome. Be kind to your guests and invest in a few for them. If you want to go the whole nine yards, add in flat irons and curling irons into the mix.
Laundry facilities
Another essential, especially if you market yourself as a family-friendly property. Who wants to go home after a holiday with bags full of dirty laundry? Communication is key, though. Eliminating unnecessary laundry is great, but there is no point offering eco-initiatives – such as advising guests to hang up their used towels if they don’t want them washed – if the staff ignore this when on a deadline to clean a room/suite.
Microwave and small fridge
There is a rise for ‘hometel’ concepts, such as Room2 Southampton. Not uncommon on the amenities wishlist at all, a fridge and a microwave are appreciated by travellers, especially families with babies and young kids. The pressure-sensitive mini bars that charge you even if you pick up a bottle to read the ingredients are not welcome.
Lint rollers and stain removers
A petty investment but a very thoughtful addition to your room amenities. Think of the business traveller running out of the door who spilt coffee on his shirt. Or, a wedding guest who inadvertently brought along her pet’s hair on her special dress.
Electronic chargers and adapters
Phone chargers are among the most forgotten travel accessories. And, landing in a foreign country without the required adapter to charge your battalion of gadgets can easily ruin your holiday from the get go. Here’s when hotels are expected to come to the rescue with chargers and adapters to borrow. If you can’t have one in each room, keep some aside on the front desk.
Coffee, tea and more
Coffees that are substandard and tea bags that are past their use by date just don’t cut it. Artisan teas, quality coffee (including plunger coffees) and other hot beverage options are almost a norm nowadays.
Add a cookie or packet of chips as a complimentary extra.
Entertainment
From books to board games and television (preferably with channels that are worth watching), hotels are expected to have downtime covered. Check your list of amenities and see what you offer. The more, the better is the general rule.
There’s a new trend among hoteliers to add in fun extras such as musical instruments. Nothing like a guitar in the hotel room to wind you down.
Welcome extras
Greet your guests with a bottle of wine or a few truffles. Great way to kick start a relationship. And, if the guest is a loyal one, up the ante on what you offer – a free massage maybe?
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