iHotels

What defines a good hotel? There are as many points of view to consider when answering that question. Many types of hotel and levels of quality exist in the hotel industry. Answering the question from the point of view of a hotel rating association may not be the best way to identify a good hotel.

Regardless of any hotel quality ratings, there are some important basic requirements. The following areas apply to any good hotel, regardless of quality rating that hotel may proudly inform prospective guests they have achieved.

Security
A hotel needs to have physical facilities and operational procedures to ensure the security of guests, the staff and the physical plant of the hotel. Any hotel not meeting this important minimum standard should not be licensed by local authorities.

The source of food and beverages used in hotel catering programs also needs to be vetted carefully. All suppliers must have their own security programs and procedures in place. Contamination of food served to guests is obviously something to be prevented.

A good hotel needs to have a coordinated action plan with local police and / or military authorities in case of direct, indirect or nearby security problem events.

Any guest coming to a good hotel, upon calling home to their family and friends, should feel confident to report they have never felt safer. Safety and security are of utmost importance.

Cleanliness
Procedures ensuring food is prepared and served in the cleanest possible manner is one of the most important attributes of a good hotel. Nothing ruins a stay in a hotel more than becoming sick from food poisoning.

Hotel housekeeping personnel need to project the culture of the hotel as far as efficiency, cleanliness and professionalism. This is often a difficult thing to carry out successfully. Housekeeping staff must be properly trained to know and execute the highest possible standards of cleanliness.

Efficiency
From the first moment a guest walks in the door on arrival until checkout and final departure a good hotel is efficient at all points of contact with the guest. This is the most important attribute in defining a good hotel.

Hotels that are consistently secure, clean and efficient, will find customers returning repeatedly, choosing them over other hotels that may even rate better in quality. The number of stars a hotel has earned means nothing if the guest does not feel safe and served most efficiently.

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Whether you’re traveling on a vacation or a business trip, travelers need to get their bearings in a hotel after checking in. The first is finding where the room is and the staff at the front desk can provide ways to reach it, either by providing a printed map or with verbal instructions. Once inside the room, turning on the lights and the heating or cooling equipment helps you condition the room for your individual comfort requirements.

Safety is always a consideration when staying overnight, so locating both the elevators and the nearest exit can be something to put high on the list. If the hotel didn’t give you a printed map, the inside of the door has to show you the exact location of the emergency exits for the hotel. Knowing the exact check-out time is also required on the door, which helps you avoid any hourly or nightly extra expenses should you have a late checkout.

Besides safety, cleanliness is the next consideration after checking into a hotel. If you notice that your room is not as clean as you expect it, contact the front desk to alert them to send housekeeping staff to remedy the problems. Before it gets too late at night, verify that your room’s bathroom facilities are working properly to avoid plumbing problems overnight or first thing in the morning. Hotels usually provide sufficient towels and toiletries for two people per day, but if you’re occupying the room with more people, ask housekeeping to bring you more soap, towels and tissues to avoid shortages.

Many hotels have onsite restaurants or room service and finding the menus can save you a trip outdoors if you choose to dine in the hotel. If the hotel doesn’t have any onsite dining, check the guest services guide to find out who delivers or where local restaurants are located. Smaller hotels often lack food service, but local eating establishments may have listings in the guide. You can also contact the front desk for recommendations for good places to eat locally.

Finding the vending machines and ice maker help hotel visitors enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotel and reading the policies and pricing for the mini-bar keep unpleasant surprises from showing up on your credit card statement. And if you’re traveling with children, finding the pool or toy stash the hotel may have helps you have an enjoyable stay as a family.

Whether you’re going out of town for a business trip or a family vacation, there are always great ways to save money on your hotel booking. The most basic rule of thumb is simply to shop around. Nowadays, that can be done as easily as a quick search on the internet. Websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com get you the lowdown on pricing at different hotels with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Are you planning on flying to your destination? If so, you can often get great deals by booking your flight and your hotel together. Most travel websites like Orbitz and Expedia offer these options.

Booking a hotel at the last minute might be risky, but if you are traveling during the low season, many hotels will have empty rooms available and are desperate to fill them. Whether or not someone rents it out, the room will be a drain on the hotel’s resources, and that puts you in a position to bargain for a lower price. Sites like Priceline can help you snag a deal.

Another great option is taking advantage of promotions and discounts, particularly if you have flexible destination or travel plans. For example, Groupon offers getaway deals that combine lodging deals with extras, like free spa treatments, city tours, and other sightseeing adventures.

No matter what, before you book, check to see if you get any special discounts for where you work. The government and military get discounts, and if you work at a large corporate firm there are often special corporate rates for employees at certain hotels. Do a quick Google search for coupon codes and promotions, especially if the hotel in question is part of a chain. Make sure that you get all the amenities you want, like complimentary breakfast or free internet access; sometimes a hotel’s lower upfront rate might be offset by expensive Internet access fees or the like. That could easily turn your bargain into a money sucker.

Lastly, book your hotel with a rewards credit card. If you’re going to be spending the money anyway, you might as well get a little something back for it. Paying with a rewards credit card takes little to no effort and will add up over the long run, as long as you don’t overcharge and pay bills in full.

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You are driving a hybrid. You’ve joined the eco friendly community. Now it’s time to plan your vacation. You decide to go eco all the way by staying at an eco friendly hotel. If location is not your primary goal, you will have a wide array of hotels to choose from. Some are part of a hotel chain, while others are individually owned.

As you search for information you are asking yourself-what is special about an eco friendly hotel? You find that some of the hotels that are listed are LEED certified. LEED means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The program certifies professionals who plan to develop eco friendly buildings. The Marriott in Bethesda, MD was the first LEED certified hotel.

As you read descriptions of these hotels you find that the materials used in construction were organic. The Orchard Garden in San Francisco used LEED certified wood, non- toxic paints and varnishes. The lighting is energy efficient. The Hilton Triton in San Francisco touts that 75% of its construction was LEED certified. The Gala Napa Valley used recycled carpet content. Still another hotel, the Zion Lodge in Zion Utah has bamboo floors. One of the most unusual is the Hotel Desconocido in Jalisco, Mexico. It used bamboo, palm leaves and clay huts.

The hotels use energy efficient power. Some use solar panels, even candles.

Now you are wondering about the food. Most use organic foods, locally grown. Some use composting. If seafood is on the menu, it’s sustainable seafood.

As for other amenities some offer refueling stations for electric cars. Many vacationers are looking for an experience instead of just a location. These hotels offer you memories as well as first class accommodations. You will be able to tell stories to your friends and neighbors about your travels.

Tags: eco friendly hotels