Just another neat freak

Hi folks,

Have you ever wondered how clean hotel rooms actually are? Sure, if you walk into a St. Regis or a Peninsula, the room is probably going to look pretty immaculate. For the price you pay as a guest, you're going to have "spotless room" on your list of expectations anyway. Okay, now consider this scenario: a hotel (not any of the three above) is offering discounts on room rates (almost resembling a fire sale). Do you expect the same level of service as someone who is paying full fare? Of course. Will you get the same level of service? Maybe, maybe not.

I recently stayed at a 4-star hotel (at a 50% discount off the rack rate) that will go unnamed to protect its reputation. Now having spent some time in the industry, I was aware of certain housekeeping standards that EVERY hotel should observe. Sadly, I did my typical room check that I do in every hotel I stay in, and I was appalled.

Heavy layers of dust on the TV, the desk lamp, and all the room lights. Long hair on the inside of two of the pillow case, and underneath the sheets. Stained bathroom door (I'm pretty sure it wasn't just a pattern). Two can tabs behind the TV. Prints all over the drinking glasses. Sure, I stayed there that night just to see what it'd be like, but I was not impressed. It doesn't take too much to give all these surfaces a quick wipe when you're cleaning the room. Oh well.

Remember, folks, the devil's in the details. Your guests WANT clean rooms. Thanks for checking in and we'll see you again soon.