Hotel Features Amenities and Services

Elements of Hotel Evaluation

Star Ratings: Generally, the more stars the better the overall quality of a hotel. Star ratings are tied to commonly recognized standards of comparison and expected levels of quality established and evaluated by specific American hotel corporations.

Superior. World Class. Sets standards of excellence. (Unforgettable)

Extremely nice. Tasteful and luxurious by any standard. (Memorable)

Nice. Hilton/Holiday Inn or comparable quality. (Recommendable)

Adiquate. Clean, comfortable, and functional without many frills. (Likeable)

Budget. Usually Motor Lodge style. (Okay/ho-humm)

Hotel: The property needs to be a free-standing structure with enclosed guest rooms that contain, at a minimum, a bed, linnen, a private bathroom, a window, air conditioning, a telephone and a secure door.
Casino: Hotels that have a gaming license are qualified to call themselves a "Hotel Casino." Such designations can be misleading. For example, does the hotel provide a full-service casino, or only a row of slot machines? Does it offer a Sports Book, poker room or Players Club? Our hotel comparison charts will tell you just how comprehensive the hotels' casino actually is.
Bar/Lounge: The importance of a bar/lounge in the hotel is obvious to anyone who has traveled long and far to get to the hotel.
Entertainment: That would be live entertainment, e.g. theatre, stage performances, etc.
Food: What dining options are offered AT the hotel.
Swimming Pool: Does the hotel have a pool? Is it an in-door pool, out-door pool or does it have both? Is the pool seasonal?
Whirlpool/Jacuzzi/Spa: Does the hotel have a spa, whirlpool and/or jacuzzi? And what other spa services are offered?
Fitness Center: This is a hotel feature that has become more important over the last five years, and is something guest's have come to expect. Find out what type of health or exercise facilities the hotel offers.
High Speed Internet Access: This has also become one of the most important features over the last five years. Most hotels are accommodating this addiction for the techno-nerd in all of us.
Non-Smoking Rooms: This has become the single most important feature, but remember, if the hotel room you are staying in is over 10 years old, it has probably been smoked in before, regardless of its non-smoking designation. Several coats of paint on the walls and other chemical treatments will never get rid of every particle of nicotine.
Room Service: Room service means the hotel brings freshly prepaid food to your room. Outside pizza delivery is not room service. Know what they offer.
Handicap Accessible Rooms: Most hotels offer handicap accessable rooms. Handicap rooms have doors wide enough for wheelchairs, and railings around the toilet and shower.
Parking/Valet: Many inner-city hotels have to charge for parking just to keep the locals from eating up all their parking spaces, and to ensure enough space is left available for guests. Most hotels located in the suburbs or resort communities like ThisCity do not charge for parking, so feel free to move your car around. Valets are some of the hardest working people in the world, and well worth their efforts, so make use of their services when you can. A modest tip and you're on your way. On the subject of tipping for valet services; hotels that advise tipping your valet both in and out are hotels that take a large portion of the tips for themselves. We advise tipping on the way out only, because all valet tips are pooled anyway.
Wedding Chapel: Does the hotel have its own wedding chapel and/or offer wedding ceremonies and services?
Meeting Function Space: Who has what in regard to serving your group or meeting needs? Remember, meeting/function space always books out fast, so if you need it, book it NOW!
Business Center: If your trip includes business activity, you will what to know how comprehensive the hotels' business center is in terms of its business support services.
Golf Course: There are only a few hotels that actually have a golf course on-property. However, almost all hotels can arrange a game of golf for you at one of several golf courses in the local area.
Tennis/Bowling: Does the hotel have its own tennis courts or bowling center?
Pets: Some, but not all, hotels are pet friendly. Find out who and what accommodations are offered for Fido. By defination "pets" are restricted to dogs, and generally there is a weight limitation of about 25 pounds. Also, there is usually a limitation of no more than one, sometimes two pets allowed.