My Finnish roots 100% agree on the sauna point. It’s not always done right here in Sweden, even though we’re geographically close enough to know better. But I’m thrilled when it is!
Other things that have thrilled me when staying at hotels, in unexpected ways: discrete USB/electrical outlets in the lobby lounging area, complimentary candy and stuffed animal for the kids at arrival, non generic tea assortment in the hotel room (Earl grey is in fact NOT a mandatory hotel room accoutrement), a complimentary snack bar in the lobby, a door to the bathroom that can be locked (what’s up with all the sliding pocket doors? It needs to stop).
But the real deal breaker is so easy: good coffee at breakfast. I can look past other faux pas if there is decent java. But I stayed in a cute central boutique hotel in Paris last summer with corporate 9-5 powder milk coffee machine-coffee and yeah no.
Fabulous list. The medium is the message in your own attention to detail! The only one I had a full body reaction to was using my name. Only people who know me get to use my name. I expect Madam/e from staff. (I have accepted, finally, that I'm no longer Miss/Mademoiselle - except to our lovely doorman at work who still calls me Miss and therefore has my whole heart.)
I really appreciate this perspective, because Emma and I just had a conversation where I mentioned how much I value being addressed by my first name. Goes to show we all have different preferences when it comes to how we like to be addressed, and great service picks up on individual nuances like that.
I couldn't agree more! Unfortunatly, most of these points are missing, even in luxury hotels. I've just stayed in 3 differents 5* hotels in a country where the water is not drinkable and though, I had to worry how I could find water because they would only give 2 mini bottles for 2 and no water foutain available...
A guest at a hotel of any segment shouldn’t have to worry about the availability of water water should just keep spawning at luxury properties imo!!
What this piece captures so well is that luxury is rarely about excess — it’s about care, intention, and the accumulation of thoughtful details. The best hospitality experiences don’t just function efficiently; they make people feel considered in ways they remember long after they leave.
I'd add that they need a tea/coffee maker IN the room. I don't want to have to get dressed and stumble down to a common area to get coffee before I am ready to get up and see people. I'd take a coffee maker in the room over anything else on this list.
LOL this reminds me of a piece I did on the hotel hierarchy of needs - like you said - WATER!! C'mon human right, people.... For some reason, #12 - the polaroid in every room is such a creative standout from this piece. I'd love it to need to be developed film and at check out the hotel keeps it and can post stories. This social media idea is genius!
Thank you for reading Emily! And it’s ridiculous how the fundamentals are overlooked!! And yes Bob W struck social media gold with the camera idea! Love to see creativity
Great piece! My additions: 1) a properly lit magnifying mirror, and 2) mirrors placed so that you can see your hair from behind when styling (with a proper hairdryer, not a wall-fixed version, with a hold-in button and a gentle breeze), 3) steamer in the room (love Stockholm Steamery), 4) fresh paper lining in the drawers (saw it once, genius idea).
This list is chef’s kiss💋 so many little gems I said “yes" aloud to while reading. The hangers! The bathtubs where you don’t sink like the titanic! The slipper quality!
What a pleasure to work on this with you! We may be picky, but at least we know what we want.
This was absolutely lovely!!! And yes, snobbery for the win!
This was such a good read. Thank you Emma & Sanchita
🙏
My Finnish roots 100% agree on the sauna point. It’s not always done right here in Sweden, even though we’re geographically close enough to know better. But I’m thrilled when it is!
Other things that have thrilled me when staying at hotels, in unexpected ways: discrete USB/electrical outlets in the lobby lounging area, complimentary candy and stuffed animal for the kids at arrival, non generic tea assortment in the hotel room (Earl grey is in fact NOT a mandatory hotel room accoutrement), a complimentary snack bar in the lobby, a door to the bathroom that can be locked (what’s up with all the sliding pocket doors? It needs to stop).
But the real deal breaker is so easy: good coffee at breakfast. I can look past other faux pas if there is decent java. But I stayed in a cute central boutique hotel in Paris last summer with corporate 9-5 powder milk coffee machine-coffee and yeah no.
Fabulous list. The medium is the message in your own attention to detail! The only one I had a full body reaction to was using my name. Only people who know me get to use my name. I expect Madam/e from staff. (I have accepted, finally, that I'm no longer Miss/Mademoiselle - except to our lovely doorman at work who still calls me Miss and therefore has my whole heart.)
I really appreciate this perspective, because Emma and I just had a conversation where I mentioned how much I value being addressed by my first name. Goes to show we all have different preferences when it comes to how we like to be addressed, and great service picks up on individual nuances like that.
I couldn't agree more! Unfortunatly, most of these points are missing, even in luxury hotels. I've just stayed in 3 differents 5* hotels in a country where the water is not drinkable and though, I had to worry how I could find water because they would only give 2 mini bottles for 2 and no water foutain available...
A guest at a hotel of any segment shouldn’t have to worry about the availability of water water should just keep spawning at luxury properties imo!!
This is amazing, and glad you got the bath point across 🛁🫧!!
I love a handwritten note!
Aren’t they the best?!
What this piece captures so well is that luxury is rarely about excess — it’s about care, intention, and the accumulation of thoughtful details. The best hospitality experiences don’t just function efficiently; they make people feel considered in ways they remember long after they leave.
Exactly that!
I'd add that they need a tea/coffee maker IN the room. I don't want to have to get dressed and stumble down to a common area to get coffee before I am ready to get up and see people. I'd take a coffee maker in the room over anything else on this list.
I’m with you. The convenience of having it in the room is a necessity at nice hotels.
Fun one
⭐️🫶
AHAHA I LOLED at sauna, and it’s crazy how beneficial they are !! - my Finnish girl 🧘♀️💝🇫🇮
EXACTLY! My fellow honorary Finnish gal🩵🤍
LOL this reminds me of a piece I did on the hotel hierarchy of needs - like you said - WATER!! C'mon human right, people.... For some reason, #12 - the polaroid in every room is such a creative standout from this piece. I'd love it to need to be developed film and at check out the hotel keeps it and can post stories. This social media idea is genius!
Thank you for reading Emily! And it’s ridiculous how the fundamentals are overlooked!! And yes Bob W struck social media gold with the camera idea! Love to see creativity
Great piece! My additions: 1) a properly lit magnifying mirror, and 2) mirrors placed so that you can see your hair from behind when styling (with a proper hairdryer, not a wall-fixed version, with a hold-in button and a gentle breeze), 3) steamer in the room (love Stockholm Steamery), 4) fresh paper lining in the drawers (saw it once, genius idea).
Such good additions that we may have to write part 2! 🩵
genius
This list is chef’s kiss💋 so many little gems I said “yes" aloud to while reading. The hangers! The bathtubs where you don’t sink like the titanic! The slipper quality!
The hangers will continue to irk me!
#37 is a big one for me! Keep a girl hydrated
Yes! Because tell me, why do I have to make sure to go to the local corner shop to stock up on water instead?
Or or or have to pay £12GBP for the 500ml Fiji