If M&S made hotels.......My perfect hotel
I’m not a fan of Carlsberg so in my world, Marks & Spencer is the benchmark of perfection
Second in an occasional series
This is not my idea of a luxury hotel, that will be much longer list but just a perfect hotel for every day needs. Bath not just a shower. I always say, if something is going to be a real pleasure it has to be worth at least sitting down for. A shower is such a rude awakening and I will rarely partake in this punishment at home so why should I in a hotel I pay for the privilege to be in?Wireless It’s the 21st century and this costs pennies to run and is the most convenient modern invention. I make my decision on staying in a hotel on the above two; after that this is what then makes a hotel perfect: Selection of radio stations, ideally to include Radio 2 in the UK A selection of TV stations ideally to include at least one (English speaking) entertainment channel and one music channel. A coffee machine and/or hot water (not necessarily in the room) An ice machine (ditto) A close-by late opening coffee shop and ideally a grocery storeA large comfortable, fairly soft bed4 pillows and a duvet, plus extra blankets Room service. I may never use it but it’s good to know it’s there. Convenient check in by 12, Check out after 12 with safe luggage storage facilities (not a room where we can just go can get our own cases. Yes really, I had that in a Notting Hill Hotel) Last but really most importantly, excellent old fashioned customer service that panders to our needs; ♦ If we are ill, leave a get-well kit in the room, check in on us or leave a get-well note ♦ If we are tourists, offer maps, directions, advice and ask how our day has been ♦ If we’re on business ask if we’re having a good day, if we need a newspaper or tell us about what news we’ve missed Best of the bestLoveliest hotel for decor: Radisson Edwardian Grafton, Tottenham Court Road, London. I like traditional luxury.Fabulous hotel for facilities: Swallow Hotels (extinct). First time I’d seen phones in the bathroom. Totally unnecessary but they really are thinking of everything.Luxurious hotel: Le Pavilion, New Orleans (thankfully still intact) Just perfect in every way.Best hotel for view: A hotel in Vancouver I stayed in for just one night with a floor to ceiling view of the Rockies. I'm back there soon so must find this place again.Nicest service in recent years: Siena Hotel, Verona, ItalyUpdateI've since stayed in Century Plaza and this hotel has eclipsed all. With one additional service, recycling.See blog post