When you're in the events business, having an affinity for hotel living is virtually a job
requirement. After 19 nights on the road, I've just returned with a roll-aboard full of reminders on those little hotel details that can make a big difference to your conference guests overall experience. Here are are few to keep in mind before you book your next block:
Overstuffed or under-stuffed?
Recently I stayed in a room with so much furniture that it was nearly impossible to move around. Days later I was in a stylish room so under-furnished, I had to lay out papers, toiletries and computer equipment across the windowsill. My advice? Book with an eye for the actual flow of the room.
How's the impromptu meeting space?
When traveling with an event team or close colleagues, impromptu in-room meetings are sometimes necessary. Recently our team was booked into rooms which, though beautifully appointed were so small that we had to conduct nightly strategy sessions in the restaurant, with our laptops and papers all over the tables. Thank goodness nobody spilled the soup!
Where's the desk?
Another un-"workable" room: A beautiful sparsely furnished room, without seating or side tables, just a big bed and a small, egg-shaped desk, with barely enough room to hold my laptop. Keep in mind: After hours, most guests will put in a few hours catching up with the office, so being able to do so comfortably is key.
Hungry at 2 AM?
Ah, room service. After 11 PM, you may just be out of luck. Though some hotels will offer a limited menu overnight, find out how limited it really is when you do your walk through. Have a lot of overseas guests checking in? Then ask the hotel to arrange a special late night menu for your group, or be sure there are enough treats in the mini-bar to keep them filled up till sunrise.
What are YOUR hotel pet peeves?
requirement. After 19 nights on the road, I've just returned with a roll-aboard full of reminders on those little hotel details that can make a big difference to your conference guests overall experience. Here are are few to keep in mind before you book your next block:Overstuffed or under-stuffed?
Recently I stayed in a room with so much furniture that it was nearly impossible to move around. Days later I was in a stylish room so under-furnished, I had to lay out papers, toiletries and computer equipment across the windowsill. My advice? Book with an eye for the actual flow of the room.
You call that a business center?
Last week, when I needed to print out a document at 1 a.m., I was directed to a creepy, phone-booth sized basement stall, which featured a lone computer and printer -- for $10 an hour! Note to self: Include a tour of the business center facilities on my next walk through.
Last week, when I needed to print out a document at 1 a.m., I was directed to a creepy, phone-booth sized basement stall, which featured a lone computer and printer -- for $10 an hour! Note to self: Include a tour of the business center facilities on my next walk through.
How's the impromptu meeting space?
When traveling with an event team or close colleagues, impromptu in-room meetings are sometimes necessary. Recently our team was booked into rooms which, though beautifully appointed were so small that we had to conduct nightly strategy sessions in the restaurant, with our laptops and papers all over the tables. Thank goodness nobody spilled the soup!
Where's the desk?
Another un-"workable" room: A beautiful sparsely furnished room, without seating or side tables, just a big bed and a small, egg-shaped desk, with barely enough room to hold my laptop. Keep in mind: After hours, most guests will put in a few hours catching up with the office, so being able to do so comfortably is key.
Hungry at 2 AM?
Ah, room service. After 11 PM, you may just be out of luck. Though some hotels will offer a limited menu overnight, find out how limited it really is when you do your walk through. Have a lot of overseas guests checking in? Then ask the hotel to arrange a special late night menu for your group, or be sure there are enough treats in the mini-bar to keep them filled up till sunrise.
What are YOUR hotel pet peeves?
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