When I was a banker, HR chose 5 star hotels. 5 star business hotels are not always female friendly. If in commercial neighborhoods, streets are dark at night. A majority male population might mean loud guy-friendly bars. Today with The Women’s Travel Group, we chose differently.
A female hotel check list is different; star level can be less important. When I walk into a hotel room here is what I do:
First I want to know how to operate the a/c and lights. Immediate second is how to turn off the TV. Third, I unplug the alarm clock. Fourth, I want instructions on how to operate the shower and hot water.
Before going further, look at the emergency map which is usually on the back of the room door.
—What is in the bathroom? Enough toilet paper and or tissues for you?
—Wash clothes? (They are generally not used overseas).
—Is the bar of soap big enough? They are shrinking to match book size.
—Shower cap?
—A grab bar in the shower? Older hotels still have showers in bathtubs.
—What is on the shower wall, shampoo/conditioner/gel are the usual suspects. Little amenity bottles are not used much any more. Conditioner might be stuck as it is less used in business hotels.
—If there is more than one shower head, how can you swivel to the one you want? Too often we get shocked and ‘rained’ on with overhead spigots.
Most of the above will satisfy any female traveler.
Here are some extras from Phyllis Stoller :
Can you open the windows? And similarly re-lock when you wish?
How do you call the Front Desk? PS always ask for a name when you require assistance.
Discard the old water in the coffee maker. Yes you can ask for more coffee.
If you are in a poor quality water area, is there enough bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth?
Do you have any tips to add? Travel Tips from award winning The Women’s Travel Group. We have one spot left on our Italy/Switzerland July trip. Ask for a share and get a single with no supplement if we do not have a match.
