The Ultimate Checklist: 12 Things Every Great Hotel Must Have

That feeling of disappointment is the worst. You’ve finally arrived at your hotel after a long trip, only to find the Wi-Fi is slow, the shower pressure is weak, and there’s nowhere to plug in your phone. We’ve all been there.
A great hotel stay isn’t about fancy lobbies. It’s built on a foundation of great hotel amenities that make you feel comfortable and happy.
Here is our list of the 12 things every modern traveller should expect.

1. Really Good Free Internet- Slow internet can wreck a trip. You need it to check your email, find directions, and watch movies. The best hotels offer strong, free Wi-Fi that's easy to connect to. No complicated passwords, no waiting.

2. Plugs Where You Need Them- You have a phone, a tablet, and other gadgets to charge. You shouldn't have to crawl on the floor to find a plug. Great hotels put power outlets and USB ports right next to the bed, on the desk, and in the lights.

3. A Super Quick Check-In- After traveling, you just want to get to your room. The best hotels make it fast. You can check in online, use a simple kiosk, or even go straight to your room with your phone as your key. It gives you back your time.

4. Coffee That Actually Tastes Good- That first cup of coffee in the morning is important. A bad coffee maker is a rough way to start the day. A great hotel has a good machine with name-brand coffee pods. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

5. A Exercise Room You'll Like- Many people like to work out, even on vacation. A good gym has working treadmills, some weights, and is clean. It helps you keep your routine and feel good.

6. A Fridge For Your Own Food- A fridge full of expensive hotel snacks is pointless. What you really want is an empty, cold fridge to store your own drinks, snacks, or leftovers. It saves you money and is so handy.

7. Nice Shampoo and Soap- Tiny bottles of cheap shampoo feel outdated. Nice, brand-name shampoo and soap in bigger bottles show the hotel pays attention to quality. It makes your shower feel better.

8. A Dark Room and a Comfy Bed- You're there to sleep! The best rooms have thick curtains that block all the light so you can sleep deeply. Pair that with a great mattress and good pillows, and you will get your best night's sleep.

9. A TV That Lets You Watch Netflix- Nobody really watches regular hotel TV anymore. You want to watch your own shows. Modern hotels have TVs that let you log into your Netflix, YouTube, or other apps easily. It makes your room feel like home.

10. A Free Breakfast That's Tasty- A free breakfast is an awesome way to start your day. The best ones offer more than just bread. Look for hot food like eggs, healthy options like fruit and yogurt, and good coffee. It saves you time and money.

11. Parking That's Easy and Safe- If you have a car, you need a good place to park. It should be easy to find, well-lit, and feel secure. You shouldn't have to worry about your car.

12. An Amazing Shower- There is nothing better than a powerful, hot shower after a long day. You want strong water pressure and plenty of hot water. A weak shower is a sure sign of a bad hotel. A great shower makes you feel amazing.

What Really Matters Most

All these things are important. But the very best hotels add one more thing: great service. A friendly person at the front desk, a helpful suggestion for dinner, or quickly fixing a problem—that’s the real magic. It’s the people that make you feel welcome and turn a good stay into a great memory.

What’s the one thing that makes a hotel stay perfect for you? Tell us in the comments below