12 things we wish hotels would stop doing

Our team at Lonely Planet is constantly traveling the world trying to figure out where you should go on your next vacation or which experiences are worth the trip. We’ve stayed in our fair share of hotels so we know what we love…and what we can’t stand.

These are champagne problems, but it’s our job to make sure the luxury hotels are worth your time and money. 

Are we spoiled? Definitely. Are we wrong? See for yourself by reading along for our biggest hotel pet peeves.

1. Dysfunctional design

I wish hotels would stop prioritizing design over function! The most beautiful bathroom with the fanciest soap in all the land would still disappoint me if there was nowhere to hang a wet towel to dry. Hooks are friends, not foes.

- Deepa Lakshmin , Director of Social Media

2. Too many light switches

My pet peeve has to do with power. Some hotels have too many buttons not intuitively placed where I have to try every single one to find the one I'm looking for. Some lamps require manual switches which means a parade around the room before bedtime. Don't even get me started on older hotels that don't have conveniently-placed power/USB outlets.

- James Pham , Destination Editor for Southeast Asia

3. Being cheap with water

Charging for plastic water bottles/water in general. Hydration is so critical during travel, and charging US$5 for an in-room water bottle and not including filtered/clean water stations around the hotel seems so petty. Some hotels will provide reusable bottles (hellooo, easy brand/merch moment) but having some free and sustainable options to stay hydrated seems too easy.

- Bridget FitzGibbons, Brand Marketing Director

4. Strong perfume

Stop spraying strong fragrances everywhere! More and more I'm being choked going through hotel lobbies. A hint of something clean and delicate is fine, I don't need to taste the musky air. 

- Annemarie McCarthy , Senior Destination Editor 

5. Room service in the hallway

I don't typically get room service when I travel, but sometimes it's necessary after a long day of travel or if I'm getting up early in the morning. However, if a hotel offers room service, they should be taking those dishes out of your room as soon as possible. I hate when they neglect the used dishes or leftover food and people are forced to leave them out in front of their rooms. I don't want to walk by that and it makes the hallway feel like a dorm.

- Acacia Gabriel , Associate Editor

6. A paid minibar that's full

Please stop filling the fridge entirely with paid minibar items! We need some space for our emotional support cheese and supermarket beverages, please.

- Selena Takigawa Hoy , Destination Editor for Northeast Asia

7. Twin beds

I completely understand the logic behind pushing two twin beds together, but I can't imagine any situation in which I wouldn't mind it. When you're solo, you sort of have to choose a half; otherwise you're sleeping on the crack. For couples, it's the same – you're basically isolated to your designated half of the bed. And if you're friends or colleagues who prefer separate beds, you're stuck with a twin-size bed and suddenly having flashbacks to your college dorm room. If it's a small hotel room, sure, it's only what they have room for. But if it's a sizable room, and we're not sharing a bed, at least give me a full-size mattress!

- Ann Douglas Lott , Digital Editor

8. Bathroom lighting

I wish hotels, especially luxury hotels – because they should do everything better – would stop screwing up bathroom vanity lighting. Design-y overhead pin light might be pretty in your marketing glam photos but it means I risk going out into the wild with awful makeup. While we're in the bathroom I wish not-luxury hotels would stop with the deafening fan, or at least make it optional.

- Melinda Anderson , Managing Editor 

9. Rain showers

I hate a rain shower so much! I realize that they are considered peak luxury, but for someone with curly hair, having to stand at an awkward angle to avoid getting my hair wet, or always having to pack a shower cap is so annoying.

- Chamidae Ford , Digital Editor

10. Not having a kettle

I am northern, I carry teabags with me, and I love a cup of tea upon arrival. There's nothing quite like a brew after a long journey.

- Zara Sekhavati , Destination Editor for the Middle East and North Africa 

11. Turn down service

I don't need someone to close the curtains and remove the six pillows and three bolsters from the bed. I did that when I arrived and stuffed them in the wardrobe.

- Fin McCarthy , Editor

12. Lack of ice machines

Stop making me ask for ice! I miss the days of the simple ice bucket and ice machine down the halls. Bring that back.

- Rachel Lewis , Senior Social Media Manager