When I was in a hotel last time, there was no room service either, but that's fine for me as long as clean towels and bed sheets are provided at the lobby whenever I need.
Room service falls pretty squarely into the category of things hotels can (and many do) simply drop if they want to simplify. I travel a lot and I don't think I've gotten room service in at least a couple of decades.
A lot of the robotic stuff is mostly silly in any case. I sometimes stay at the Yotel in NYC which has a robot gadget to store luggage. It's amusing theater but usually you just give your luggage to a person because the robot is so slow (and space inefficient so it runs out of lockers).
I've found the nicer middle (upper-middle?) hotels offer the same thing, but often give some reward — a voucher for a drink in the bar, snacks, etc.
I'm fine with it; I don't want someone remaking the bed so I have to loosen all the tight sheets before I use it.
It would also be very unusual for me to have enough trash that it needs emptying, or use enough toilet paper that it runs out, but I guess others might eat particular take-away food which could account for both...
I have no interest in using it, but I may be a little odd that way. I prefer the corporate impersonality of hotels. I've stayed in "bed and breakfast" spare-room places before, and I've never really been comfortable with the experience. I don't like that personal touch with people I don't already know.
I've stayed in hotels that gave you a choice: a voucher for a drink at the bar or getting your room cleaned (except for the last night). Seems fair to me. I could decide each day if I really needed room service or if I'd rather get a free beer.
Exactly. The concern about lack of safety is paranoia at best. If the door locks, the smoke alarm is on, and power outlets not hanging from the wall, appliances in working order etc, then there's not much else to worry about.
For my recent Airbnb stay I couldn't fault it. Was more than I expected and great value.
I'm tired of over-priced hotels with boring rooms and mandatory daily room service. I want the option of not having my bed made and towels replaced every day. Stay out of my room until I check out!
I guess I don't understand why people looking for an impersonal experience don't just book a hotel - or even a motel. At least then you are guaranteed certain things such as working showers and toilets.
It's kind of fun to stay in somebody else's place. I do think there's something to be said for that. And, it IS frequently cheaper than a hotel. Many times, depending on where you're staying, it could also be more convenient. It's a B(nB) for the masses, and I don't really mind that.
There of course is still room for the hotel industry, and I don't really think this is making a dent in their business. It's just different, and that's ok.
I usually travel with my family, so the room upgrades are nice because we could use the extra space. Also, being guaranteed a room anywhere as long as I book 24 hours in advance is a nice perk. And often we get free food.
That argument presupposes that you are taking a risk. However, that is the point under discussion: is it a risk? You could also consider it in a positive way: people that are put off by something as irrelevant as where they stay, that worry about comfort, are less likely to be a suitable candidate. There'll be more uncomfortable circumstances to deal with.
Of course, this is from my point of view: I presuppose that 'where you stay' is irrelevant, because I consider it irrelevant. If I have to sleep on a couch in the founder's living room, so be it. Perhaps you are right that one should best err on the safe side of caution by providing a hotel. Nobody's ever been fired for providing a hotel room :P
I've seen them a lot of times for nicer-ish hotels in any major city. Sometimes it will include things like Wi-fi or breakfast, but usually it's mandatory with the stay.
I like the stuff about personal photo next to the bed as well as using the in-house services and tipping. That's smart man!
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