In the two weeks I was traveling to Florida and back, I stayed in 4 different hotels - with four different personalities.

Hotel #1 - I will never go back to again. I was afraid to leave my laptop in the hotel while I went out to get a bite to eat. The sheets were scratchy. The front desk clerk was smoking outside wearing an old sweater and slacks when I arrived. Breakfast was Little Debbie Individually packaged breakfast snacks. And the milk and juice were in containers I could not take with me to drink on the road.

Hotel #2 - I may not go back but for completely different reasons. It was very comfortable, but very expensive. Eco-friendly and Eco-style sitting room. The king sized bed enveloped me and I wish I could have slept in it more instead of only 6 hours a night between meetings. But the sitting room was very stiff. I loved the kitchenette and the maid even cleaned my dishes for me! They even had cards to remind you to strengthen your brai and your body.  

But here's where it went downhill.  When we booked the room, we knew it was going to cost a bit more, but I did not know that all parking was valet parking ONLY. I had to pay extra for that each day - at valet parking prices. Then every time I needed my car, I paid the valet a tip to get it or take it back. Thus, when I needed my phone power cord, it took me a few days to get it out of the car. And the hotel was not within walking distance of restaurants. So get your car from the valet or eat in the hotel. They had the snacks in the room. That's great! If I wanted to pay $8 for jellybeans or $4 for a soda, it was available in my room for me. But the vending machine with the soda for $1.50 was missing. So once again, you were put into a predicament of buying nothing or paying 400% more than usual - which would be taxed at the end of your stay. Always helpful, but always for an additional cost.

Hotel #3 - This hotel was kid friendly and fun! We got a great deal and the service was very polite. It did not include food, but there were plenty of food options available from inexpensive on up. It included free shuttle service. Parking was free. There was plenty to do with its resort setting. I would certinly go back.

Hotel #4 - Comfortable and clean. No breakfast, but we got coupons for the kids to eat free at the attached restaurant with we actually decided to use because it was clean and empty. The service of the hotel was a bit awkward though. Not very friendly and acted like I was doing them a service by staying with them instead of making me feel welcome and invited. It seemed like I was taking up their time from doing something more important. We had to take the plastic off the sleeper sofa (well at least we knew it was clean!). I'm not sure if I would go back to this hotel or not. It would depend on the other options at the exit.

One more note...  It's not a hotel, but a town. Ad no, it was not Disney owned. We stopped in Jacksonville, FL for lunch one day. The Arby's was the nicest Arby's I've ever visited. Almost too happy! But you know what? I remembered them! And they made the whole family laugh! We also stopped at Starbucks before hitting the Interstate. They were all happy and bubbly too! And the next time we drive through Jacksonville, we will probably stop to see if they are just as polite and friendly.

OK. What's my point? There's several ways I can go with this.

• In your job, what type of service do you provide?
• Do you make your clients feel special?
• Do you offer items in the name of service, but then make it so expensive that it's not used?
• Where are the hidden fees?

These do not have to be just business, this could be in your personal relations or community volunteering too!

But the one question I want to ask is "What type of home environment do you create? 

How does your home make you FEEL?

So often I'm running around trying to help my clients find that special home, but then I get home and I pull out the pizza. Now the kids say "yea!" but the husband does get tired of it. So here are some questions I asked myself about my home while I was traveling: 

• How often do I take TIME when setting the table? Does it all match? Are the utensils where they belong? Did we turn off the TV? How about a candle or other decoration?
• My home may be tidy, but when was the last time it received a deep cleaning? Have I moved the couch pillows to vacuum lately? Do I need to clean the chocolate pudding or pen marks of the arms of the chair? Have I flipped my mattress lately to keep it even?
• What special touches have I added to make my home feel warm and welcome? Does the family look forward to coming home so they can relax? Use your five senses here! Candles for smell. De-clutter for sight. Soft music in the background for sound. Texture and color in paintings and pillows - the feeling of joy or welcoming. Chocolate chip cookies or pumpkin pie ready for dessert?
• What fun things do you add for the kids, your company or your spouse? Not just in their rooms. Folding napkins for dinner, towels and little soaps in the bathroom, cutting sandwiches for lunches, kid-sized tea cups when you have your coffee.

 

     

What types of touches do you like to see when you go on travel? Why not add them to your home!