Although our jobs as hospitality professionals are complex, we have a simple mandate. Make the guests feel welcome. Give them what they want. Create a good reputation so they will keep coming back. We can do this well at times. In recent years, there have been many exciting innovations. The ability to control amenities from the guest’s room, order room service, and check in using their mobile device remains. The future will also focus on food and beverage quality and more attractive common areas.

Sadly, a few bad habits have been ingrained in our industry and are not doing us any favors. Why? They go against our mission. These actions cause guests to feel dissatisfied and frustrated, hurting the brands we are trying to build. Here are three examples.

Minibars with motion-sensing

Why has the hotel minibar evolved from a convenient convenience to a symbol that people assume the worst of each other over the years? It is impossible to have a fully stocked minibar if there are no measures of supervision. Honor has always been a factor, and many hotels have sent an employee to the minibar once the guest has left.

With the advancement of technology, hotels began to have motion detectors and built-in scales. The minibar became less of a refrigerator and more like the telescreen in George Orwell’s novel 1984. Some hotels, especially in Las Vegas, charge exorbitant fees for “re-stocking” when guests put their items into the fridge.

Incredibly, minibar surveillance is still a frustrating experience that’s more trouble than it’s worth. It’s better to give the guest an empty minibar or to stock it with complimentary items and stop counting chocolate bars altogether.

Open-plan and transparent bathrooms

Let’s not be shy. No one likes being watched in the toilet unless they are narcissists. Why has this trend become so popular?

Since many people have difficulty imagining what these arguments might be, we will start by presenting ideas for this trend. Hotel designers and not guests usually make these arguments. The advocates of transparent bathroom walls, or open-plan bathrooms with no walls, say that it makes the rooms seem larger at a time when hotel rooms are becoming smaller. The room is also said to be more modern and brighter, as the natural light is maximized.

The argument of spaciousness may be valid in a certain way. Two or more people sharing the same room will experience the opposite effect. If you’re concerned about natural light, most guests will agree that bathrooms should be where the sun doesn’t shine. Some things always stay the same, regardless of what’s in style. One of those things is the ability to refresh yourself in privacy.

Excessive bedspreads

It’s nice to have a spacious and beautiful headboard. This is both practical and beautiful, holding the room’s design together. A few extra pillows are also lovely. These pillows make it easier to sit up and are a nice touch to any room.

These trends may have gone too far. This is only a suggestion. Who hasn’t been surprised by the size of a headboard when they walk into a room? Who still needs to throw away a bunch of extra pillows from the bed, only to have them replaced the next day by housekeeping? If different throws and covers are added, it can make getting to the bed more complicated than you would like. I’ve noticed that pillows are growing longer. To accommodate the more extensive beds we are seeing.

Finding the perfect balance between practicality and luxury is constant work. This balance can change depending on the brand or star rating. We must be on the right path when luxury becomes cumbersome or annoying.

Trends to keep in check

There is a lot of information that hoteliers need to take into consideration. Every day, new ideas and innovations emerge in Australia and worldwide. What is the best way to deal with this constant stream of recent hotel trends? We should not be dismissive, but also we shouldn’t let ourselves be swayed by the latest trends. We should ask ourselves which trends are most relevant to our brand, vision, and guests. We can gain a new perspective by asking ourselves how a movement affects the guest experience. This is something that will always stay in fashion.