Comments on: Making economy hotels more like airlines

By: Would you accept a cash credit or loyalty points to decline housekeeping? | Upgrade: Travel Better

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:42:49 +0000

[...] Thumbs up for this option. I really like the idea of a rebate for opting out of the service, rather than imposing a housekeeping fee for opting in, the way easyhotel has done. [...]

By: Hotel GO

Hotel GO — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:28:28 +0000

These budget hotels are fine if you want a simple nights sleep, but if you can’t live without extras then don’t bother. By the time you have added the top up fees, you’ll wish you had paid for a decent hotel in the first place.

I really would recommend finding a hostel first if you are on a budget – you’ll meet loads of great people. Okay you have to share but by being a bit more sociable you’ll probably have a better time.

Sleeping in an orange box looks pretty grim.

By: Bevin Gaines

Bevin Gaines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:44:43 +0000

There’s one more variable in this equation that wasn’t mentioned: the luxury, all-inclusive B&B. It’s an alternative lodging option that is often overlooked, but that delivers a much bigger bang for the sometimes bigger buck.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:36:51 +0000

Personally I don’t mind if hotels charge for add-ons that not all guests would want. Like parking or internet or phone. I do then expect them to clearly document those extra charges on their website so I can factor it into my booking decision. Unfortunately the actual cost is hidden behind a “for a fee” screen, making it difficult to compare.

By: Mark Ashley

Mark Ashley — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:07:05 +0000

Thanks for the votes and comments.

I think Ken’s comment re: 3-euro internet is spot-on. 3 euro internet is cheap, and sounds like it’s the best part of the easyHotel offer.

Unlike sanjay, I’m not sure that luxury hotels will be cutting their prices for the “add-ons.” Nearly everyone has a cell phone, but that hasn’t stopped hotels from charging big fees per call from the room phone. I’ll be glad to be proven wrong, though.

By: The Amazing Spider-Ads

The Amazing Spider-Ads — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:41:08 +0000

At 12-25 euros a night this sounds like a great alternative to hostels, especially for backpacking couples that aren’t planning on spending much time in the rooms but want the privacy at night. Hell, I’d've probably brought my own towel anyway.

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:55:25 +0000

I just wish I could get internet access for only 3 Euros a day at other European hotels.

By: monstersinc

monstersinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:08:38 +0000

Stayed at the one in Zurich right after it opened and had a mostly positive experience (although Susan is right about the neighborhood). My major problem was that the divider they had put in for the restroom allowed you to see the silhouette of the person inside, which is both disgusting and a weirdly unnecessary thing to do to your customers.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:15:57 +0000

Depends on the market they are going after. The business traveler? Does not matter, it all gets expensed. The individual or family traveler? Sounds great!

By: kate

kate — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:23:09 +0000

I hope the housekeeping between guests is still free. I’d hate to think I got a room after a week of cheapskates doing who-knows-what…