Big Hotels or Smaller Hotels
By hexebella
@hexebella (1136)
Philippines
November 3, 2012 3:02am CST
Just came back from a business trip in Switzerland and Germany. Due to the high cost in Switzerland we opted to stay in 3* and 4* hotels which cost half of the 5* hotels. In Germany we stayed in 5* hotels as the cost is the same with the 3* hotel in Switzerland. However, there was something I was missing during the stay in the 5* hotels in Germany, I was looking for the warmth and somewhat the feeling of a personalized service from the smaller hotels in Switzerland. Big hotels are very business like and smaller hotels gave me the feeling of being in a family.
What about you? Any similar experience? Any other opinion? Would love to hear from you.
2 people like this
6 responses
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
3 Nov 12
When I was working it was for an airline, which allowed me
to travel at a minimal cost. I travel many places and I stayed
a 5* and 3* and it really did make such great impressions to
be because we just sleep there...I mean it was elegant but
it was not real living to me because I don't live in elegance
at home...just comfortable...
So as long as its clean and bug free with hot and cold water
I am good...
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
6 Nov 12
In your case as an airline staff, you just sleep in the room so as long as you get the basics you are satisfied. I wish I always get guests like you, I am working in the hotel industry and guests at times could be difficult. But leisure guests and business people have different needs as well. As a traveler whether for business or leisure, I feel comfortable with friendly people around which I noticed to be in smaller hotels.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
3 Nov 12
I have noticed in the usa and Mexico those hotels lack because sometimes they are spread thin. To busy for all the clients. So they lack that warm or personal attention.
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
6 Nov 12
In general, I don't find USA to be a hospitable country and I haven't been to Mexico yet. I stayed in two 5* hotels in California in the past and I didn't find anything special with the service, nothing remarkable and mostly big hotels are very business like. Yes, I agree with you, the warmth and personal attention are seldom experienced.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
3 Nov 12
I have stayed in 5 star hotels before and to be completely honest I prefer small places that are bed and breakfasts. Although one bed and breakfast I used to love had to move one of the houses they use so now the rooms are not as nice. It's a difficult decision.
(I stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Scotland once, run by a married couple who did all the cooking and cleaning themselves. And of course, I have forgotten the name of it, even).
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
6 Nov 12
Oh! I would love to stay in those kind of accommodations where the owner operate themselves, it is more personalized service and the warmth of hospitality will always be felt. However, in terms of business trips, we have to prioritize the most convenient place and normally where the venue of the event is happening or the most accessible place to the clients. But for leisure I would prefer B&Bs or guesthouses.
@maximax8 (31047)
• United Kingdom
3 Nov 12
I think a big hotel can feel very impersonal and is full of business travelers or rich tourists. I stayed at a five star hotel in Istanbul because my ex boyfriend felt accommodation standards were awful elsewhere in Turkey. I felt that it was a waste of money. I would have preferred to stay in a cheap and friendly guest house.
Hotels are expensive in Switzerland. I guess many small hotels in Switzerland are charming and have very personalized service. When I went there I stayed in a dorm in the youth hostels and found it to be a very pricey country. The youth hostel was full in Bamberg so I had to stay in a small hostel. I liked it but it was quiet compared to the youth hostel.
Now I like to stay in an locally owned guest house, private room or unusual accommodation. I need the room to be on the ground floor or the accommodation to have an elevator. I like space for 3 or 4 people like two double beds, three singles beds or one double and one single bed. I travel with my 5 year old disabled son and my 3 year old daughter.
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
6 Nov 12
That's what I noticed with this trip, I felt more at home with the smaller hotels in Switzerland than the 5* hotels in Germany. But if I travel on leisure, I would definitely choose guesthouses. I would love to experience youth hostels, but my major concern is when the bathrooms get fully occupied and I need it for emergency :)
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
3 Nov 12
Hi,
When I went out, I prefer staying at a common hotel just like you, as long as it's clean and tidy. I won't choose a five star hotel as it's very expensive. Anyway, we just sleep in the room, we can't move it away, so it doesn't matter whether it is a 3 star of a 5 star. It is ok only if it's practical
. Thanks for sharing, and have a nice day!
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@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
3 Nov 12
Thanks for your input caopaopao. If I travel on leisure, I prefer guesthouses which are more practical and friendlier service. Though this trip was company paid and the function venue was in these big hotels, more convenient for us. But the warm and friendly atmosphere, I found it in smaller accommodations. Cheers!
@heaytheblogger (2876)
• Philippines
28 Dec 12
I would rather settle to small hotels because they are more affordable and cheaper, also they don’t charge that much on their amenities compare to big hotels.
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