I’m just back from a five-day road trip, and my inner curmudgeon is on a rant. Whether I’m staying at a cheap no-frills motel, a fancy-schmancy inn, or a five-star resort, what I seek in a room — beyond cleanliness and a good mattress — is simple.
Really, is it too much to ask for:
• A reading lamp on both sides of the bed? Are we supposed to flip a coin over who gets to read? Rig the desk lamp by placing it on a chair?
• More than a 40-watt bulb in the lamps? Yes, I’m totally in denial about needing glasses, but c’mon.
• A night table on each side of the bed, so we each have a place to put items, be it a book or watch or glass of water?
• Two luggage racks? Hello, it’s a double-occupancy room. That’s two people, which usually means two suitcases (ditto for the reading lamp and the nightstand).
• An alarm clock that doesn’t require an advanced degree (or a 12-year-old) to set? One room’s alarm came with a full-page of directions in small print, another’s had a remote control with at least 15 settings for the clock. Overkill? Uhm, yeah, but do you think I could get it to cancel the 5 a.m. alarm setting left by a previous guest? And, hey, if you’re replacing that bedside clock, opt for one with big digital, glow-in-the-dark numbers (see reference to denial about glasses, above).
Now I know it’s probably too much to ask for, but since I’m on a rant, how about an in-room, electric teapot (although I have almost perfected the art of making a cup of tea that doesn’t taste like coffee, in an in-room coffeemaker) or, even better, a decent brand of tea?
Read more of Nangle’s rants on her Web site.
I have three passions in life: Maine, traveling and skiing. Okay, four: chocolate. Maybe five, spa-ing (is there such a word?). I guess writing would be my sixth passion. And cheese, oh yeah, artisan-crafted and farmstead cheeses. Did I mention lobster? What can I say, I’m a passionate kinda gal. You can find more of my tips for traveling through Maine at: Maine Travel Maven. My three Moon Maine guidebooks are — Maine, Coastal Maine, and Acadia National Park. They are available at bookstores and online.
