We stayed at a Comfort Inn last weekend and we usually have a next-to-ideal experience for the dollar. It’s no Ritz but it’s clean, comfortable and in Newmarket’s case, freshly renovated. But there’s a trend I’ve noticed in these mid-range hotels and consider me unimpressed.
Maybe this wouldn’t be a big deal to you but it matters to us when there is only one nightstand and lamp. In the case last weekend, my side of the bed was beside a tall wardrobe. So when I wanted to read a little off my Kobo I had to lean ahead into the light coming from hubby’s side. I know, I know, it’s a first world problem in the extreme but it’s annoying! Especially considering it’s a departure from what used to be run-of-the-mill hotel decor.
Where was I supposed to put my Kobo and glasses when he decided he was ready to sleep? And what if I wanted to read more?? I was mildly displeased. At least the in-room coffee maker was ready to fire up when we were.
I learned on a long bike trip a few years ago that not all hotels are created equal. While we rode high-speed on the CAT ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Portland, Maine, I used my Blackberry to book all five of us in rooms in a Travelodge thinking, it was the only recognizable name and probably at least met a certain standard. Ha! It was a lot worse than a dive. It was disgusting. We knew we were in trouble when we arrived at 11 pm and had to line up behind a bunch of people lodging complaints at the hapless guy behind the desk. Doors wouldn’t close or lock, towels and other essential items were missing and in our case, the shower was so repulsive with rust and mould that I could barely stand to have the briefest of sprinkles in the morning. But I’ve never found that to be the case with a Comfort Inn. From Yarmouth to Flagstaff, Arizona they’re always more than acceptable. In fact, the one in Flagstaff is quite nice – almost like a lodge, with huge wooden beams and a lovely dining room.
Even the gross Travelodge had twin nightstands and lamps, though. I don’t like this trend one bit and I don’t want to buy a back-lit Kobo reader. So get it together, hotel people. Change for change’s sake isn’t good for everyone. I did send an email and expressed my displeasure. It’s not as if we can change sides of the bed, either. As all married couples know, once you’ve chosen a side, it’s your side for life!
Maybe a light for your Kobo and a Parrot AR Quadricopter hovering within reach to set your book on when you’re done reading? First world solutions for first world problems. You’re welcome.
And my glasses? What about my glasses?? You really haven’t solved the problem at all!!
Laser surgery? Anything else you need, just ax.
Laser surgery does not help my kind of sight reduction. Try again.
Bigger font on your now well-lighted Kobo?
I believe I made it clear from the outset that I do not wish to own a lit Kobo. I want a lamp like a normal person.
My apologies. I didn’t understand that by you saying you didn’t want to buy a back-lit Kobo that it also meant you were averse to using one of those awesome little clip-on lights for your Kobo as well.
You & Kevin are a hoot. My solution to weird hotel/motel rooms was to ask to see the room BEFORE Handing over my credit card. If I was less than pleased, I ask about a different room or leave, depending on the response from the management.
That’s a good solution. When we were on the bike trip it was almost midnight and we were in an unfamiliar town with nothing else nearby so we made do. At Comfort Inns you used to be able to assume – and I guess that’s where I have the problem. Now they’re all willy-nilly! As for Kevin, he and I love to spar. Now I’m wondering if he thinks the light and the Kobo can both go on the Quadricopter. And we still don’t have a place for my glasses although Derek rolled the desk chair over beside me the other night and that worked fine. 🙂
Switch to braille books, no lights, batteries or glasses required. Or in the alternative, talking books, lights and glasses not required.
Bravo Allan! The perfect solutions. But she’s still going to need the Quadricopter to set the book on when she’s done. And the ear buds in the case of the talking book because if she disturbs Derr while he’s trying to read, well, you know how he gets! And as an added bonus he can use the Quadricopter during the day while she’s not setting stuff on it.
Allan, I think it’s safe to say that we may have just collectively saved a relationship! Lisa, I feel quite confident speaking on Allan’s behalf when I say that he would appreciate a gift of homemade chocolate chip cookies as much as I would! That’s all the thanks we require. Good day!
From the Comfort Inn HQ regarding my complaint: “With regard to the night stand and lamp set up, unfortunately the hotel confirmed that each of their rooms has only one nightstand and one lamp. I apologize for the inconvenience.” What a dumb decision that was, in my opinion. Oh well.