Aug 23, 2011

Ten-Word Tuesday – The Hotel Edition

Bossy is becoming something of the travel expert, having spent more days away this summer than home. But when it comes to booking a hotel room online, Bossy is still thrown into a state of confusion.

In Bossy’s childhood, when dinosaurs roamed the gaseous silica that would become the earth, there were only a couple of options for hotel rooms. You could get one bed, or you could get two beds.

Fast forward to now. Bossy understands that with the digital age comes more complicated concerns such as Should your hotel bed be a queen or a king size mattress?

But there is no excuse for the plethora of indiscernible options available when booking a hotel room online. Shall we?

Let’s assume Bossy wants a hotel room with a king size bed because she is a very sound sleeper.

A simple search for a room revealed the following option:

But wait! There’s more! For an additional mortgage payment, that same hotel features a Concierge King:

And for those worried about allergens, for the price of a plane ticket to somewhere you’d like better, the hotel offers a King Pure Room:

This isn’t the only hotel that has a confusion of offerings. A different search revealed a hotel which features a King Standard A and a King Standard B:

Bossy can sum up her experience booking hotels online in this way: The room’s location within the hotel makes the difference. Darn!

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you share with Bossy and her council a hotel room story, good or bad? Or share a tip about booking a hotel room! Or just say hi!

And be sure to check back later today for the best hotel room stories on the web.

permanent link to post

76 comments

1. 1
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 am
   Kristina said:

   Last room available. 7 people. 2 beds. Night from HELL!

   Hubs and I. Delicious King bed. No kids. Heaven!


2. 2
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 am
   Jacquie said:

   always dissatisfied with the room booked, I request an upgrade


3. 3
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
   BOSSY said:

   Always check the hotel’s site, not just online booking agencies.


4. 4
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
   BOSSY said:

   Don’t assume the room assigned is the best you deserve.


5. 5
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am
   BOSSY said:

   Bossy & her mom once stayed in windowless room. Never again!


6. 6
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
   BOSSY said:

   Bossy always asking if the windows open. Air a must.


7. 7
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 am
   MomQueenBee said:

   Let Husband, the Pricelineking, make your reservations. Always perfect.


8. 8
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:41 am
   Charlie said:

   In 10 words:
   Book whatever, check in, throw fit, demand a new room.

   This is a tradition we started at campsites. We carefully study the camp map online; call and ask lots of questions about pets, water sources, bathrooms, etc.; then when we arrive find some petty reason to be dissatisfied (like too many pine needles) and change sites. Easily adaptable for hotel rooms, provided they’re not totally booked. In which case, Plan B: bribery.


9. 9
   on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:42 am
   Choosy said:

   Never near the elevator or the pool. Ask. Use “girl” card.


10. 10
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 am
    Chrissy said:

    Dried love juice on sheets (!). Blood (!). Also smelled like curry.

    Moral of the story: Don’t let a production crew book a room in a town you don’t know in Mississippi.


11. 11
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
    hokgardner said:

    This summer, stayed in a hotel like the first photo.


12. 12
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:07 pm
    Summer said:

    Lip prints and fingerprints on glasses, even in nice hotels.


13. 13
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:11 pm
    Summer said:

    I wish they made condoms for hotel remote controls. Ick.


14. 14
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:11 pm
    mitzie said:

    How long do you want the room. Just tonight. All night? New management since our last stay!


15. 15
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:12 pm
    mitzie said:

    Also, MIL always called after trip. Did you check the mattress for bedbugs?


16. 16
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:28 pm
    BOSSY said:

    Was a chambermaid. Hotel glasses don’t get washed, just “wiped”.


17. 17
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
    Kathy from NJ said:

    1200?’ suite, 3TV, 4phones, 2fireplaces, 1+1/2 baths, 2 walkinclosets for regroomprice.


18. 18
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
    Kathy from NJ said:

    1200 square feet
    Alexis Park Hotel, Las Vegas
    Needed 1st floor


19. 19
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
    BOSSY said:

    Opinions: Do hotels give better rooms to those booking through them or travel sites?


20. 20
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
    Denise said:

    Don’t stay in the room next to the ice maker.


21. 21
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
    janet said:

    Fear not the low-rated Cancun hotels. They’re all just fine.


22. 22
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 12:56 pm
    Kizz said:

    Old couple’s undies & bird feathers in the bureau. Truth.


23. 23
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
    AngstyJen said:

    First trip with boyfriend, now hubby. Hotel screwed up reservation. Got room with heart-shaped jaccuzzi. Way to up the vacation nookie pressure!


24. 24
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:17 pm
    kathy said:

    fantastic London trip! Hot! no air conditioning. spoiled ugly Americans


25. 25
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
    kathy said:

    first time in a GOOD hotel. young. ate all the goodies


26. 26
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:23 pm
    kathy said:

    we have to pay for it?!! call folks for money!


27. 27
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
    WebSavvyMom said:

    –>Booked two rooms in my MIL’s name for military discount.


28. 28
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
    WebSavvyMom said:

    –>We also have the exact same name including middle initial.


29. 29
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
    kathy said:

    the most expensive cashews I ever had in my life


30. 30
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
    heather said:

    slept with our shoes on. no returning to morgantown’s ramada.


31. 31
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
    Amy said:

    Got in at 2 and left by 7. No problems getting up from that bed!


32. 32
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
    Olivia said:

    Naive young Olivia goes to “motel party” – WAIT!! It’s WHAT???


33. 33
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
    Angela said:

    Hi Bossy!


34. 34
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:48 pm
    The Woman Formerly Known As Beautiful said:

    What’s with the fucking hotel taxes?! Throw in hand job!


35. 35
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 3:32 pm
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Drunken brawl outside my room. Demanded money back. Got it.


36. 36
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
    bobbie said:

    Check DaveBarry’s review of “The Hotel Shpennsylvania” – funny but true.


37. 37
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 3:55 pm
    Debby said:

    Priceline highest star, beg for 2 beds, see cute kids?


38. 38
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
    Jami said:

    Back of building, upper floor, end of hall, away from elevator, vending and ice machines.


39. 39
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 4:21 pm
    LaurieB said:

    IN *9* words…
    There are no good hotel stories, stay at home!

    Heh, I spent too much time as a musician on the road. It gets real old, real fast.


40. 40
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 4:43 pm
    KathyB said:

    SF, two rooms converted to suite, 2 full baths, heavenly.


41. 41
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 5:09 pm
    Bev said:

    Surrendered; bought a motorhome; travel with our bed and bath!


42. 42
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 5:48 pm
    Meg at the Members Lounge said:

    W on Upper East Side.Get view of Chrysler Building. (Must add I never sleep because then I gaze at it all night)


43. 43
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
    BossysMom said:

    A small cabin in Napa, vineyards inches away. Miles of privacy.


44. 44
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
    BossysMom said:

    On the other hand, Nevada Test Site, in tent to protest.


45. 45
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
    BossysMom said:

    Oh, motel rooms. Thought it was places you’ve stayed…


46. 46
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
    pam said:

    Well Thank You Bossy. Shall never book online again, thanks!


47. 47
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 pm
    Cupcake Murphy said:

    The room smells like pee,right? It’s NOT our imagination.


48. 48
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 10:32 pm
    Dara said:

    NYC Times Square hotel for daughter’s 9th b/day; she loved!


49. 49
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 pm
    Cupcake Murphy said:

    Rule Number Always: We must have a nice expansive view.


50. 50
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
    Arli said:

    Dad to concierge: ” Show my wife 3rd room first. Save time. “


51. 51
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 pm
    Kristin said:

    Hotels in Miles City Montana have horrible, saggy beds


52. 52
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:23 pm
    Cage Free Family said:

    kids found drugs under the bed, tv was broken, sleep number bed wouldn’t inflate… $90 room.


53. 53
    on August 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
    Sheryl W said:

    San Antonio toilet not stuck on ground, tv stuck on porn…


54. 54
    on August 24th, 2011 at 1:56 am
    Mary K said:

    Sign on back of door: No bird cleaning in room!


55. 55
    on August 24th, 2011 at 5:32 am
    Kathi Struthers said:

    Disney. Cheap husband. Kissimee fleabag, wet sheets, post-coital carpet.


56. 56
    on August 24th, 2011 at 5:44 am
    tracey - justanothermommy said:

    Tub wouldn’t drain and toilet got clogged from a #1.


57. 57
    on August 24th, 2011 at 8:36 am
    Blog Princess G said:

    Booked online… room in basement of hotel with janitorial department.


58. 58
    on August 24th, 2011 at 9:16 am
    mitzie said:

    Chemistry conference New Orleans. Other convention Narcotics Anonymous. Dear God!

    It seems you only have to swear off illegal drugs in NA. You can consume all the booze and cigarettes ever made.


59. 59
    on August 24th, 2011 at 9:35 am
    Natalie said:

    The only extra sheets available had dark curly hairs attached.


60. 60
    on August 24th, 2011 at 10:29 am
    leslie said:

    Go luxury or go home. All or nothing for us.


61. 61
    on August 24th, 2011 at 10:47 am
    heidig said:

    #50 made me laugh so hard I almost peed myself. Can’t beat that one.


62. 62
    on August 24th, 2011 at 11:07 am
    Kris said:

    Daughter conceived in Bellagio, Vegas. Son conceived Holiday Inn, Omaha.

    Apparently I’m very fertile in hotels.


63. 63
    on August 24th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
    Sewmouse said:

    Booked Online. Requested Non-Smoking Room. Spent 5 days with smokestench.


64. 64
    on August 24th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
    mitzie said:

    So we pulled into Rapid City SD around dusk. Only one hotel still open. He said we were in luck, the last room left was the Honeymoon Suite. Room came with a small trash can filled with ice, holding a half bottle of champagne. Also had mirror tiles on ceiling over a round, white fur throw covered bed. Shower had what looked like a window in it. I stepped in and pulled back the curtain,,,, flashed Main Street. Thank God they roll up the sidewalks early in Rapid City. Way more than 10 words but how to condense it all?


65. 65
    on August 24th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
    jp said:

    Used Bookit.com, ’secret’ hotel…….Lovely Gaylord Palms, stayed again!


66. 66
    on August 24th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
    p.j. said:

    Call hotel – talk with person there to get info needed.


67. 67
    on August 24th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
    AngAK said:

    hawaii. $$$ jacuzzi deck room. surfer movie filming. constant noise.


68. 68
    on August 28th, 2011 at 12:51 am
    Lori in mn said:

    Couldn’t let kids remove their shoes or go near tub.


69. 69
    on August 28th, 2011 at 12:54 am
    Lori in mn said:

    Last room available, rodeo in town. Plastic sheets, vibrating bed!


70. 70
    on August 28th, 2011 at 9:36 am
    Christina said:

    Shoes on in room and shower. beach towels on top of bed and used our own blanket. Hit the landromat before going home to make sure we had no passengers.


71. 71
    on August 28th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
    Allegra said:

    “Lingerie show nightly in bar for motel friends and guests.”

    What in the heck are ‘friends of the motel?”


72. 72
    on August 28th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
    Allegra said:

    Government travel meant room by the ice maker and/or elevator.


73. 73
    on August 29th, 2011 at 1:40 am
    BossMama said:

    Hey #13 – they do make condoms for your remote control – check out Zaplex.com (anti-bac to boot!)
    How ’bout finding pubies stuck to opened soap in shower?!?


74. 74
    on August 30th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
    Piper said:

    Friend slept in hotel bed with a rock near his feet. It bugged him all night. He found out in the morning it was actually a dried up turd. True story.
    More than 10 words. I tried.


75. 75
    on August 30th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
    Piper said:

    Must add that friend knew it was a turd because he fished it out of the sheets then threw it across the room with a girly shriek when the realization hit him.
    I asked him if he demanded money back. He just left.
    I would have screamed all the way to the front desk.


76. 76
    on September 2nd, 2011 at 4:34 pm
    Summertime said:

    Lobby featured huge Kevin Costner photo on the main wall.

    Room featured placard asking no cleaning of pheasants in bathtub.

    (Somewhere in South Dakota, I think, truckstop motel, only option at 4am after 18 hours of driving. We slept on top of the covers, and were warned by the proprietor to not complain if “her truckers” woke us up in an hour or so.)