8 things we wish Motel owners knew

If you've done a road trip or moved through a vast country on a budget, then no doubt you will have some familiar recollections of motel moments. We just hope motel owners stay in their own establishments from time to time, then they'll understand these 8 things we wish they knew..

White Linen

Floral print, scotch guarded linen from 1982 is unlikely to get you a booking unless your price is phenomenal. Go with white linen, please. I know it will show dirt but just buy some bleach, wash and replace them more often if need be. People like to see a clean bedspread, not something built to hide a magnitude of travellers dreams and nightmares.

Ain't no grandmother going to approve of this quilt

Shower

One of the things any traveller will look forward to, and what most motel and hotel owners already know, is that a little water pressure to ease a travellers aches, will go a long way. A solid see-through shower door is also good idea, instead of a shower curtain. We don’t want to be hugged by a wet and slimy piece of plastic. A little something or the other to put our shampoo on would be genius as well. I’m talented, but washing my hair with one hand and holding the shampoo in the other is going to be interesting in a small, wet cubicle.

Milk

A small jug of fresh milk surely cannot be that much more expensive than the little plastic milk tubs left in rooms. Plus, that's a lot of little unnecessary waste. While they aren’t the worst substitute for milk, there’s nothing like a cup of tea with fresh milk when you have been on the road all day or wake up in the morning with jet lag. It shows you care dammit. Just do it.

Wi-Fi

Either offer wi-fi, or don't. Please don't provide half baked, intermittent wi-fi with a password impossible to remember and which needs to be resubmitted every time you log on. There are enough frustrations when it comes to travelling, like language differences, transport options and plastic tubs of milk, so a little smooth sailing internet connectivity is right up there with a good nights sleep.

Beds

On the subject of sleep, a queen, large double, king, twin or whatever bed is absolutely fine. But please, don’t make me roll into the middle of it. I like my fiancé but I don’t want to sleep on his face. And the pillows? Normal is good. Not bricks, not water sachets, just a normal pillow. Much appreciated.

Pretty standard bed - does the trick

Suitcases

I understand that sometimes for a lower rate, the room is going to be small. Instead of putting in some odd coffee table that has no real use other than to hold promotional brochures, put in a fold away bench or chair of some sort. Two, so that two people can lay their suitcases on there and have easy access to their pj's. It’s a mission rummaging through your things in a bag on the floor. A little height will take you places.

Backpack

Hooks

A hook for a towel or two on the back of the door, as well as a towel railing? Maybe? You put signs up saying how we should be eco savvy and re use our towels, so please give us the courtesy of somewhere to hang more than one to dry. We are probably going to use them at lease twice. If it’s a beach front motel, then all the more reason.

Aroma

Absolutely nothing puts me off a room more than an old or wet carpet smell. If the carpets are old, vacuum them daily, refreshen and keep them dry. If the carpets are wet or damp from air-conditioning all day, replace the flooring altogether. Don’t try and cover up the bad smell with some cheap spray either, we know that trick, it doesn’t work.

Check Out

In some countries, 11am is check out time, even noon on occasion. In others it’s 10am. This might be too big an ask, but the later the better. If you are on the move, there is a lot to be done in the morning and just an extra half hour can make all the difference. If someone has to be on the road early, they will get going early anyway. If they have things to do and are running late, they will probably check out a little late anyway, so what have you got to lose? Take the pressure off us and give yourself another plus to advertise.

Time flies when you're having fun

Bedside

Most people now need to have their phones next to them when they sleep. If they are away, they may need the alarm for flights or sending drunken messages to their friends when they get home late. Some sort of bedside shelf is a must. If the room is small and there’s no space on both sides, then perhaps a headboard with a shelf. Not directly over the pillow either, because of the drunken part, but perhaps on the side. Added bonus: A power point near the bed so that phones can be charged overnight as well. Yes please.

Well there you have it. Simple right? But ultimately, we're glad motels exist as imperfect as they can sometimes be, otherwise how would most people get to travel America. And travel you must.