4+ star hotels

[WDWNext]

Whats up with these 4+ star hotels offsite.....
Charging for internet and parking.
No microwave/refrigerator in guest rooms.

 

[christineann]

Unless it's a hotel in a city that has to use a parking garage, I don't get having to pay a parking fee at a hotel with parking on the grounds. My previous employer used to tell us that our parking benefit was valued at $600 a year, even though they own the building and the parking lot (all located outside the city).

 

[WDWNext]

Unless it's a hotel in a city that has to use a parking garage, I don't get having to pay a parking fee at a hotel with parking on the grounds. My previous employer used to tell us that our parking benefit was valued at $600 a year, even though they own the building and the parking lot (all located outside the city).

Well, these are hotels in the city, in and around the airport, seaworld, universal, downtown disney etc.
Point to note is that the 3 stars that are right next door to the 4 stars offer free parking, internet and some even free breakfast.

 

[christineann]

We stayed at the Best Western in DTD, which was very nice and didn't charge for parking (one of the reasons we chose it). It's definitely worth doing some homework about the extra fees before booking a hotel.

 

[Upatnoon]

Whats up with these 4+ star hotels offsite.....
Charging for internet and parking.
No microwave/refrigerator in guest rooms.

Four-star ratings for hotels are not based on things like free fridges, microwaves and free internet and parking.

Four-star hotels have other attractions, like superior service, restaurants, spas, 6-million thread sheets, and little chocolates left on your pillow. Also, staying in 4-star hotel is generally limited to people with 4-star bank accounts (or expense accounts).

 

[Lewisc]

Whats up with these 4+ star hotels offsite.....
Charging for internet and parking.
No microwave/refrigerator in guest rooms.

4+ star hotels appeal to business and affluent leisure travelers. They generally offer room service and mini-bars but not microwaves and refrigerators. They offer laundry and dry cleaning service but not self service laundry rooms. They offer expensive restaurants and somewhat pricey coffee shop type of informal restaurants but not a food court or fast food. They offer bell services but not carts for guest use. PP mentioned upgraded bedding. Upgraded bathroom toiletries. Sometimes items such as a scale, robes, slippers and a radio with an iPod dock. The staff to guest ratio is higher then lower star properties. Allows for better service. A 4+ star hotel might offer turndown service.

Amenities like free parking, free breakfast, free internet are characteristics of lower star rated properties. Sometime a higher star property will offer one or more but people booking a 2 or 2 1/2 star property look for those extras.

Most (maybe all of the non-Disney) higher star rated hotels in the Orlando area now charge for guest parking. Universal hotels had a problem with theft and vandalism from guest cars. They charged for parking and improved security. Many of the hotels now outsource parking.

Disney "4*" properties are a little different from industry norm. Disney found they can charge 4* and 5* pricing without having to offer amenities and service typical of hotels in that category. Location to theme parks attracts customers who don't typically stay in those kinds of properties.

People looking for value are better suited to 2* to 3* properties like Fairfield, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express etc. Sounds like these are the hotels which appeal to the OP. Different customers look for different things in a hotel. Not everyone looks for price, including what extras are included in the room rate.

 

[WDWNext]

4+ star hotels appeal to business and affluent leisure travelers. They generally offer room service and mini-bars but not microwaves and refrigerators. They offer laundry and dry cleaning service but not self service laundry rooms. They offer expensive restaurants and somewhat pricey coffee shop type of informal restaurants but not a food court or fast food. They offer bell services but not carts for guest use. PP mentioned upgraded bedding. Upgraded bathroom toiletries. Sometimes items such as a scale, robes, slippers and a radio with an iPod dock. The staff to guest ratio is higher then lower star properties. Allows for better service. A 4+ star hotel might offer turndown service.

Amenities like free parking, free breakfast, free internet are characteristics of lower star rated properties. Sometime a higher star property will offer one or more but people booking a 2 or 2 1/2 star property look for those extras.

Most (maybe all of the non-Disney) higher star rated hotels in the Orlando area now charge for guest parking. Universal hotels had a problem with theft and vandalism from guest cars. They charged for parking and improved security. Many of the hotels now outsource parking.

Disney "4*" properties are a little different from industry norm. Disney found they can charge 4* and 5* pricing without having to offer amenities and service typical of hotels in that category. Location to theme parks attracts customers who don't typically stay in those kinds of properties.

People looking for value are better suited to 2* to 3* properties like Fairfield, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express etc. Sounds like these are the hotels which appeal to the OP. Different customers look for different things in a hotel. Not everyone looks for price, including what extras are included in the room rate.

Ok great. Thanks for taking the time to explain. Now I know. !!