A Small and Simple Thing

A Small and Simple Thing

More Things I Like In A Hotel

Part Two

Brooks Reitz
Mar 10, 2026
∙ Paid

This post builds on a list I compiled late last year of things I like in a hotel.

A moment of calm from a favorite hotel: Ett Hem in Stockholm.

Outside of my mortgage, the biggest expense in my life is travel. Some months (spring break and summer come to mind), it’s more than my mortgage. I like a nice hotel, but if I am paying a premium, I also expect finely tuned details of service and experience to justify the price tag. This is where many “luxury” hotels go wrong - they offer a mid-tier service experience tarted up with fancy furnishings for a luxury look with budget offerings. Sadly, there are enough people with money but no discernment to keep these places in business.

I would much rather stay at a reasonably priced chain than be fooled by faux-luxury; at least I know what I’m getting (and what I’m not getting, like a newspaper delivered to my room, or an offer to press my clothes for me.)

Here are more things I like in a hotel:

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