When it comes to hotel stays, there’s no shortage of little annoyances—or “icks”—that can make or break a guest’s experience. After years of talking to travelers, Helen Buckley who manages luxury accommodation Beach Suites in Byron Bay has compiled quite the list, and it’s clear that while these may seem small, addressing them can turn a regular stay into a standout one. Here are the most common complaints and how places like Beach Suites in Byron Bay have turned those into opportunities to wow their guests.
1. Towel Shortages
One of the top grievances? Not enough towels. When a hotel room accommodates multiple guests but only provides one towel per person, it feels stingy. Guests want more! After all, who likes to fight over a single towel? At Beach Suites, for instance, they offer eight towels per room, which is a game-changer, ensuring two towels per guest. It’s these thoughtful touches that make a hotel feel more generous and accommodating.
2. Uncomfortable Beds and Unclean Linens
Beds are at the heart of a hotel’s purpose. Guests expect clean, comfortable bedding—especially fitted bottom sheets that stay in place and protect them from exposure to the mattress topper (which isn’t always washed between stays). Worse yet, a loose doona cover can expose guests to the actual doona, giving off major ick vibes. Hotels need to provide fresh, secure linens that keep everything hygienic, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
3. Inadequate Bathroom Amenities
Bathrooms are often a source of frustration. Two towels for two people? Not enough. If you’re drying your hair and body, one towel each just doesn’t cut it. Thoughtful hotels provide ample towels, plus upgraded amenities like full-sized hair dryers and dispensers for shampoo and body wash, instead of tiny, hard-to-squeeze bottles. Securing dispensers to the wall can be convenient, but it’s the personal touches, like using local products, that elevate the experience.
4. Underwhelming Coffee Experiences
No one likes fiddling with pod machines that produce subpar coffee. Many hotels miss the mark here. But Beach Suites has it right with a proper coffee machine, offering a Breville Barista Touch in each room and locally sourced milk. Add to that complimentary Byron Bay cookies, and the simple act of making coffee becomes a delightful part of the stay rather than a letdown.
5. Overpriced Mini-Bars
Who wants to pay $7 for a chocolate bar? Overpriced mini-bars can feel like a rip-off, which is why so many guests avoid them altogether. But there’s a better way. Pricing items fairly, like Beach Suites does, encourages guests to actually use the mini-bar as a convenient option without feeling gouged.
6. Unfriendly Staff
The number one thing that can make or break a hotel experience is the staff’s attitude. Guests value warm, genuine interactions over everything else. Being greeted with a smile and receiving helpful advice about local attractions can elevate a stay and create lasting memories. Staff who double as ambassadors for the local area make the experience even more special. It’s these human touches that guests remember long after checkout.
7. Hidden Fees
Nothing kills the mood faster than unexpected charges. Whether it’s surprise EFTPOS fees or paying extra for basic services, these hidden costs can leave guests with a sour impression. At Beach Suites, everything is included upfront—no surprises, no hidden fees—making guests feel valued and appreciated.
8. Lack of Space and Comfort
Guests appreciate space, and cramped hotel rooms can feel claustrophobic during long stays. Beach Suites addresses this by offering larger-than-average rooms with family-friendly penthouse apartments that are serviced daily, making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy their vacation.
9. Overlooking the Details
It’s the little things that set a hotel apart. Whether it’s offering complimentary beach towels, bicycles, and umbrellas or adding thoughtful touches like newspapers, cots, and high chairs, these perks elevate the guest experience. For pet owners, the fact that Beach Suites welcomes furry friends is a huge bonus that many hotels overlook.
10. What Really Sets a Hotel Apart?
In a competitive marketplace, it’s all about the details. Thoughtfulness, from providing complimentary laundry services to offering games and activities for kids, can turn an ordinary hotel stay into something special. And, of course, a location that’s central and convenient, like Beach Suites’ prime spot in Byron Bay, doesn’t hurt either!
Ultimately, it’s about more than just fixing the icks. It’s about creating an experience where every little detail—from the warm welcome to the final checkout—makes guests feel cared for and appreciated. At the end of the day, people want to feel like they’re getting more than just a place to sleep—they want a home away from home.
