I truly love visiting hotels.
The unique variety of lobby designs, the different ambiance and vibe they each give off, the amenities, the pillows, and the list goes on.
However, there’s one thing that can significantly make or break the hotel experience, and it all comes down to the people.
The service is so key for hotels, especially in this new world of travel.
It may be different for you, but for me, the level of service can take a “it was fine” hotel to new heights. I can look past some of the issues that others may be bothered with, like thread counts or room size. It may not be as nice or fancy as other hotels I’ve stayed at, but the people can easily make me forget what level of star rating critics want to give it.
A warm welcome and a smiling face have done wonders after enduring a long day of travel. At the same time, a disgruntled welcome and negative attitude have soured a stay or two over the years.
The people are what make the travel industry go round, and we’re far more likely to remember a bad experience with another human than we are on how the mattress felt.
This year I experienced 31 different hotels during my work and personal trips. Oftentimes, it was the staff on site that helped make the stay…and whether or not it became a place I’d want to actually visit again.
I try to remember everyone has their own battles they’re fighting though, and to not let the negative experiences impact the overall trip. Everyone has their moments after all, nobody’s perfect.
So, here’s to more people choosing to be kind in 2026.
We should aim to see the best in people, especially when we travel.
What is your make or break for hotels? Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_
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