What do you expect from a hotelFollow

Price is what's going to help you distinguish between hotel tiers, but it's not a set amount. Hotel pricing varies depending on the market it's located in. An economy hotel in one market could be $50, $80 in another and $150 in another one. You can only use price in comparison to other hotels in it's immediate area.

I have noticed an increase of "hot food", but it's more of bits and pieces of breakfast. As I said, I'm not a real big breakfast person anyway, so it works for me. I just hate the fact that I have to pay extra to eat at a nice restaurant instead of having some type of "free but really prepaid" coupon for a similar type of breakfast ( 1 meat, eggs, toast and juice). Chances are, by doing so, customers will actually order additional food. I would rather have my money go towards that then maintaining ridiculously sized fish, waterfalls and ice sculptures.

Having stayed in many a hotel over the years. I like a clean room with a spotless bathroom. If your wanting things like a fridge and a microwave? Internet? Then you need to research the place better. These days most if not all have the said amenities already. But as you have found out some upscale hotels have really pretty things and gyms and pools but no fridges and microwaves. These hotels figure that your eating out all the time. Most have several restaurants in house for you to do so.
I'm going to spend 3 days at the Dallas Sheraton for Animefest. This is what I get for my 109+tax

Iron/Ironing Board
37 Inch LCD Television
Hypoallergenic Pillows
In-Room Movies
Coffee Maker
Dual-Line Telephone
Hairdryer
Express/Video Checkout Available
Radio/Alarm Clock
Air-Conditioned Room
Desk
Voicemail
Room Service
Free Newspaper
Refrigerator Available (Charges apply)
Self and Valet Parking (Charges apply)
Wired and wireless Internet access
Standard – $13.95 per day - download speed of 3MBps

Premium Shared – $16.95 per day - download speed of 5.5MBps for up to 3 devices

Business VPN – $21.95 per day - download speed of 5MBps for up to 5 devices

This is a huge convention center and it has 3 restaurants and a smoothie bar. I'll be eating in each one during my stay.

I didn't know there was a difference, but the names are self-explanatory. Thanks.

I know there wont be free meals, I just don't see why 4 star hotels just don't include reasonable price meals or coupons with your stay. If I'm not mistaken, the point is to have your guests eat there. If people choose not to eat at the restaurant, then the likelihood of them desiring a refrigerator or microwave increases.

Normally I like my freedom to choose and not have to pay for something I didn't ask for, but if I'm paying that much for a hotel, I want to be able to walk down stairs and start eating. I don't expect anyone to give it to me for free, so include it in my stay like with airfares.

Only one thing now (it use to be the free stuff): No Bed Bugs.
I ask to see and to inspect the room. Any sign of them, I jet off.

I would use it as a coaster for a better beer.

If traveling through and just looking for a bed, I really dont' expect much, and will go with the cheapest place - Elkhart, IN Econolodge - 39.99/night.

If I'm staying over for a couple day I'll look for a hotel with an indoor pool - this has always been my dreamiest luxury. Second would be a place that serves a decent breakfast.

Cheap hotels most all have free wifi now. Seems many expensive hotels still charge, but I think they're taking a beating for that decision and are coming around and opening up their internetz. (last year in downtown Chicago, I had free wifi at the Hilton, but across the street at the Palomar my sis was paying $10/day).

Lol. Are bed bugs pretty easy to identify?

Generally the upscale hotels have much better locations. You're paying for the location, and people want the location so they strip out some of the amenities because they aren't needed to attract people. The hotels farther out from city centers usually aren't as expensive and have more stuff like free internet / breakfasts.

The best hotel ever is Embassy Suites. All the benefits of the upscale hotels, with most of the benefits of the lower end hotels, for a price somewhere in the middle. The one we stay in at ACEN has free buffet breakfast (including custom made omelets), free happy hour during the manager's reception, and more or less every critical amenity in the book (including a mini kitchen.) They've pretty much spoiled me for any other convention hotel.

On the road, though, I consider a hotel adequate if it has a soft bed, a full bath (hate shower-only hotel rooms), and doesn't stink to high hell.