I have stayed in hundreds of hotels and these are the 5 things I value most as a traveler and travel journalist

In recent years, I have developed my work as a travel journalist. Each month, I discover new destinations and a variety of establishments: from small rural hotels in the Sierra de Gata to glamping in the Ebro Delta, as well as 5-star hotels in Los Cabos. And, over time, I have discovered the things I value most and the red flags that become apparent as soon as I step into the room.

If there is a feeling I cherish when I travel, it is discovering a hotel room after a few hours of travel. I positively value a quick check-in, but when you arrive in the room and see a personalized welcome note... they've already won me over. Furthermore, if the note is accompanied by some local treats, a little fruit, and a bottle of wine or champagne... the stay promises to be delightful.

Welcome notes come in all types. Usually, they thank you for choosing the hotel for your stay and encourage you to discover the destination. Personally, I prefer those that demonstrate warmth and are personalized with a little photo, a suggestion, or an interesting fact about the hotel. Oh! And if there is a bouquet of fresh flowers in the room, I know I won't want to leave when my stay is over.

If people knew how ridiculous the little toothpaste tubes are that I find in some five-star hotels, they wouldn't believe it. It is true that many establishments only offer basic hygiene items, and if you need something more specific, you need to request it at the front desk, but since when has toothpaste not been considered a necessity? Conversely, some hotels even provide mouthwash.

I also see that sewing kits are disappearing, and more than once I would have given my life for a safety pin. And, back to the beauty topic, there are other things that are an absolute yes for me: a homemade aloe vera mask with a playlist to turn the room into an improvised spa, bath salts, or a bubble bath... And if the hotel also has a steam iron (because even though I've followed the tips from Marie Kondo, my clothes get wrinkled), I know it will go straight onto my list of favorite hotels.

The whole smart home and smart building trend is getting out of hand. It's great that you can adjust the light intensity, play music, lower the shades, or open the curtains with the push of a button, but I must confess that I've been in five-star hotels where I was on the verge of calling the front desk to turn off all the lights in my room because I couldn't figure it out.

Gadgets and little conveniences for us are great, but if you need a manual or if hotel staff needs to explain in detail how to turn off all the damn lights or how to cut the music, then the technology is too much. Honestly, you send someone elderly to a hotel like that, and instead of treating them to a gift, you're giving them a headache...

I have stayed in hundreds of hotels and have created my own ranking of the most comfortable mattresses and perfect pillows. It is true that many 4 and 5-star hotels now offer pillow menus, but it is still the exception rather than the rule. And I'm not that picky, but I confess that I've been in extremely expensive hotels where I had to sleep with a folded towel because the available pillows are complete neck-breakers.

The quality of the sheets is also something that I increasingly value. Is it considered a superpower to be able to tell if the sheets are Egyptian cotton with over 800 threads? If the answer is yes, then I think I should put that on my resume.

And to conclude the section dedicated to rest, there are two other important things to mention: the mattress topper (which can make the difference between a heavenly night or a morning backache) and the turn down service. If you don't know what the latter is, let me explain: the hotel staff will prepare everything for you when it's time to sleep. The sheets are arranged to embrace you, a towel is on the floor with slippers on top, and a piece of chocolate or a tray with hot beverages. You'd just be missing a goodnight kiss, like when you were little and your mom went to turn off the lights in your room.

It's clear that staying in a hotel with 50 rooms is different from one with 300, but personalization and making you feel like a unique guest can make the difference and the desire to return. I still remember the excitement when I arrived at a hotel in Granada and saw that my bathrobe was embroidered with my first and last name. Or when, at a hotel in Mallorca, the pillow cover had my initials. These details undoubtedly demonstrate the interest in the customer and in making them feel special.

In short, there are almost as many types of travelers as there are people, but, generally speaking, most of us value aspects like comfort, personalization, and little details. And, watch out, because the 5 things I value most as a traveler and travel journalist make the difference between remembering the name of the hotel three months later or, on the contrary, already counting down the days on the calendar to return as soon as possible.