In my years of business travel, I have been to a lot of hotels; some good, some bad, most just fine but nothing special. After my last lackluster stop, I started thinking about how I really want a hotel to treat me:  I want to feel special, to have a great night of sleep, to be able to do some work and still feel relaxed; basically a place I look forward to going back to. The closest I’ve ever come to perfection is the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for a company meeting two years ago. With a fabulous view of the ocean, a huge bathroom with a soaking tub, fantastic food, and a spa onsite, I would go back in a heartbeat. In fact, although I was there for a conference, the hotel was so amazing that by the time I felt as though I had been on vacation. Dreams about Half Moon Bay got me thinking about what my perfect hotel stay would be like…

The afternoon before my meetings, I arrive at the hotel. The valet greets me by name as he quickly pulls my suitcase out of the trunk. “Good evening, Ms. Warriorette! Don’t worry about your bag; I will see it gets to your room.” As I stroll up the sidewalk I admire the lovely landscaping and water feature. The doorman opens the door for me and points out the front desk. I’m offered a glass of filtered water while I check in, which is very refreshing to my travel-weary throat. Check-in is fast and easy, and the maximum number of points is allocated to my rewards account.  

My room is on the 15th floor, about halfway down the well-lit hallway; far enough from the elevator that I don’t hear it, but not so far that I feel like I am walking forever. I walk into my room, where the entry light is already on. The first thing that captures my gaze is the amazing view of the city skyline, but the second is the gorgeously appointed king-size bed. The 600-thread count sheets, mounds of pillows, and fluffy duvet beckon, but I have work to do before going to bed. I set my computer up at the desk, sit in the Herman Miller Aeron chair, and hook up to the free Wi-Fi to check my email. A knock at the door is the bellhop with my suitcase. I hang up my outfit for the next day when I notice a yoga mat propped against the wall. A note attached to it invites me to the complimentary yoga class that happens every hour. I quickly finish my work so I can take advantage of the class.

After yoga, I take a long, relaxing soak in the garden tub in the huge bathroom. The luxurious toiletries smell delicious! For once, I want to use them all instead of handing them off to my husband. Cuddled in the plush terry-cloth robe, I call the desk for a dinner recommendation. They send me to a great restaurant down the street that is local, uses sustainable ingredients, and has an extensive wine list. Following dinner, I finally climb in that amazing bed to read a little bit before going to sleep. This is when I notice the chocolate on the nightstand. A perfect way to end a great evening! And a wonderful way to prepare for a very productive day at the office tomorrow.

Does this magical place exist? Have you been to a hotel that makes you want to go on a business trip just so you can go back? Please share so we can all enjoy!

Road Warriorette is a professional woman who travels for work, a lot, from her home base in Texas. Because of her extensive travel experience, the Road Warriorette wants to share valuable tips and tricks she has learned, in hopes to teach the world about how to be good fellow travelers. She writes a blog, RoadWarriorette.com, for her fellow women business travelers. She loves to help people pack better! Learning to pack efficiently was a huge and fun challenge for the Warriorette who has a slight obsession with clothes and shoes (paring down is not easy, ladies!). In addition to writing and travel, both professionally and recreationally, she enjoys knitting, yoga, and spending time with her husband, the Home Warrior, and their two dogs.