Printed Materials in Hotel Rooms

So far as trends go, it looks like we’re transitioning from almost no information to information overload and back again in having printed materials in hotel rooms. We’re all familiar with those racks of brochures near the check-in or by the elevator, or even in the lobby or breakfast areas, but I’m talking in the hotel room itself.

If you’re like me, you read almost everything. Especially when I travel, I make sure to scope out what’s provided in-room. Most hotels with cable still include the small monthly HBO guides. In addition, we may find everything from Travelhost (or similar) to glossy hard-cover bound city magazines touting local attractions and restaurants. And hotel information may vary from a printed one-page flyer or a slim loose leaf notebook to a gold-embossed tome depending on the brand and level of the property. I’m probably one of the few who actually reads the hotel info from cover to cover.

As more travelers come equipped with their cell phones and laptops, however, there is a newer trend now to eliminate local telephone books (among other things) from hotel rooms. (See previous post of December 3, 2007 re: Gideon Bibles).

I’m sure hoping that this isn’t the case. Now I know it means more time and work for the housekeeping staff – they need to re-supply publications, make sure that the ones there are presentable, etc. – and we’re all looking for ways to save. For me, browsing the local phone book gives me an insight into the community I’m visiting, helps narrow down restaurant recommendations I’ve previously collected, reaffirms the major sites to see, and guides me to areas I might have overlooked. But that’s just me.

So, South Florida – are you still putting a local telephone book in your hotel rooms? If you’re a member of a “chain” what’s their policy? Let us hear from you.