Keep it simple...

I was reading a humorous article on slate.com which was all about a 10 year expat's appreciation for US appliances (or dis-appreciation for European ones). The overly complicated euro-glyphs were everywhere, and unlike the kind of driving signs like we have in the US which make sense no matter what language you speak...

...okay so they don't ALL make sense...(see this link for larger image of above)

Anyway, back to my original topic, the description of the insanity of the difficult and overly complicated instructions (not to mention poorly performing devices), reminded me of another Ritz Carlton experience - this one at the Ritz Carlton Berlin. (see my previous article about the Ritz Carlton).

I've stayed in many hotels around Europe in a variety of countries. While you might have issues with their lack of air-conditioning, the controls were pretty simple to use. Except in Germany. And not just any hotel...this was the Ritz Carlton.

When I arrived, I was instructed that a certain elevator was restricted due to secret service agents for some important VIP who was going to arrive. This was one of the high end Ritz Carltons, with soaking tubs where they'll draw you a bath, and a pillow menu. Did you know you can choose more than just foam versus feathers? Here you can. And that's for no additional charge (see previous article as to why it is nice not to be nickel-and-dimed at high-end hotels).

Again with the tangents...I'm sorry...so when I'm there, the temperature is a little cooler than i would like, so I approached the thermostat. It was completely unrecognizable.

I'm not a technophobe. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm an "early adopter." I love technology that makes my life better and easier. I read manuals. I know what every single function on my camera does. I know NOT to have the flash on when taking photos in a stadium (big pet peeve of mine when a thousand flashes go off needlessly at a ball game). I have two advanced post-college degrees. And yet, I could not figure out how to make the heat go on.

I wish I had taken a photo like the author of the slate.com article I referenced above did. But OMG, there was no blue or red areas,  no NUMBERS (I know Celsius so I'd be fine if they gave me that...). But that did not stop me.

There were two buttons, I assumed (incorrectly) that one was hot and one was cold. All I had to do was guess which one. So I experimented, and could not get heat to go on. In fact, I was convinced that my room was colder no matter what button I pushed, as if there was a cold and colder button for air-conditioning, but no button for heat.

So I assumed the thing was broken and called for assistance. Due to the language barrier, they sent someone to my room to help. I was a little embarrassed (stupid american!) so I watched from a distance. I don't know what they did, but in a moment, the heat was on.

That should have been the end, but realize, I'm a stubborn person. I wanted to understand. Were you supposed to push both buttons at the same time? Perhaps in time to a specific rhythm? I don't know. But someone with a lot less education got it to work, surely I could.

A short time later, it was clear that the heat, while on, was not warm enough. I tried again to manipulate the thermostat without luck. I did not want to further embarrass myself by calling to have the heat increased yet again. So I slept with extra of the plush blankets they provided, and enjoyed six different pillows for a lovely night's sleep.

This was my european Kafka moment. Have you had one? Do tell.

The Ritz Carlton and other nice details in life

Recently I stayed at a Ritz Carlton and a Courtyard Marriott. I've been at many Ritz Carltons before, and while luxurious, they are by no means the perfect hotel chain. Mostly, I enjoyed this experience at the Marina del Rey site. However, the little details that make it great, are also the ones that taint it as well.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of both Marriott owned facilities (Note--I'm really picky about bathrooms and use it as a big qualifier for liking a room. And I love baths. So if you prefer a great shower, your opinion might vary.)

Courtyard (Culver City)
Cost: $169/night
Room Size: Enough to walk around without tripping.
Room Amenities: Modern design, clean, average quality, firm comfortable bed, nice size desk with plenty of outlets, no ipod dock alarm clock.
Bathroom: Nice use of granite and travertine stone. Small but functional. Adequate shampoo/conditioner/shower gel provided of good quality. Unusable bathtub typical of Marriotts of all price ranges - so shallow that even a under 5'2 female cannot cover body in water. Exposed pipes under the sink, also typical, and gross, visible from bath and toilet.
Check-in/out: Quick and easy.
Bellhop assistance: Non existant. There's a desk, but no person around when we were there. There was a cart that can be used.
Overall staff presence: Pleasant but sparse.
Parking: $16 for valet, $10 for self which is close to main entrance.
Food: Not-included breakfast, continental style, average quality.
Internet: Wifi is free and works well.
Other: Free coffee in the mornings. Safe did not work. Must pay for water that is in machine down the hall. Nothing in room.

Overall: Good value for the money.

Ritz Carlton (Marina Del Rey)

Cost: $259/night

Room Size: Enough to walk around without tripping. Plus small seating area, roomy desk area.

Room Amenities: Typical Ritz Carlton, designed for your grandfather with dark wood galore, yellow and gold highlights. Firm bed with soft topper makes a great night sleep, plush sheets and comforter. Desk is nice size, but not enough spots for plugs, for computer and cell phone charging. No plug in the safe. Drop moldings near ceiling leave straight shadow, which is a nice touch and reveals good quality build. Lots of storage space. Ipod charger alarm clock in room was useful. Especially since there were not sufficient plugs at the desk.

Bathroom: Lots of marble. Not too small, but not very big. Good smelling shampoo/conditioner/shower gel but the containers were difficult to extract the liquid--wonder what it would be like for someone with arthritis? Useable bathtub, but not a large soaker that I've experienced at other Ritz Carltons. Not a special experience, but at least functional. Shower is not separate, only one showerhead. Nothing special. Nice cabinetry that hides pipes under the sink. Robes are nice, absorbant, and plush--albeit very heavy.

Check-in/out: Quick and easy.

Bellhop assistance: They gather your things and magically bring them to your room. Friendly. Helpful. Always trying to offer directions.

Overall staff presence: Pleasant and plentiful. Gift shop attendant was very helpful and sent items to our room.

Parking: $35/day for valet! No self-park associated with hotel. Front desk lied to us about self-park availability. Bellhop told us about public parking next to hotel that is not in/out parking, but only $6/24hours.

Food: Worst breakfast buffet I've every seen at a Ritz. Great quality off-the-menu items, with fabulous banana praline french toast. Good quality buffet, but some days there was only a small selection of prepared items, no made to order tables. Nice view of the marina from the restaurant.

Internet: Wifi costs $10/day, slow, and clunky sign-on. Annoying and disappointing. Left a bad taste in my mouth.

Other: Free watermelon water in the mornings that is fabulous. No free morning coffee that I could see. Excellent fitness center with state-of-the-art machines. Too bad they were not facing the water view. Love the hand towels placed on each machine. Nice pool, jacuzzi, location on the water, tennis courts and basketball court. Hotel design was drab exteriorly--too much beige. Free newspaper, bottled water in room.

Overall: While the $90 difference in price would suggest the Ritz is a great value, the little extras that cost more do add up and frankly, I'd rather have them rolled into the price. The nickel-and-diming that occurs at a luxury chain like the Ritz is stupid. However, if you plan on using the pool and other amenities, that does make it worth it. I love the great service that a Ritz Carlton provides, but here the service was amazing and sometimes disappointing. The luxury features were less evident, and frankly, I think the Ritz could modernize their design throughout the whole brand. I've also stayed at locations that were vastly superior in room size, and bathroom design for similar prices.