7 Hotel Expectations Boomers have that Gen Z Travelers Find Outdated

Well I am a boomer, but the only one of those I still want or wish for (or ever did) is daily housekeeping. I want my bed made, the bathroom cleaned, and the floor swept/vacuumed. I find it annoying that at some hotels this is now something you must request. I think it should be the other way around -- if you don't want your room cleaned, leave a card on the doorknob or let the front desk know.

There are a couple of items missing from the list, though, not that I want them, but that traditionally were common in hotels that now seem dated:

• Bellboy/porter service
• Turndown service with a chocolate on the pillow

And one thing that is now almost ubiquitous that never would have been seen a generation ago:

• Envelope for housekeeping gratuity

I absolutely agree with no daily housekeeping. Aren't we supposed to be becoming MORE environmentally conscious?

I am a very low maintenance traveler, but on occasion we stay at higher end places so the list made me think. I don't care for daily room service. We keep the room tidy so there is no need. I don't mind checking in at the front desk since they always need to see the credit card and give me the key anyway. I have never traveled for business, but my husband has and has never needed the business centers. I am surprised that they are still around, even though I see them. We have used room service only a few times over my lifetime. Usually when we arrive very late and nothing else is open and we are too tired to go search. It is a last ditch effort if we are too hungry to wait until morning. The white tablecloth etc though is lost on me. The concierge made me think back to a funny story. For my college graduation, our family went to the Hotel Del Coronado. I was waiting for a job offer and of course this was long before email, cell phones etc. I had given them the hotel phone number and the dates I would be there. They did call, but I still wonder what they were thinking since it was a much fancier hotel back then. The last time I have turned on the tv in a hotel room was back in 2001. Formal dining rooms and dress codes were not our usual, but again at the del, that was the case and then one place we stayed on our honeymoon. I remember that last one though as we were younger than anyone else in the room by a good 40 years at least. I am Gen X as well:)

I don’t demand any of them. In a larger, more expensive hotel I expect the daily cleaning altho all I really want are fresh towels, which I indicate by tossing the used ones on the bathroom floor, and the trash emptied. Once in a smaller hotel where I was staying for nine days, I told the front desk that I didn’t need daily cleaning. Unfortunately rhey interpreted this as meaning I didn’t need ANY CLEANING. After 5 days I requested every other day service.

Beds made ? My wife does that, even on checkout day when the bed linen will be changed !

Two things:

1. I think that it is wrong to put generations from all over the world into one pot of expectations. None of the 7 listed is or was on my list of expectations. And I am Gen X, close to boomers. Maybe it is because I was a business traveler with around 200 nights in hotels per year in my maximum years. A good hotel is for me a relaxing bed, a strong shower and a good-selected breakfast.

2. Some Gen Z agers show a lot of self-(un)trained personal characteristics in my experience. Travel related they likely will avoid rental cars because in a survey 62% of Gen Z stated to be scared to fill up cars.

Interesting list & a light topic to start Monday morning. : )

Here’s comments from a late 60’s Boomer:

1. I prefer checking in at the front desk if I’m traveling solo. I stay at small hotels/B&B’s, and I like the personal intro, plus I like to try out my use of their language. This may be less generational & more due to growing up in a small town in the Midwest (USA), but I enjoy the type of small places where I greet the person when I come in during the day, and they may ask me what I enjoyed the previous day when I sit down for breakfast.
2. I keep my room very tidy, but I do like a clean towel each day. If I see housekeeping in the hall, I will bring them my towel to switch for a clean one & say they don’t need to clean the room. (Sometimes this gets lost in translation.)
3. - 7. These either never apply or I’ve never use them, except that I did order a room service lunch last February when I switched hotels from Marbella to a last-minute available resort west of Estepona. I needed a little tender care that day.

Remember the last time you traveled with your parents? The dramatic
sigh when the hotel didn't have a printed newspaper at the door. The
confusion about why you'd rather message the front desk than call. The
insistence on getting physical room keys "just in case."

No, no I don't. And neither do my Gen Z kids who travelled with their (just barely) Boomer parents to many luxury hotels. The generalizations in the article about Boomers being this way and Gen Z'ers being that way is staggering. I agree that hotels are changing to meet the needs of their guests, but now many luxury hotels are making dramatic changes just for the Gen Z crowd? How many have enough money to stay in luxury properties that this group alone is influencing change? Like any business, it's constant growth and change based on many things including guest habits, technology and profits.

It could have been an interesting article comparing points of view, but its biased article comparing the correctness of the younger generation vs the sillyness of the older generation.

Solid Baby Boomer here and none of those fit EXCEPT, like Jean, I like a hotel with a person on the front desk who looks at everyone who comes in and out and recognizes you after a day OR might remember you from your last visit. To me that is an important step in feeling a sense of security in a hotel.

What they don't mention and that I want is NO steps UP or DOWN to the bathroom, hahaha.

Thanks for the light bit of fun!

So much angst over whether it fits (you) or not. I'd say the piece achieves its purpose.

I think the article is pointing out what boomers have experienced that Gen-X hasn't. If a Gen-X received excellent personal service at a hotel, I am positive they would enjoy it. It is just they prefer solace and less social contact than boomers. Boomers like social contact and interaction. Gen-X, not as much.

VAP,
The generalizations are a bit annoying, and I am from the Silent Generation, although I have friends from all the subsequent generations, many of them Boomers. I can adapt to many of the changes in hotel services...some I like, some I don't. But the thing that gets me the most is the "okay Boomer" comment or attitude, and I am too old to even be one. There is an arrogance that makes me want to grab the kid (of whatever younger age) by the ear and tell them to show some respect or I will tell their mother on them. I had a niece's husband give me the "Okay Boomer" comment once when they assumed I was voting for someone because they were female, assuming I didn't have the discretion and knowledge to understand the issues. as they in their 20-something wisdom did. (Of course, I was probably just as smug and self-righteous when I was in my 20's also, so I guess what goes around comes around.) Here's to all who ignore the expectations based on age and live and travel in a way that suits them best!

Our hotel in Lisbon was the Avenida Palace. We had

Bellboy/porter who opened the door and took our luggage directly to our room
Turn down service with yes, a chocolate on our pillow
A different gift every night such as a tote bag, fruit platter, flowers
A Concierge to answer all questions and call a taxi

It was a lovely hotel and we enjoyed every amenity and every minute of our stay. Sometimes you just need a little luxury.

Just a tip how to work with bullet lists on this forum:

• after creating the text of the first bullet just press shift + return to create the next bullet automatically
• if you just press return (without shift in parallel) you will end the bullet list and get a new line

Happy typing.

ha ha ha ha.

Posted this article this morning, then walked out on site to get the forge started, while two other colleagues were getting a fire started for cooking demonstrations. One a Baby Boomer and the other Gen Z. As they're setting up to make a duck pie, BB wants some parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme - she just short hands it and simply asks GZ to get her some Scarborough Fair. GZ stops and asks, "what is in Scarborough Fair?" And she tells him, to which he asks, "is there a particular reason its called Scarborough Fair?" If it were an obscure historical fact he would have known it...but he didn't know the song. BB called it her geezer moment.

@ Barbara

We too stayed at the Avenida Palace in Lisbon last November and we very much enjoyed our stay. Yes, we experienced all that you highlighted and it was all such a nice touch. Did we expect it all? Not all of it but we enjoyed the small details and so did our Gen Z children and their partners although the little tapette placed beside their bed every turndown threw them all.

Fun thread. The over-generalizing about generational differences is funny (and click bait of course.) I'll own some of them from each age group.

But this does make me remember, with nostalgia, the few times I've stayed at ultra-luxury hotels like the Ritz and loved the little touches. Travel should include slowing down to savor those things: admiring the soaring lobby while I wait to check in, waiting for the bellhop to bring up my bags, unwrapping that little chocolate before bed....ahhhh!

Boomer here with absolutely none of those 7 expectations. I think people just like to make broad and crazy generalizations so that they can sell articles……

Schlock is right, albeit entertaining to read.

Of note: 4.Room service with white tablecloths and silver domes … isn’t that something from about 100 years ago, long before the Baby Boom and Boomers?

And 6.Premium cable TV packages and pay-per-view movies. I watch TV at home (probably too much!), and don’t have Premium Cable. I’m not on vacation to watch TV - I can do that at home - so that’s not a priority of any kind.

Judging by the number of McDonald’s, KFC, etc. franchises that seem to be planted about everywhere now, and the folks patronizing them, I’d say that something Gen Z finds essential, and NOT outdated, is American fast-food. Talk about schlock!

I think people just like to make broad and crazy generalizations so that they can sell articles……

Or just make gross exaggerations or just plain make stuff up.... ...to sell articles

Another "just barely a Boomer" here.

I do prefer hotel in-person checkin, for me, too, it's because I mostly stay at small hotels that have staff. Though I'm ok with remote checkin, too. I don't need housekeeping service (environmental thing). Have never gotten room service, I would rather go to a nearby cafe to people watch while having coffee. Haven't used a business center in years; I can easily work on my laptop elsewhere in the hotel. Concierge, don't usually stay at a hotel that's large enough to have one.

In the last several years, we've decided to spend a bit more on our lodging. Even hubby now likes having a robe to use. I like the "free" slippers, too, though after discovering that mostly they are just thrown out, because they can't be washed, I bring the same pair that I got for "free" years ago.

And I LOVE getting a chocolate on my pillow - it's a special little treat! (Though not expected, and I don't stay at hotels based on chocolate provision).

I am a Boomer and do not care about a reception desk, having my room cleaned daily, (certainly do not need a clean towel each day. Am not that dirty), don't need a room key, nor TV. I have internet, no need for a concierge.

Generally I don't think there is as many younger people watching broadcast TV these days. The only time I see it is when I'm at my mum's, and there's often absolutely nothing on. I haven't had a cable subscription for about a decade. Probably about five years since I had a screen, other than my laptop and phone, in the living room at all. Not that I'm particularly young (51).

Definitely Generation X. I have a first edition of Douglas Coupland's book from the original American publisher I bought when it came out. It was an exciting bit of work at the time. So hip.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_X:_Tales_for_an_Accelerated_Culture

Everyone likes different things. One can't generalize about entire groups.

Although, many larger or newer hotels are putting more effort into "communal" space as Gen whatever the younger generation is called, prefers to work around others than sit in their rooms. In general.

As for me, I have used "Digital Key" when available especially is there is a line at check in. I still eventually get a real key should the Digital Key not work. As it often doesn't.

Concierges are good if you need something special--tickets, reservations,etc--that are not easy to get. But it will cost you. They can book almost anything.

Restaurants with table cloths are dying out. Room service can be good after a long day but it seems more and more people are using delivery services. Some hotels have even dropped room service because of the delivery services. I've done both.

I don't want daily housekeeping. If I need towels, soap, or any other housekeeping supplies, I can either find a housekeeper or ask at reception.

In the US, I find I am watching less and less broadcast/cable TV. In "foreign" countries where English is not the main language, it's usually just news as the only English language channel.

A business center can come in handy for printing but most went away after Covid. If I need something printed I can ask at reception. My current hotel has two computers which is great for me since I only travel with a phone. I can use the big screen to help plan future trips. Easier on the eyes.

But after all the hotel stays I've had--4300 continuous nights as of tomorrow--I know what I really need--a clean room, quiet, comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, good internet, and someplace to sit besides the bed. Preferably with a table of some sort to do some work. A Kettle and a refrigerator make me even happier. A/C and I'm in heaven.

I'm a Boomer and I don't need any of these, except ESPN during college football season. We much prefer online check-ins to the check-in line.

72 year old boomer here.

2.Daily housekeeping whether you need it or not

We like this when available. If not extra towels and coffee with creamers will do for the coffee pot that is in the room.

Room service with white tablecloths and silver domes.

Nope. You buy it and bring it back to your room. We have even learned to Uber etc and have it delivered.

Premium cable TV packages and pay-per-view movies.

My IPAD and VPN work very well pretty much everywhere!

I'm a Boomer and I don't need any of these, except ESPN during college football season.

Bama, Auburn or USC?

Thanks Mark, hopefully next time the List with Bullet points will work for me, lol.

And yes JC, I forgot about the extra ‘rug’ for your feet. Also, the cell phone they loan you for navigating the city. Great hotel and not outrageously expensive at all.

I did like the days of an actual concierge (crossed keys on the lapel) but those are long gone. I find now that the person acting as a "concierge" is just a front desk person, who does not have any more sway in getting tickets or restaurant reservations than I do. Asking them for restaurant suggestions usually ends up in getting a iist of restaurants, most of which the "concierge" has never been to..how could they eat in fine restaurants often, considering the prices and their salary? Unless, that is, they tout a restaurant because they get something in return for the recommendation.

Example, in Madrid I asked the "concierge" about a few restaurants that I had on my list. He had never heard of any of these, although they had been written about often in the local restaurant columns.

About the housekeeping, most hotels I've visited recently have a little card near the bed. If you want your linens changed, you are instructed to leave the card on the pillow. if not, the linens will be made up, but not changed.

Hotel restaurants with "silver domes" that require a man to wear a tie and jacket??/. Please tell me about ONE hotel restaurant where this is required? Even in Michelin-multi-sstarred restaurants, I diners are often clad in white sneakers and t-shirts! Remember the days when restaurants kept a jacket on hand for men who arrived without one??? I can't imagine that still being the case, but maybe.....but a tie???

Long gone are the days when travel writers actually traveled to the destinations they are writing about, and did a decent job of writing about them..... That only happens now when writers for important publications are able to snag a free, organized press trip. That's why you often see the same destination written about by several travel publications in a short time--the writers were on the same press trip and stayed din the same hotels..

One little "demanding" element that I do like is the availability of English-language television news channels if I am spending a few nights in a luxury hotel where the language of the country is one that I cannot understand well.

Ekscrunchy, your comments reminded me of an extraordinary dining experience I received due to the B&B host/owner where I stayed in Tivoli:

I had to cancel my stay at B&B Regina in Tivoli because of a family death in 2024. In 2025, I was able to book a night to stay there. The host - Filippe, is one of the nicest, hospitable hosts I’ve ever encountered. After showing me my beautiful room with antiques, he asked me if I like food. After humbly saying “Yes”, I wasn’t asked anymore questions, and he was busy on his phone speaking in rapid Italian. I caught a few words here & there and realized I’d lost any control of any plans for the evening - LOL, He called his good friend to make a reservation for me to dine at the famous Ristorante Sibilla - an excellent meal & such a breathtaking setting. I understood after being there why it’s a restaurant where kings & dignity have dined. And since Filippe was good friends with the owner, they even gave me his discount!

https://www.ristorantesibilla.com/en/location-en/

I'm certainly a boomer and desire zero of the 7.

If you have to check in you check in but no ritual, and I carry my own bags

Hotel restaurants with "silver domes" that require a man to wear a tie
and jacket??/. Please tell me about ONE hotel restaurant where this is
required?

The Ritz in London. A story that didn't make it into my latest Trip Report: one afternoon last month we were marveling at the Christmas decorations on the exterior of the Ritz when I noticed a giant Christmas tree in the lobby inside. I tried to enter but the doorman stopped me and looked down his nose at me as I managed to talk my way in. We stopped to look at the menu at the front desk and that person also looked me up and down and said I'd need a jacket and tie if I wanted a reservation. Apparently I didn't even look the part of a guest in my Eddie Bauer pants and winter jacket.

An article designed as clickbait.

Jean that is a great story!
I've read so many of your threads,, and recently I read about your stay in Tivoli; that had never been on my "radar" but after reading what you wrote, I am hoping to include that town in a trip in the near future. You are one great traveller!! So many solo trips to so many regions of Italy... Is the next Italian adventure in the planning stage yet?

I think you may be headed for Spain, so if I can help in any way, let me know!!

Last week I watched a PBS program (in the US) featuring sweeping, aerial views of Rome and the Tyrrhenian coast south to Calabria. They showed a couple of places I'd never even heard of before that looked dreamy.

There are a few shots of Tivoli-- glorious!!

https://www.pbs.org/show/visions-of-italy-southern-style/

ekscrunchy, one of the perks of a foreign vacation is NOT being exposed to US news!

Bama, Auburn or USC?

Of the 3, I’d take Auburn

Tired of Bama

And anyone except SC

To stay on topic..does GenZ even follow college football?

@ekscrunchy, I’ll send you a PM, so we don’t get too far off tangent for this post’s author.

We are boomers. Most of that list isn't about middle class travelers.
We did have a great dinner at a swanky hotel restaurant in London once. We came in after trudging all over town so not at our best. The hostess made us feel very welcome and gave us a prime seat. She chatted with us a lot. It wasn't until we saw other diners enter, all dressed up, that we found out about dress codes. The waitress said pay no mind, the overdressed ones were no fun serving. We had a great giggle over the birds nest hat one cranky lady was wearing.

Ed, Bama,Georgia and South Carolina, if my husband can stomach their latest debacle. We used to sorta like Ole Miss, until they took tampering to a new level. Ga Tech when they're not playing GA

SCdub in the SEC it just means more-even to Gen Z. My 29 yr old daughter will watch one game on TV and another on her computer, so we can cheer for whoever is playing our enemies(teams that wear orange-GA played 4 of them the last year). Sad to say, there have been times this year when we had to cheer for TX and FL. And of course everyone's favorite underdog, Vanderbilt, especially now that Pavia will be gone.

Nope.

Boomer here, and I want/expect none of those.

1. The grand check-in experience at the front desk
   No way. I love when I can do some variation of self check-in.

2. Daily housekeeping whether you need it or not
   Nope. What for? I'm not that messy or dirty, and I don't want to be interrupted if I come back for a rest mid-day.

3. The business center with desktop computers
   I have never used this.

4. Room service with white tablecloths and silver domes
   I use room service occasionally, but I don't care about fancy accoutrements.

5. Concierge services for recommendations and reservations
   Don't need this, although I once stayed at an inn in Mexico that had a concierge. She was a sweetheart, but this wasn't a necessity for us..

6. Premium cable TV packages and pay-per-view movies
   I'm not there to watch TV or movies, although it can be nice on occasion, if there's a smart tv, to be able to access my own streaming services on it, especially in non-English speaking countries. That's just for the occasional time we're tired from sightseeing and want to veg out after dinner. It's not a necessity, though.

7. Formal dining rooms with dress codes
   No way. I don't want to haul fancy clothes around. I also rarely eat in indoor restaurants these days, unless it can't be helped. I'm not much of a foodie, either, and don't like to linger over meals.