The promise was “casual elegance and comfort,” a “relaxing lifestyle.” After a long day of walking through expansive casinos, wining and dining, and dancing the night away, the next morning arrived as the blazing sunlight slapped me awake through a slit in the curtains. I reached over, eyes burning and puffy, fumbling for the switch on the coffeemaker, only to find it absent. I was anything but relaxed and comfortable after calling down to the front desk to find that the hotel does not provide such a thing. Even less comfortable as I hiked through the entire casino and waited in line for my first cup of coffee. As this point, the front desk person would’ve had to be nothing short of a Stepford Wife, capable of magically brewing a perfect cup of coffee, for me to consider this hotel as anything other than soul-less.

Cursed, this experience followed me as I travelled through three more states. No coffee, are you kidding me? Elevators that pass your floor, taking you up and down at will. Words like luxury, four and five star were really starting to scare me at this point. It is true that most individuals will never agree on a scent or a lifestyle, but I hope in the war on terms, hotels can find some peace in remembering the basics.

PS- I should mention that sadly, my travels did not take me to Canada.