There’s one hotel cost cut that genuinely took me by surprise, that goes beyond anything I’ve seen in a hotel previously. And I’ve seen a lot.
Since the pandemic we’ve seen full service hotels cutting back on services, like housekeeping, to reduce costs too. That risks degrading the reputation of their brand, diminish the difference between their product and limited service hotels, and eliminate the reason to choose them over short-term rentals like an Airbnb.
Limited-service hotels and motels have always tried to save money. That keeps room rates low and maintains their margins. And when they’re part of a lower-end chain they tend to have more leeway to do this. They can get away with a lot!
The Baymont by Wyndham Saraland performs housekeeping services, just like an hotel. But this property, that appears to be an ex-Hampton Inn, doesn’t have to have as many housekeeping carts – those trolleys that carry supplies like fresh towels and linens, cleaning supplies, and replacement toilet paper. Instead they use… shopping carts?
The AmericInn by Wyndham Denver Airport used $5 rental SmarteCartes from the airport, that just didn’t get returned, instead of bellman carts that run $500 – $1,500 each for guest luggage.
That makes sense, even if it seems a bit sketch. Those are made for pushing luggage! Grocery store shopping carts for housekeepers is just next level.
It’s Saraland. Kind of what you would expect in that area. I lived in south Mobile for a year working at one of the mills on Mobile Bay. It was unsafe to drive through Prichard so I had to circle and drive through Saraland to get to work. Better than Prichard but still not Beverly Hills. I still remember a store that was half drugstore and half gun store. The sign out front said Drugs/Guns.
The problem is that these are the same hotel owners that would gladly use mattresses found along the side of the highway rather than purchasing new bedding.
@ Gary — “A bit sketch”? You mean “theft”? Are the gorcery carts stolen, too?
I saw a store in Newport News, Virginia once. The sign on the front, shown literally below:
BEER ‘N GUN’S
So they stole shopping carts from, it appears, Publix? Makes sense, they don’t usually have the parking lot barrier lock since they’re supposed to help you out with carts of groceries (they don’t typically have cart returns either).
Baymont: Where Staying is a Pleasure?
Side note, but Hampton Inn in Saraland is actually a pretty nice property 🙂
H2oman love the sign Drugs/Guns. Thanks for the chuckle.
Both photos actually show housekeeping carts in the background! So this actually supplements housekeeping carts with shopping carts.
@ H2oman…. “…It was unsafe to drive through Prichard” can you elaborate? Sounds interesting.
I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they bought the carts at an auction or something (although they probably just found them in the parking lot).
But their cleaning supplies definitely aren’t brand standard and look like they’re from Walmart.
Walmart also has green handled carts.
Probably just bought the supplies and kept the cart
Of course, the government has a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Which frankly sounds like the makings of a fun weekend.
@patrick
I was there for a year in 1990. Prichard was basically one giant public housing complex. My first week there I cut through Prichard early one morning it was still dark) and running straight at me was a man totally naked. I swerved drove off. When I mentioned it at the mill everyone immediately said don’t drive through Prichard, spend a few extra minutes and circle through Saraland. I remember when I was there they suspended Prichard football games because they were shooting at each other across the field.
@BkAloha – i did not mean to suggest they didn’t buy any housekeeping carts, just don’t need to buy as many
I was the source of this article (happens I was also the source of the DIA SmarteCarts).
Owner’s adult son and I had a lengthy conversation. An area Publix supermarket location was obligated to get new carts. They let the hotel have several of the older generation carts.
Happy Travels!
Gary- Ahhh, I understand now! Thanks. The the shopping carts make it hard to swipe some extra shampoos, ha!
@Joe R wait, you mean a businessperson used a relationship with another local business to take an action of mutual benefit and this wasn’t an act of terrible malice and incompetence as the other stakeholders on this site are eagerly positing? How could one ever comprehend such a thing?!
The homeless are outraged!
Possession of a Grocery store’s shopping cart or a “SmarteCarte” STOLEN from the airport is a crime.
Possession of stolen goods is a crime in which an individual has bought, been given, or acquired stolen goods.
In many jurisdictions, if an individual has accepted possession of goods (or property) and knew they were stolen, then the individual may be charged with a crime, depending on the value of the stolen goods,
The employee who uses the carts CAN be arrested for using the carts. The management can be arrested for distribution of stolen goods.
In many elderly housing it is noted that any resident found with “stolen shopping carts in their residences ” will be evicted. It is a crime and they do not let criminals commit crimes on their property or they will lose their funding.
@Joe R I love how this blog mistakes frugality as somehow a degradation of service standards. Is the housekeeping better when someone puts fresh items in your room from a housekeeping cart instead of a grocery cart? This is the kind of frugality and recycling mentality we should be applauding
@David R. Miller
LOL!!!!!
Not a good look.