Clark Howard's Tips

Dec. 13, 2005

Technology has dropped so much in cost that hotels now have the ability to customize your room to your liking.

Computers in hotels know what temperature you like the room to be, what music you prefer and whether you like the curtains to be opened or closed. The Mandarin Hotel, for example, has database information about all of its guests.

It's going to make for another amenities war in hotels. First it was bedding, which was started by Westin and its "Heavenly Bed." Marriott is also promoting its great new beds. So hotels are sticking with the theme that imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

But not all trips are the same, especially when you compare business trips versus romantic getaways. That could hamper the success of these programs, but we'll let you know.

Consumer advice courtesy of