10 Genius Hotel Features That Just… Disappeared
There was a time when hotels had features that made stays feel extra special. Over time, those genius perks just… disappeared. Maybe tech took over, budgets shrank, or someone decided they weren’t “modern” enough. Let’s revisit the hotel features we didn’t realize we’d miss until they vanished.
Themed Room Designs
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Hotels used to have some real personality. There were spaceship suites, jungle rooms, and even entire hotels dedicated to a single theme. Most chains have abandoned unique décor in favor of neutral rooms that look the same whether you’re in New York or Nebraska. Standardization makes things easier for branding and maintenance, but it also strips away the fun.
Grand Pianos in Lobbies
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Some high-end hotels still have live pianists, but most have swapped them out for pre-recorded playlists. The move makes sense financially, but let’s be honest—no Spotify playlist can match the charm of a pianist setting the mood while guests check in or sip their evening cocktails.
Metal Room Keys
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There was something satisfying about holding an actual key in your hand. It was weighty and made a solid click when turning the lock. Plastic key cards replaced metal keys in the 1970s to offer better security and easy reprogramming. But they don’t have the same nostalgic charm!
In-Room Glassware
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Back in the day, every hotel room had real glass cups. They sat neatly by the sink, sometimes wrapped in paper for hygiene. Most hotels have swapped them for plastic-wrapped disposable cups or flimsy paper ones. Unfortunately, plastic cups feel cheap, and paper cups make drinking water feel like a fast-food experience.
Bathroom Phones
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Hotels added phones in the bathroom for safety reasons, in case guests slipped in the shower. But with cell phones in everyone’s pocket, these phones have been quietly removed. Now, the only place you might still find one is in an older, untouched luxury suite that hasn’t been updated in decades.
Electric Shoe Polishers in Hallways
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Electric shoe polishers were a lifesaver for travelers needing a quick shine before meetings. Usually tucked near elevators, these machines gave shoes a buff in seconds. Now, the best you can hope for is a small shoe-shining kit in the closet. It’s another small luxury lost to time.
In-Room Bibles
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A Bible on the nightstand was as common as a bedside lamp. It was meant to comfort travelers. Yet times have changed, and hotels have cited guest preferences, religious differences, and even theft as reasons to remove them. Some still offer this upon request, but they’re no longer a universal fixture.
Complimentary Slippers and Robes
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There was a time when hotel rooms came stocked with plush robes and cozy slippers, sometimes yours to keep. These days, unless you’re staying in a high-end property, you won’t find them. Some still provide robes upon request, but slippers are mostly history.
Turndown Service
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Turndown service was the cherry on top of a great hotel stay. Housekeeping would come in during the evening, straighten the bed, dim the lights, and leave a little chocolate on the pillow. It’s a small thing, but it made a difference. Now, guests just return to the same slightly rumpled bed they left that morning.
Hotel Gift Shops
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Hotel gift shops are disappearing fast despite being reliable spots for souvenirs, late-night snacks, or last-minute essentials. The rise of online shopping and convenience stores just down the street has made them unnecessary. So, if you forget your toothbrush, it’s an automatic trip to the nearest convenience store on the street.
Live Fish in Some Hotel Rooms
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Checking into a hotel would often come with an unexpected perk: a pet fish. Some upscale hotels, like the Monaco Hotel chain, offer in-room fish to keep solo travelers company. It was a quirky, low-maintenance touch that made stays feel more personal. The concept quietly faded as maintaining tanks and ensuring fish care became more hassle than hospitality.
In-Room Fireplaces
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Some rooms welcomed guests with a literal warm welcome—wood-burning or gas fireplaces that made winters extra cozy. Luxury hotels in colder climates leaned into this, with crackling flames and plush armchairs. However, fire codes, maintenance costs, and liability concerns have made this charming perk a rare find.
Library and Reading Rooms
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Library rooms provided busy guests a place to read, work, or relax. Some historic hotels, like The Algonquin in New York, kept well-stocked shelves of books. However, as free Wi-Fi became necessary, physical books lost appeal and those inviting spaces disappeared.
Business Centers
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Back when laptops were bulky, and Wi-Fi was unreliable, business centers were almost necessary for hotels. Rows of desktop computers, printers, and even fax machines kept traveling professionals connected. That was until technology kept up, with laptops becoming lighter and Wi-Fi getting faster, and suddenly, nobody wanted to trek downstairs to check their email.