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Have you stayed in a hotel before? Because of favorable tax rules, hotels have turned into a cartel business. Every aspect of the hotel experience is worse than it was 10, 15 or 20 years ago. Because the top 5 hotel chains control more rooms than the rest of the industry, they are able to segment and spare every expense. Jumping brands doesn’t help because they ape each other. The default experience is no housekeeping, two towels, a price 30-50% more on an inflation adjusted basis, prepaid at checkin.

Since the 1970s, when modern conservative legal theory started to take root, the playbook for American business is tumor growth followed by cost cutting, even at expense of the business itself.

Medical networks and sub-entities are no different. Nursing homes are a preview of the future - they provide an operational money losing minimum viable service, but the owners are able to walk away with substantial returns on the real estate and overheads. In 10 years the default will be chat with ChatGPY, followed by a video call with a NP in India or the Philippines and wait 4 months to see a provider in person.




> two towels

Why is everyone obsessed with towels? This is not the first time I’ve seen this indicated as a standard for quality, but I don’t understand. Do you _need_ more than two towels?


I typically travel with my family of 3-4 people. I also prefer to use a fresh towel if I shower after a workout or some other interval that doesn’t align with housekeeping.

And honestly, what’s the bfd? The marginal cost of washing a towel should easily be supported by my $350/night expense to stay at Hampton Inn or whatever.

The cheapness has moved beyond that now. I’ve encountered properties who refuse to refresh sheets now, or require a request to be made at a time like 3pm, when you arrive at 8pm.


Hmm, I always read this as two towels for one person. I guess I’ve never encountered a hotel that didn’t give me at least as many towels as the people staying. That’s just absurd.


To add, I have never been to a place that wouldn't give you another towel if you gave a 10 second call to the front desk


Depends on how many people are staying and for how long... Though you can just request more.




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