Here is more of the “more” you can expect from a state-of-the-art hotel:

Bigger rooms.
In the old days, a hotel room could barely hold a reading chair next to the full-size bed. Some of the new rooms now measure over 500 square feet, making the room itself a place where couples will want to hang out and have some time alone. In fact, many “standard” rooms today have king-size beds, as well as living areas with a writing table and a love seat.

Luxe stuff.
When people go on a vacation, they want their room to be nicer than their bedroom back home, and the hotels know it. That’s why big-screen TVs, VCRs and CD players—common in many households—are becoming standard-issue in hotels, along with everything from plusher fabrics to poofier bath towels.

More glamorous bathrooms.
Bathrooms are getting ever grander and glitzier. A separate shower and tub, two sinks, marble-and-brass décor, vanity lighting and mirrors, hair dryers - these are becoming standard. And those tiny bottles are going upscale too. Shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers are often from spas or specialty stores. Some hotels have even created their own special house brand.

Gonzo gadgetry.
The hotel TV set is quickly becoming a technology center. You can watch in-house videos about area attractions and hotel happenings, as well as recent blockbuster movies. At many hotels, you can check out or check your bill from the TV screen. Some trend-setting hoteliers provide all the technology (cell phones, e-mail, Internet connections) guests need to stay in touch with the world—if they want to. 

Better service.
Because ‘the connected generation’ has based their opinion of service on technology, guests today have a higher expectation for good service. Technology serves customers 24/7, technology doesn’t have rude personnel — so hotels are working hard to develop a we-can-do-it-anytime attitude in their staffs. 

More newlywed extras.
Hoteliers also know that no matter how much a couple has traveled before, they still want their honeymoon to be a special trip. So most hotels cater to newlyweds by greeting them with champagne, fresh fruit or floral arrangements. Some even give honeymooners free room upgrades when better rooms are available. At the cutting edge: Honeymoon concierges, who will help couples create their dream itinerary.

Environmentally-friendly hotels.
Hotels want their guests to get the most out of what’s outside, too. Along with eco-friendly efforts like recycling and water conservation, hotels are going “green” with on-site habitats for native flora and fauna, or guided hikes through the region’s natural settings. Some hotels now offer “eco-rooms,” with open-air showers and trees growing right through the roof.

Hoteliers are also working to bring guests another “outside” experience: that of their destinations’ native culture with concerts by local children’s choirs, sessions with a local storyteller, even traditional artwork on the walls. Curious guests have a chance to experience their honeymoon spot’s true spirit. The best of home and the best of away—that’s what today’s top hotels are offering.

By Risa R. Weinraub