Due to the type of work I do, I do a lot of travelling hence I have experienced a number of hotels.  Having stayed in hotels in different countries (UK, USA, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Singapore), here are my observations.

The 3-4 Star Hotel

Typically, have bottles or bars of soap, an endless flow of new towels, all the lights left on in the room, and if there is a fridge in the room it is on (even when empty).....so what am I trying to say here?  Let's examine what happens.

• Soap: I use a small amount of the hotel's soap (soap bar or bottle).  In some hotels they will throw away my partly used bar of soap or bottle and give me a new set, especially if I am there for the whole week.

• Towels: I use a towel, and hang it up on the rail (if there is one).  Many hotels will give me a new set of towels daily!  I have tried hiding the towel, but this means they bring me a new set anyway.  In a couple of hotels I have stayed in, the fact that I have been in the room means they'll change all my towels regardless!  One major hotel chain told me they have a deal with their laundrette, so they are charged per room occupied.  Hence it is not big deal to change the towels everyday and there is no cost saving if they don't change the towels!
• Lights: Have observed that many hotels do use fluorescent or energy saving bulbs.  For those with key cards, the electricity does not come on until the key card is placed into a card slot.  However for hotels still with standard keys, I am amazed that commonly when I enter my room after a hard day's work that all the lights are left on.

• TVs: Common practice for these to be on standby mode as this is the hotel's method of mass communication when they remember to use it in cases of false alarms, etc.

• Trash:  I throw it in the bins provided regardless of the type of trash.

Role Models

The most environmentally conscious hotels so far have been in Sweden and Canada.  Some in the UK are starting to move in that direction.

• Soap: This is stored in a soap dispenser screwed into the wall.  Hence if the soap levels are low, housekeeping fills it up.  Okay so I can't take the soap bottles any longer as travel soap but as a responsible adult, will have to give up a couple of fringe benefits.
  Left: Soap dispenser in shower; Right: Close up view of soap dispenser!

• Towels: A notice sits in the bathroom that towels will not be changed unless they have been thrown into the bathtub or are on the floor.
• Lights: A hotel in the UK had a night light that went on at the entrance when you first entered the room.  It was then your choice to switch on the lights required.

• Trash:  Have only seen recycle bins offered in the rooms in Sweden and Canada.

The "Residence Inn" style hotel

I can only comment on the American style "self catering" hotel here.  Whilst I appreciate the freedom of being able to cook for myself, it really hurts my head to observe the following:

• Dirty dishes: One dirty dish or glass and house keeping will place it in the dish washer and wash it!  There is no draining rack or dishwashing soap.  We are actively encouraged to use the dish washer.
• Paper towels: As much as I like.  All I want is a rag under the sink to wipe up spilt liquid, wipe down the surfaces, etc.
• Fridges: Empty but left on.

With more people commenting on hotel practices, we will see hotels changing the way they operate more rapidly.