103. Noise Notice: Anticipatory and Thoughtful Gesture

Quite some years ago, upon arriving at my room at The Mira in Hong Kong, I saw a notice letter on the study desk, informing guests of renovation works from the adjacent building (not related to the hotel itself) during certain hours during the daytime. It apologised for any potential inconvenience it might cause and included some usual pleasantries about the stay. 

What made the difference in this anticipatory notice was the accompanying palm-size "Noise Reduction Kit", which included:

  • A complimentary beverage at the lounge/bar
  • A 10-min (or was it 15?) complimentary head and shoulder massage at the spa
  • A pair of ear plugs
  • A mini Toblerone 

The following day, I had an early breakfast meeting, followed by various appointments and returned to my room in the late afternoon. Soon after, I heard some drilling sounds from a distant...and surprisingly, instead of feeling exasperated or frustrated, I simply smiled. 

While I did not utilise any of the items/benefits during my stay, the thoughtfulness and creativity behind this well-designed kit were certainly appreciated. 


Reflective thoughts: While some guests may be satisfied with such a gesture, there would still be others who remain unmoved and complain about the noise regardless. Do you think it is a worthwhile effort, since there would be complaints regardless of what the hotel does to pre-empt them? 

At your hotel, is information about exterior cleaning/maintenance works/closure of outlet/renovation noises and other inconveniences disseminated to guests only by way of a notice letter in the room? How can we be more creative, more considerate and more delightful so as to create a positive association (from a potentially negative situation) after all?


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