“Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) is a motto stringently followed by most hotels in India to ensure no guest leaves fraught. Guests are often welcomed to a property with a complimentary drink, free water bottles, a cheerful smile and immediate help with luggage. However, expecting similar standards of Indian hospitality at hotels across the world could leave one feeling disappointed. Recently, an Indian man took to X to slam American hotels for their lack of hospitality compared to their Indian counterparts. Read on!
Man Starts American Hotels Versus Indian Hotels Debate On X
Ishan Sharma an X user from Bengaluru took to the microblogging site to share his “biggest culture shock” on reaching the USA. In his post, he said that American hotels just don’t get hospitality. He mentioned that it’s funny how hotels in America ask for tips but won’t even give their guests complimentary water. Furthermore, in his post, he informed that he stayed at 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels (Caesar’s Palace) and yet faced the same treatment.
My biggest culture shock – American Hotels
They just don’t get hospitality.
Funny how they ask for tips but won’t even give complementary water.
I stayed at 3 star, 4 star AND today 5 star hotel (Caesar’s Palace)
Maybe I’m spoilt with Taj hotels in India.
But basic things… pic.twitter.com/RkB84F69R0
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 12, 2024
He ponders, that perhaps he was spoilt by Taj hotels in India. Ishan later gets into the details about the reasons for his disappointment with American hotels. From being accommodating to helping with luggage, these hotels lack basic things. The X user said he checked in at 2 AM tired after a long flight asked for water at the reception. He was informed that a 200 ml water bottle cost $14.99 (₹1250 approx.).
This happened at a hotel that charges $200(₹16,790 approx.) per night. The X user slammed hotels in the USA for a “complete lack of empathy”. He said he never expected it and it was unbelievable.
Also Read: 8 City Hotels In Mumbai That You Can Book For The August Long Weekend
Netizens Have Mixed Reactions
Netizens empathised with his plight. While many hailed Indian hotels for their hospitality, others threw light on how hotels in the USA worked differently. @immasiddtweets commented that nobody beats Taj Group when it comes to hospitality. @deedydas called Indian hospitality a notch above American. @Perfi_X joked about Americans visiting Asia for its hospitality.
No one beats Tata Group when it comes to hospitality!
— sid (@immasiddtweets) August 12, 2024
Americans come to Asia for hospitality!
You will get best loyalty recognition in SE Asia & India only and it is not limited to Taj.
Marriott, ITC, Accor are also there & Hyatt is the best in terms of loyalty recognition :)
— Kashif Ansari 🇮🇳 کاشف انصاری (@Perfi_X) August 12, 2024
Indian hospitality standards are by far the highest, indian brands must take this lead…we can be a global leader in this sector….
— Keval (@kevalb26) August 12, 2024
However, @sjlazars showed the other side of the coin. He told Ishan in the comments section that America understands hospitality differently. They focus on providing basic facilities, unlike Asian hotels and flights that offer a bit extra. Others told the X user how America’s tip system is part of its culture. And unlike Indian hotels, one can get clean drinking water from taps in American hotels.
Ishan, America understands hospitality differently !! Whether it be planes, hotels, Restaraunt’s, ships etc
It’s been so for decades.
Their concept is just to provide the basic facilities, unlike in Asia / India where we are spoilt by Airlines hotels and the like with extras.…
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) August 12, 2024
Is anyone going to point out the obvious…
that you can drink the tap water at American hotels, but you cannot at most in India?
So in India the free bottled water is likely mandatory and necessary
Whereas in America the bottled water at a hotel is usually “fancy”
— Nick Gray / How to Make Friends (@nickgraynews) August 12, 2024
Meanwhile, do let us in on your stand in this American versus Indian hotels debate.
Cover Image Courtesy: @Ishansharma7390/ X
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