MSNBC's travel columnist has an article entitled "12 strange and confusing things about hotels". The author, James Wysong, is a former airline flight attendant and, expectedly, writes from a crew member's perspective.

The article starts with "useless signs" noting that in "the ceiling (in his room) is an emergency sprinkler system with a sticker on it. I can't quite read it, so I stand on the bed and jump closer to read this important message. It says, do not hang items from this fixture. Really? Considering that I would need a ladder to reach it, is it that necessary to tell me this?"

Fair point but Mr. Wysong probably has not heard of websites such as bedjump.com which has photos posted by hotels guests who take inexplicable pleasure in pounding on their beds with their bodies in gravity defying positions. He also complains about toilet paper rolls being left shaped as a pointed triangle as unnecessary - he fails to realize that it is the hotels' way of conveying that it is a fresh roll.

Other observations include wastefully large sized soaps that are discarded with each guest use, overpriced mini bar items (especially overseas), large gaps under connecting room doors, Bidets (evidently he does not share the European enthusiasm for cleanliness), hidden charges - a particularly valid and outrageous practice among some hotels and suggested room rates on doors - an unfortunate necessity imposed by some local governments.

Vijay is Chief Operating Officer and part-founder of Apple Core Hotels- a chain of 5 midtown Manhattan hotels offering value and comfort in the heart of the city.Member of the board of Directors - Hotel Association of New York.  www.vijaydandapani.com