I don't know about you, but my idea of hotel heaven changes depending on whether I'm travelling for business or pleasure.

When it's a work trip, I'm looking for efficiency first and foremost. I want a quick check-in, preferably self-operated at a kiosk or terminal or better still on my phone. My room needs to be just perfect - the bed not too hard, not too soft and the same with the temperature – not too warm, not too cold; just right. Excellent Wi-Fi is essential for the laptop, replying to emails on the phone is a hassle I can do without.

If I'm eating in, I want a decent room-service menu or a restaurant that isn’t going to make me feel uneasy if I'm sitting on my own. As it’s for business, a swift laundry service to iron a shirt or two is a must because I don't like ironing!

Breakfast needs to start early and the coffee must be good. When it comes to settling the bill, I like to pay in pounds sterling rather than the local currency so that I know I'm within my limit for expenses. Finally, I want a speedy self-check-out. Let me drop off the key card and just email me the invoice because I need to jump in a taxi for the first meeting of the day and traffic is so unpredictable at rush hour.

Get these basics right and I'll rate your hotel highly and recommend you to colleagues.

You might not agree but I don’t think I'm overly demanding as a business traveller. Occasionally, depending on my schedule, I'll look for a gym I can use and maybe a swimming pool. If I'm entertaining, I'll want a recommendation for a good local restaurant to impress a business contact.

Efficiency and experience

It's a different story when I'm on holiday.

I still want efficiency, but I'm also looking for an experience to share. The hotel needs the wow factor. That can be a great setting, amazing interior design, or brilliant staff – ideally all three.

If we’re on the coast a view of the sea really makes a difference. If by mistake, I somehow manage to get a booking wrong, I truly appreciate being upgraded to a beach facing room. Apparently, I'm not alone here – studies show one way to impress guests is personal upgrades – top of the list being rooms with a view.

Hotels that go the extra mile

When I'm on holiday, it's the little things that make the difference. Staff that take the time to learn your name and are happy to share their insider tips about the city or area you're in. Since I have more time, I want a relaxed breakfast - and yes, I will have another cup of coffee thanks.

I also want a few more creature comforts in my room and useful modern technology. Decent toiletries, a hairdryer, a TV that I can connect to my tablet or phone to play films. A fridge with free water is a nice touch. I haven’t stayed in a hotel with this yet, but I love the idea of being able to control the lights and heating/air con from my phone – let's face it – not everyone wants their room at 21°C. The more comfortable I feel, the happier I am.

Stress free payments

One thing I don't want to worry about is paying for things.

Like my business trips, I much prefer being able to pay in my own currency so I can keep track of what I'm spending. I also want to have the choice of paying with all the same methods I use at home, including digital wallets.

Modern mobile terminals have made the whole process so much smoother and faster – I can lie on a sun lounger and order and pay for some snacks and drinks, knowing there won't be a sting in the tail when I check my statement at home. To be honest, I'm more likely to push the boat out if I know exactly what something is costing me.

Of course, there are also benefits for the hotel offering currency conversion services (DCC). As well as offering guests more choice, it's a useful new revenue stream.