10 amenities we wish more hotels had

With 24-karat-gold iPads, floating brunches, running concierges (to jog with you), and even pet psychics, hotel amenities are not just going over the top, but over the moon, in pursuit of an edge over rivals. However, after two and a half years reviewing hotels for Hotel Scoop, there are still many amenities that still remain absent from the majority of hotels. Here are just 10 we wish more hotels had.

Massage chair: After a grueling travel day, what better (free) welcome would there be than a session in one of the same massage chairs they have at the airport? After all, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a treatment in the hotel spa and takes far less time.

Cologne/perfume: Sure, choosing a cologne or perfume is very personal, but when you’ve forgotten yours (or simply run out) and don’t want to drop $100 on a full bottle, a tincture or sample size of even Calvin Klein would be great to get through a few days.

Waist level (or higher) power outlets: How many times do I have to get on hands and knees to follow a lamp chord to an outlet behind the bed or armchair? Is it so difficult or unsightly to put at least a few at waist level or above?

Windows that open: After hours in the compressed processed air of the airport and plane, the last thing I want is more at the hotel. Indeed, few things make me happier when checking into a room than the rare discovery of windows that open. More please.

Lap desk for working in bed: A proper desk and ergonomic chair sound great in theory, but more often than not I simply overturn the wooden coffee and tea tray to make work station in bed. A proper lap desk would be much more comfortable and far less messy.

Cables and chargers: When packing for a trip, probably the top of the checklist is reserved for each and every cable and charger for your devices — camera, phone, tablet and so on. Although some hotels now keep a few at the front desk, it would only cost a pittance to include a set in each room.

Pillows with speakers: I've only seen these once, at the Benjamin Hotel in NYC, but have never forgotten the experience. What's more soothing after a long flight than having your pillow sing you to sleep with the music of your choice? Just plug in your Mp3, launch Pink Floyd's Shine on you Crazy Diamond, and float into dreamworld.

Universal outlets: Thankfully tech savvy hotels are beginning to install universal outlets for all plug types in rooms, but the numbers are still few. The vast majority still rely on guests to remember (or pick up that airport) a universal adapter. Please put them waist high.

One switch to rule them all: It still amazes me how many light switches a hotel can fit into a room. More than once, I've simply given up trying to figure out which one connects to which light or outlet, especially when trying to find the bathroom at night. Why not add at least one master switch, or even big red button, to turn on everything?

Instruments: What better place to bust out your own version of Tiny Bubbles on the ukulele than on the beach outside your hotel or perhaps join a local jam session with a set of bongos? Making your own music is a lot more fun than the three-piece jazz trio in the lounge.