What makes your hotel stay memorable?

We had been in the car all day, and were finally wending our way towards Chalons-en-Champagne, looking for our hotel. My command of the french language was supposedly better than my husband's, so I got out of the car to ask directions to the Hotel d'Angleterre.

"Trois etoiles madame!" the woman said, clearly thinking that I was not three star material. I persisted, and we found the hotel, parking in the back lot.

We checked in, and went up to our room. I opened the shutters, and looked out as the golden light of the late afternoon warmed the church and town square below.  We later went to eat dinner in the hotel restaurant, which was the reason for the three stars. Although the dinner cost as much as the room, it was well worth the price. That was one of my most memorable hotel experiences. Since I am not much of a shopper, the memories I carry back are my favorite souvenirs. 

The recent issue of Travel & Leisure magazine asked their readers to share memorable hotel experiences. Many cited the exemplary service they experienced, and others had funny stories. What are your stories? We all like to get personal recommendations - where would you send your friends?