I’ve always been told “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and “the waitress doesn’t cook the food” as well as other warnings against assumptions. When
So, what can you base opinions on, or use on a general indicator? Well, when it comes to establishments, (restaurants, gas stations, malls, etc) I “judge” by the restroom.
That may sound odd, but if you think about it, a business that really cares about its customers will pay attention to details, and have a well-maintained bathroom. Meanwhile, a business whose main focus is making money, will cut corners, and one of the easiest places to abandon and neglect that is in the restroom, since that is not a required service. ( I mean, seriously, what employee wants to start their day cleaning the bowl?
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being “I’d rather take a dump in garbage truck” and 10 being “I would happily bring a book and stay awhile”) The top of the list, at 9.5 (I’ve never met a full out ten in a public restroom) are upper colleges, and hotel lobbies. These are the ones with carpet, couches and large, full-length mirrors. Everything is clean, calm, but does not reek of Lysol, bleach, or have tacky, neon colored wallpaper or tile.
On the other end of the scale, at 1, are gas stations, and most fast-food restaurants. Many of these are covered in graffiti, smell of sewage or worse, are always out of toilet paper, and the sight of the floor makes you want to gag. Now sadly, most people will stop at this sort of place when they travel by car, thinking they have no other option. My advice, would be to try a truck stop, which ranks about 7 (truckers have rather high standards about such things, apparently) or a large food chain like Burger King or Subway, which ranks 5 or 6, (they are more keenly interested in meeting health standards).
Now, it may come as no surprise that the people at colleges and hotels are normally the most friendly, willing to help, and are available at your need. They are efficient, and accommodating. Meanwhile, the people at the gas station are abrupt, merely adequate at best, and want to spend your money and leave. Their services are quick and sufficient, but not much else.
So, next time you wonder if you really want to know how well your being cared for, ask where the restroom is. This test also works with most family home (except those with small children) and so forth. And on a side note, it wouldn’t hurt to compliment the cleaning staff. We always thank the cook at a restaurant, and the concierge at a hotel, but if you appreciated the atmosphere of the restroom, there is nothing wrong with saying so. Maybe more business would take the hint, if they knew we were paying attention.