I’m a fan of hotel executive club floors. I like the exclusivity of staying in a “hotel within a hotel.” I like the designated check-in desk and concierge service. I like having access to a quiet respite amid the daily hustle and bustle of hotel living.

I especially like the lounge with its complimentary breakfast, often-panoramic views, evening cocktails and selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts that can easily serve as a light dinner.

Most of all, I like getting all of this comfort and service for, what I believe, is a reasonable rate step — especially when I’m sharing a room with my husband.

I did a quick search of a few 4- and 5-star hotels in Boston, checking the club floor rate versus the standard rate for a one-night stay on the same dates and in equivalent room categories. Booking one month in advance, the search revealed a rate differential of $60 to $185 per night to upgrade to the club floor. I’ve booked club-floor rooms in other cities for an upcharge of less than $30 per night. That easily covers the cost of breakfast for two, and the rest is a bonus.

In the November issue, Global Traveler contributor Lois Friedland gets into the nitty-gritty details as she weighs the benefits and costs of upgrading to hotel executive floors. Be sure to check out her article and let us know what you think.

We also take a look at how local disasters — financial, manmade or natural — can impact the global economy, and we travel around the world with stops in Durban, Melbourne, Shanghai, Phuket, Salt Lake City, Ho Chi Minh City, Madrid, Tel Aviv and the Greek Islands.

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