I've had a few memorable meals in hotel restaurants. The Pressoir d Argent in the Grand Hotel du Bordeaux is a Mich. 1-star. Even room service was fabulous. The Four Seasons in Phila had one of the best restaurants in town, the Fountain Room, which , alas, is gone. Lacroix, at the Rittenhouse is still top notch.
But yes, hotel restaurants are mainly for 24 hr room service and breakfast buffets, which are critical for a business traveler.
I've seen a trend in some NYC hotels where the room service comes in take out containers with disposable silverware. Same high prices for a big drop in quality. French fries and Reuben s don't survive in that steamy package. And I hate plastic utensils.