If you like to travel with a bit of luxury, you also know just how much planning goes into making sure that everything is absolutely perfect on your trip. Of course, the destination of your holiday, as well as the way you are getting there will both be incredibly important. However, choosing the right accommodation is what might take the most time and research, since your hotel is where you will be spending a big chunk of your time. To help you out with the selection process, here are some of the key things to look out for in a luxury hotel.
Hotel Star Rating
The star rating that a hotel has achieved can tell you a lot about it right off the bat. These ratings are not given out with a light hand – the stars represent a level of comfort, cleanliness and luxury in the hotel, all of which was accredited based on thorough inspections. For instance, Iberotstar’s 5 star hotels in Cancun have achieved this rating through their exceptional service, state-of-the-art facilities, luxury dining options and much more. If you are looking for that kind of experience, aiming for a 4- or 5-star hotel will guarantee you a level of luxury.
Location
The location of your chosen hotel is incredibly important too. Depending on your personal preferences, do you want it to be located right on the beach, somewhere in nature or right in the busy center of the city? The best way to decide this is by making a list of things you want to see and do during your visit. A convenient location of the hotel will allow you to easily access restaurants, beaches, shops and more.
Amenities
An important part of luxury is being able to spoil yourself with things you typically don’t at home. This will be reflected in the range of amenities that are available in the hotel. For example, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, spa, on-site luxury dining restaurants and cafes, relaxing lounges and so on. Some hotels will also have golf or tennis courts available, free yoga and dancing classes or any other facilities that guests may enjoy.
Personalized Experience
When you are paying a premium for a hotel, you should expect to receive a premium experience too. This is typically done by providing some personalized touches to your stay – the staff should put more effort into getting to know you and your needs as well as make adjustments based on them. Receiving a personal experience in a luxury hotel makes you feel important and special, which is the opposite of what the majority of budget hotels offer.
Customer Service
Ideally, a luxury hotel will have the most top tier customer service available during all stages of your holiday (including booking the room, check-in, check-out and even post-holiday). The booking process itself should be easy and convenient, with help available in case you have any questions or requirements. Any issues that you encounter during your stay should be dealt with swiftly and professionally, to ensure that your experience with the hotel has not been compromised. All in all, all staff, from housekeeping to the gardeners, should be well-trained, helpful and always meet you with a smile.
Design
You can be almost certain that a high-end hotel will have a beautiful interior inside and out; however, the styles of them may vary greatly. This is a choice that you should make based on your own personal preferences. Think about the look and aesthetic that you associate with a luxurious place and don’t choose anything that doesn’t fit that image. For some people, this will be a Victorian style hotel with historical features and lots of elegance. Others may prefer a new hotel, with minimal and clean styles, marble flooring and large glass windows.
Transportation Options
Most luxury hotels will try to go above and beyond with their services, so having transportation available on-site is not an unreasonable expectation. While this might come at an additional cost, some hotels will offer you an airport pick-up and drop off, so you don’t have to worry about booking a transfer yourself. You may also be able to use the hotel cars to get to other places and attractions during your holiday. Not everyone will find this necessary but, if there’s a possibility to eliminate yet another added stress of planning a holiday, resulting in a more convenient, luxury experience, then why not use it?
Small Details
All of the points mentioned above are very important when choosing a hotel, but sometimes the small details are what really makes our experience feel high-end. Such little things as high-end toiletries, plush robes and slippers in the room, a welcome card and chocolates, fresh flowers in the room, etc. is what will end up staying in your memory once you leave the hotel. If your chosen accommodation is able to provide all the right facilities as well as the extra added touches to make your stay more special then it is what makes it a winner.
