What makes a luxury hotel stand out?

I think it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with finding the perfect place to stay. Clearly I love to travel and although seeing a destination is obviously first on the agenda, finding an amazing base to do it from really is the icing on the cake.

So what do I think makes a luxury hotel stand out from the crowd? I’m not talking about good beds, stunning bathrooms or high thread counts as these should all be a given but rather the little things that can really make a difference.

Welcome

First up, I think a good welcome is really important. First impressions are huge and I have experienced wildly different check in procedures at hotels across the world. Where possible I would much rather sit down away from any queues and sign the paperwork. A welcome drink is always a good idea but depending on where I’m travelling from can be better to have at a time that suits rather than on entry. Same goes for a hotel tour or a room familiarisation, the last thing I want to do if I have have just stepped off a long haul flight. Having your luggage whisked away and feeling like the greeting is personal is always a winner in my book. A handwritten note or a welcome gift in your room also elevates the experience.

Room

It’s always more appealing to have an individually decorated room rather than a more corporate approach although I understand in bigger hotels that this may not always be possible. As I alluded to earlier, the usual luxury amenities should all be a given. Space is a massive luxury in my opinion and even entry level rooms should not be claustrophobic. On to the traditional mini bar. I have a real bug bear about mini bars. Seriously what is the point of them? All too often it is just a ridiculously priced nonsense with snacks that have probably sat there for way too long. Conversely, when done well they can be a real highlight. The best I have seen are included in the room rate and would probably be difficult to call a mini bar as they stock full size products. Personally I prefer drinks/snacks included in the room rate or not at all. Another great way of doing it can be to have a pantry which you can help yourself to. I also like any hotel that provides tea making facilities as many only have coffee machines and I am not a coffee drinker. I think I have only ever seen a tea making machine (is that a thing?) in one hotel and it was absolute heaven for my husband and I. Little things like complimentary water and fresh milk make the difference. Also how can any city hotel not provide complimentary wi-fi. I really like to see an area guide in the room because any hotel with a sense of place will know the best places to eat and drink as well as the most interesting things to do. It’s also a good way of promoting the local area.

Sustainability

In this day and age it is vital that the luxury hotel can prove its eco credentials. Is there a sustainability policy? Can you see any evidence of best practice? Simple things from full size refillable toiletries in bathrooms, not changing towels daily to bottling their own water all help.

Food

It’s good to see more luxury hotels investing in farm to fork cuisine or at least making a commitment to using local produce. On the food front, I really like to see a variety of dining options. While fine dining is often superb sometimes you just want a casual option or even a slice of pizza. Obviously for smaller properties this is not always appropriate so in this case it’s good to see a varied menu or one within keeping to the locality. Flexibility is also key, for example it’s really lovely when there is no set time for breakfast or you can have dinner in any number of locations.

Staff and Service

A genuine desire to provide warm hospitality along with incredible service really sets a place apart. In an international world it’s always heartening to see local staff being trained and prepared to rise through the ranks. I’m always delighted when room service or turndown service is coordinated with your absence from the room. Not always an easy task but which some hotels do exceptionally well. I also really like pool service to be slick and not a major undertaking to get somebody’s attention. From a grand dame luxury hotel to a smaller luxury boutique, it’s always the people that really make a difference. I even remember shedding a tear on departure from an African lodge, this is when you know they have it spot on.

Are we in agreement? What do you look for in a luxury hotel? I would love to hear your thoughts over on Substack.