There is no exact definition for luxury hotels other than that people expect them to be expensive. Hotel star ratings from AAA or industry publications are at best arbitrary. Many four and five star hotels bill themselves as luxury hotels even though there are no set standards.
But one thing is certain. High-end luxury hotels have certain details that the other class of hotels can’t emulate, either because they cost too much or they don’t fit the type of clientele they’re going after. Here are some incredible details that are never noticed in luxury hotels.
1. Doors
Most people don’t pay attention to their room doors or cabinet doors when they’re at a hotel. Yet doors represent some of the finest details of what sets luxury hotels from others. Everything from the material to finish to hinges complement the hotel’s style and decor.
Luxury hotels that have deep history aim for more traditional look. Contemporary luxury hotels tend to go for more minimalist design. Hidden door hinges or invisible hinges can achieve a clean look that doesn’t detract from the design.
2. Services
Hotel business is known as hospitality business for a reason. Guests expect friendliness and courtesy. But what tips the scale from just okay to exceptional is how some of the services are performed.
Luxury hotels understand that people instinctively respond to their name favorably. One’s own name has been known as the most pleasant word that can be uttered. That’s why luxury hotel personnel address everyone by his/her name. They do this in such a discreet and subtle way that you might not even notice it, but the pleasant feeling lingers.
3. Cleanliness
You would think a clean hotel room is a given, but you’d be surprised. You’ll often come across shocking truths on how housekeeping is really done in even the most posh hotels. If you can blissfully spare yourself from the gross details, good for you.
Luxury hotels that get consistently high reviews on aggregate websites (e.g. TripAdvisor) and enjoy a ton of repeat visitors have the cleanliness factor locked down, even if you stay only one night.
4. Technology
Key-less entries, automatic check-ins and outs, a mobile app that tells you when your room is ready – these are the technological triumphs that make luxury hotels better than others.
They can afford to build a proprietary app that handles the mundane details, so they can focus on the part that really matters – having a competent concierge that can meet any demands.
Although many functions of hotel business are becoming more and more automated, people will always crave personal attention and human interaction from luxury hotels. Amenities that can foresee and meet guests’ needs and impeccable services are all details that make luxury hotels successful.