Not all hotels are designed the same. Some simply aim to provide a bed for the night while others offer luxury at a premium price. Then there are the ones in-between.
People stay at high end, ultra luxury hotels for different reasons. Many travel for business. Some may be “travel hackers” who aspire to goals like getting the best deal and hacking different hotels’ reward schemes. For others, it may be a once in a lifetime experience for their honeymoon or special occasion.
Whatever the reasons there are certain expectations when people stay at high-end hotels. Premium amenities and catering to need is expected. Since they are likely paying the premium price for their stay, they are right to expect all of those. Why do some hotels deliver while others fail?
Successful high-end hotels, whether they are part of a chain or independently operated, all share common similarities other than their price. Here are three things high-end hotels have in common.
1. Focus on Sleep Quality
No matter how luxurious a hotel may be, it is not home. Even the most seasoned road warriors have a hard time sleeping in an unfamiliar bed.
Everyone knows the benefit of getting a good night’s sleep, but not all hotels show it. This is probably the biggest thing that sets apart high-end hotels from the others – they cater to their guests’ sleep quality. They go beyond the usual Tempur-Pedic beds, expensive sheets and pillow menus; some even offer handmade mattresses.
2. Attention to Detail
High-end hotels provide attention to the smallest detail. This can be having a moisturizer ready in the bathroom on a cold day. When the recession hit, even high-end hotels had to cut back on some of their amenities. However, the successful ones have been able to discern which ones to keep and what they could get rid of.
Attention to detail can show up in the most unexpected way, like invisible hinges. An invisible hinge, whether it is for doors or cabinets, creates a clean line, achieving a look that is modern and premium. Such a look improves the overall experience of the guest. The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one hotel that uses invisible hinges throughout the hotel.
3. Aim to Delight
High-end hotels are about building relationships and creating a lasting impression to bring people back again and again. Their guests are not simply warm bodies to fill their beds.
With review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor so rampant, messing up on even the tiniest thing can make or break business. Quality hotels know this better than anyone else. Their goal is not simply to help guests have a good stay; they aim to delight.
See what other similarities high-end and boutique hotels share in common by checking out our free hospitality design guide.