Originally Posted by
behuman
Nice that you appear to feel like me. We both must be over 50
. Poorly behaving guests can spoil the luxury experience and an enforcement of dress code is for the good of all. I know that places like Aman do not enforce anything and this works if all are respectful. Places like Salzburg and Glyndebourne show that you can get people dressed up (at 99 %) by simple social pressure.
Just remember that middle aged fat guy on the verandah at Amangalla with a very unsexy tank top and barefoot (one foot on the coffee table) - I escaped to the pool.
Dress code (and why not restrictions on children) are an essential part of a luxury hotel and definitely make the place being such - period!
My mind is incredibly divided. On the one hand, there is a strong self-centeredness and fiercely "democratic" sensibility that has eroded long standing traditions of decorum. It's rather unique, historically, that the same garment (jeans) used in farm labour is now suitable for upper class functions, to just name one example. I'm not comfortable with this, or where this shift intellectually comes from.
On the other hand, hotels function as a home-away-from-home, and the appeal of "comfort" garments such as pyjamas, singlets/tank tops, sweatpants, dressing gowns, etc transcends class boundaries.
The best compromise I can reach inside my own head is to consider the venue. I'd expect a higher standard of dress (country club casual or sophisticated urbanite) at a city centre luxury property. Likewise, I'd expect a far more relaxed sensibility at a beach resort.
Originally Posted by
nba1017
Where are you treated like a queen?
Also, I disagree entirely. Luxury is understated, not obsequious.
I agree. In the last few decades, the term luxury has become rather cheap and tends to be a buzzword to stroke the egos of the working/middle class consumer or the nouveau riche. An obsequious service standard screams this.
(On a related note) As a native NY'er, I wouldn't recommend NYC properties, as understated is not NY's forte, and the staff has this bizarre superiority complex. Earning $10/hr at a 5* apparently makes them a better human being than earning $10/hr at McDonalds. If I come across a property infected by "Butler's Syndrome,"* it's immediately in the gutter, IMO.
*I am referring to the story trope of an aristocrat (often easy-going) served by an extraordinarily pompous or condescending butler.
My criteria:
~Club lounge
~Dining that justifies the above-market rate; the Italian restaurant is not the main restaurant. (I see a menu of $20 US spaghetti plates as a form of highway robbery and very declasse)
~Personal but understated service. Remember my name and recurring requests. When the waiter offers me the same tea/beer/wine/cocktail I ordered 2 days ago, I love that. Don't pester me. I want to rest, not be caught by housekeeping round 3 in my boxer shorts when I'm changing for dinner. If I need you, I will telephone.
~24 hour room service. If I am hungry and none of your 4+ restaurants can run me up something, or if you won't make me a burger at 11:40pm when the kitchen shuts at midnight....God have mercy on you, because I won't on the FT TR or on TA.
~A competent concierge. I want someone who actually can provide "insider" info on dining, nightlife, theatre etc, not just vend marked-up tour tickets.
~Free internet. This is a luxury property in a major metropolis. You are being paid hundreds of USD per night. Don't charge me $20 per day like a mediocre 4* business hotel.
~Amazing breakfast. Whatever is served must be superb. Supermarket croissants won't cut it. The fruit must be top notch. There should be made-to-order and items I couldn't prepare at home for under $5. I shouldn't have to eat the same jam twice during a 4 night stay.
"We apologise, sir, but we've run out" should never ring in my ear.