Originally Posted by
s0ssos
Is it possible to enjoy luxury hotels with high expectations? If you think you are paying a lot does that mean setting yourself up for disappointment? Are the people who enjoy the high-end stuff just used to spending lots of money and not thinking it is splurging
People who feel they are splurging can sometimes have expectations that are a bit unrealistic, and might therefore be less able to just relax and enjoy their stay.
The same thing applies to "aspirational" guests of fine restaurants vs. those who are accustomed to dining at that level (esp. regulars). The former group might expect perfection before even walking in the door, and therefore come in with a bias that makes them less apt to enjoy the experience. The latter group has a more highly developed sense of what to expect, and is more likely to relax and enjoy the overall experience, focusing on the positive aspects and perhaps not thinking as much about minor problems or service issues.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with splurging on something special, but I think it helps to make sure one's expectations are realistic. Also, try to relax, enjoy, and look for the good points about the experience.
It can also be easy for people who "splurge" on top end hotel accommodation in very expensive cities to feel disappointed, because the rates are so high more because of demand than for any other reason. It's very possible to pay $1,000 a night for a rather unremarkable hotel room and not really get anything special in those cases. So, again, realistic expectations are important, as is knowing when to "splurge" and when it may not be worth it.