A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
I would not consider W to be a luxury brand, especially in terms of service at most locations (Hong Kong is close to an exception IME). Similarly, I wouldn't include JW as to me it seems too cookie-cutter in style to be true luxury. OTOH, the LRM subset of LM is close to luxury, such as the Plaza Athenee in Bangkok.
However, I would add that on the SPG side, many Design Hotels are luxury, although they have limited published elite benefits (but YMMV at particular properties as I've received full Plat benefits at some of them).
If part of your idea of luxury is a highly individual property that doesn't feel like part of a chain, some of LC and Design Hotels would be the best bet.
Note that there some luxury properties that have limited participation in the SPG and MR programs.