LOL. I guess everyone's experiences are different. I don't spend much time in hallways of hotels, nor would I categorize the Pulitzer's stairways as creaky.

Luxury has a rather loose definition, but in all of my stays at the Pulitzer (just four, I suppose), I've had amazing rooms with hardwood floors, exposed beams, an amazing amount of windows for something so old, heated mirrors and floors, etc.

I've always found the staff extremely friendly and willing to talk to me like a person, not the gross subservience found in many high-end hotels in Asia. But I realize that some people expect to be treated differently because of money -- just not my style.

Having a nice heated marble floor to step out of the shower and a Bose Wave radio to listen to as I fall asleep...seems luxurious enough to me.