Welcome / Greeting ceremonies, process
 

Some luxury resorts welcome guests with ceremonies or extended greetings. The circumstances can vary and I would appreciate your opinion.

I confess up front that I likely never would appreciate a welcome ceremony or other extended greeting. Understand that I am mostly introverted and easily embarrassed whilst Jim will talk and hula with anyone at all.

Best case in point is Laucala in Fiji which pulls out all the stops. In our case this followed a 22-hour journey on three planes from SFO and all I wanted to do upon arrival was drink something large and very alcoholic and go to bed. Instead, we descended the small plane to an eight-person island band playing, singing and swaying. And, they were good! And adorable.

The general manager was there, a short speech was made, more playing and singing. Flowers were given. We each were given a chilled and dripping coconut with straw but no alcohol. Everyone was so damn nice and sweet ... and I just wanted to go to ef to sleep.

I expect such elaborate greetings work better when one has not been flying over an extended period. What do you think?

I am not a huge fan of welcome ceremonies either.
The nicest one was Amanbagh.

I dislike them. They make me quite crabby. I'm happy to get a cold towel and beverage. That's refreshing. I'm happy to sit in comfortable seating and be brought my registration documents. But I really detest the gong hitting, the petal throwing, and the little dance performances. I will be more open to it after I'm settled and rested, but even then, it all seems a bit plastic to me.

I mostly enjoy short ceremonies, even in the middle of the night or after a long flight, but short not like the one you experienced in Laucala!!! What I dislike more is when I have to confirm dates and activities and whatnot upon check in when I cannot even think clearly after a long flight. Give me a piece of paper with everything so that I have time to look at it and then we can talk more later or next day.

hear hear!

Oh, Kat, Pierre, and SanDiego, how I agree with you.

It's not that I mind the ceremonies themselves, it's just - as you've pointed out - I don't want to deal with it after travel. Perhaps on departure, but generally, when I arrive, I want to get to my room ASAP. Do not bash the drums, ask me about my plans, give me a 20 minute hotel tour, etc.

In remote locales, I normally grit, grin, and bear it - these people are trying to make my first experience lovely, and I applaud the efforts. At least they are trying.

And, of course, being a Gemini ... it all depends on my state of mind at that moment ;)

I admit to never having stayed at an Aman et al where they are pretty standard.

But as an introvert too, my favorite is when I'm discretely asked for my name upon approaching the hotel and then greeted in the lobby and escorted to my room for check in.

anyone discussed this with properties/GMs ? (preferences during stay)

re just checking-in, some properties do not even do a check-in process

hope this becomes more common

or even doing an email as well, shortly before arrival, to reconfirm/adjust

Frankly the best way to check in, especially after long travels. Take me to the room, let me sign whatever needs to be signed, show me any quirks of the room, and then let me be in peace.

I could see how some might like the ceremonies but honestly, they feel artificial to me

I like it when they bring good alcoholic drinks. I like the words "you've been upgraded" also

Haha, "I have a lovely suite for you" is also accepted :p

The time we arrived on Fantasy Island and were welcomed by Tattoo was quite nice. Otherwise - a warm and quick welcome is preferred.

When you get off the plane at PPT there is a band playing and they hand out leis. It's a moment of your life, but not drawn out and actually quite pleasant.

I agree with many people here. I'd rather sign what I need to in the room, or even skip a check in altogether and just get my key and go. I dislike both the pomp of welcome ceremonies and the exit wave off. It's not so much that I'm introverted, I'm really quite the opposite, it's just that I much prefer being discreet and private when traveling rather than have all of that attention on me.

In the room I do not think it has ever happened that I remember everything they tell me about light switches, aircon and where to find hairdryer, adaptors and whatever or which numbers to call for different things. Or even name or look of our personal butler or guest assistant if there is one. I always spend time before arrival to book excursions, spa appointments, inform them of bed preferences, minibar content, coffee machine etc. to avoid having to think about this when I am there, especially just after arrival.