number_6

And the service and ambiance is actually better during the off-season (less crowded = better experience). Not often that you pay less for a superior product....of course there often is a reason for the off-season (this may or may not be important to you). For example the Vienna hotel rates correspond to the opera season and are lowest in the summer. This varies by city in Europe (a lot). In Hong Kong the peak rates correspond to trade shows and a day's difference in date can cut the cost in half (or double it).

obscure2k

Quote:"Well, not to belabor the obvious, but....
check out the FlyerTalk Miles forums for the hotel frequent guest programs."

With all due respect to Kathy W., I am not a fan of "hotel frequent guest programs". When you peruse the Starwood,Hilton, Marriott,Hyatt,etc. boards, it would appear that so many posters are looking for upgrades to suites, lounge access, etc. that they are denying themselves access to some hotels which do not participate in frequent guest programs, thus the traveler too often focuses on the perquisites . Perhaps, one could stay in a minimum rate room at the Bristol in Paris with no chance of an upgrade or "points." The alternative might be staying at the Paris Hilton, getting upgraded to a suite and gaining points. Personally, I would opt for the minimum-rate room at the Bristol, with the dignified concierge, pillow-topped beds, roof-top pool and charming cage-elevator.. It, truly, saddens me that so many are so focused on points and miles that they miss some of the local luxury gems which they could have for about the same price. The luxury gems are out there--it just takes a bit of homework to find them.

anonplz

Ditto. And also, most of the time room rates are padded so that the cost of those miles and points are included. No such thing as a free lunch.

KathyWdrf

Yes, there is a free lunch.

The question asked was how to make luxury hotel stays "more affordable."

One solution is, assuming that you use credit cards anyway, to use a credit card that earns you free stays (such as the Starwood Amex).

True, you may miss some gems of hotels that don't participate in frequent guest programs, but you definitely make luxury stays "more affordable!"

Kathy

Pickles

And lets not forget that in some places (especially in Asia) the US chain hotels are some of the best in the land (the PHT and the Grand Hyatt HK come to mind). Thus, if you stay at the DFW Hyatt enough times, you can treat yourself for free at some fine places. Of course, by the time you've stayed athe DFW Hyatt that many times, you are going to NEED that treat.

kelly786

Really appreciate all the tips on ways to actualize my penchant for luxury hotels. Have been planning a weekend at the St. Regis in L.A. for a while. Will check into some of the things mentioned in your posts, i.e. off-season stays, membership programs (although they probably require more frequent stays, I imagine). Meanwhile, really enjoy reading about all your experiences and thoughts on the luxury experience!

KathyWdrf

Correction....This is something I cannot emphasize enough....Using Starwood or Hilton once again as an example,

YOU DON'T EVER NEED TO SET FOOT IN A HOTEL TO EARN FREE NIGHTS AT THAT HOTEL CHAIN!

Just using a Starwood or Hilton Amex for ordinary non-hotel expenses, you can earn points in the respective guest program. These points can in turn be redeemed for free stays at virtually all of the properties in the chain, including the high-end ones (which of course cost you more points per night).

Kathy

Doppy

Well, if you're really staying at a luxury hotel, they treat everyone like a CEO or celebrity. Service at real luxury hotels (not ones that pretend to be) blows away the service at other hotels. The staff is just looking for ways to help you out or make your stay more pleasent.

On top of that, the rooms are much nicer. I appreciate lush carpets, fine linens, comfortable beds, duvets, marble bathrooms, high quality furniture, fine bathroom amenities, and so on. That's worth extra money to me.

It's a personal choice. Some people aren't discerning enough or don't care about the differences between two vastly different hotels in terms of service and quality. I'm detail oriented; I notice the differences.

If you don't or they aren't worth more money, don't pay for them.

d

kelly786

Kathy

Just applied and got approved for American Express Starwood Platinum. Thanks for tips and info. Let's see how it goes!

Maybe we'll run into each other at the Palace in SF if I earn enough points!

KathyWdrf

You're welcome.


Kathy

obscure2k

There has been more discussion about this issue on the FT travel Hotel,etc. forum--"ask me a hotel question?" topic has been very informative and very active. A good learning experience for all--and a Poster who is willing to share his 5-star managerial experience with the rest of the FT community.

Athena53

I've stayed in luxury hotels only on business- my professional society schedules many meetings in them although, as I noted on the other thread, I now look for alternatives.

When I stay in a place I define as top-of-the-line (I know even more luxurious alternatives exist), I tend to get picky. A few years ago I noticed the brown-edged lettuce in a salad at the Palmer House (now a Hilton) in Chicago and got annoyed at the bellhop at the Boca Raton Resort who accidentally delivered a bag of mine to a colleague's room and was indifferent about retrieving it. (The colleague and I eventually met up and I got my bag.) On the other hand, when I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Lewisville, TX I learned to check the night before to see if the maid remembered to replenish the coffee supply and get more from the desk if she hadn't. At $59/night, no big deal.

I do like the Heavenly Beds at the W, the shampoo at the Boca Raton Resort, the fuzzy bathrobes and other niceties of the luxury places, but they dont' pass the test of "would I spend my own money on this?" Whether I'm on business or on my own, I don't do much in the hotel room except sleep.

obscure2k

--back to the original question: Quote"
Luxury hotels. What more would I *really* get?? "
Isn't this a bit analagous to the difference between flying economy class and business/first? Granted, the same flight will take it's passengers to their destination--it ultimately comes down to comfort and service and what one is willing to pay.--

jsmeeker

True... But where do you draw the line at "Luxury Hotel"? What chains are Luxury and which are not? Obviously, there is a difference between a Four-Seasons and a Marriot Courtyard, but what about hotels nicer than a courtyard??

Say, a Sofitel and a Four-Seasons... Is the Sofitel "coach"?? I certainly would not say it is, but I don't know if it is considered "Luxury"

KathyWdrf

And complicating the issue further is the fact that even within the same hotel (luxury or otherwise), some of the rooms can be great (4 or 5 star caliber) while others might be truly awful. This seems to be especially true for older hotels.

And the same could be true for the service in the same hotel. It could be attentive, courteous, respectful, or cold, dismissive, snobbish.

Kathy