Serious question: What makes a "luxury" hotel?
Jan 23, 2008 | 5:45 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/01/...-smells-funny/
http://www.artknowledgenews.com/Lead...the_World.html
from both >
http://www.kiwicollection.com/vip_in...32/INSIDER=20/
http://www.kiwicollection.com/around...tail/ITEM=193/
also talks about some internal LHW property awards
http://www.artknowledgenews.com/Lead...the_World.html
from both >
When the Leading Hotels of the World group held its convention in Monaco, delegates of five-star hotels gasped when Andrew Sacks, a Manhattan-based expert on high-end marketing, declared that luxury was dead.
That word is now, he says, “a descriptor that is highly suspicious to the very people to whom it is designed to appeal — the affluent.”
“They have earned their money, they are smart and they are demanding. But they are also regular people — usually. The wealthy got that way by being good stewards of a business and of a dollar. Respect their respect for money.”
give more away. Even though wealthy guests can well afford it, don’t charge them for Internet use, bottled water, shoe shines, or laundry service.
That word is now, he says, “a descriptor that is highly suspicious to the very people to whom it is designed to appeal — the affluent.”
“They have earned their money, they are smart and they are demanding. But they are also regular people — usually. The wealthy got that way by being good stewards of a business and of a dollar. Respect their respect for money.”
give more away. Even though wealthy guests can well afford it, don’t charge them for Internet use, bottled water, shoe shines, or laundry service.
http://www.kiwicollection.com/around...tail/ITEM=193/
also talks about some internal LHW property awards
Jan 26, 2008 | 6:27 pm
#32
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
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http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2...y/?ref=fashion
Some fresh observations.
Some fresh observations.
Jan 26, 2008 | 6:54 pm
#33
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http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/author/jeffkleinnyt/
his other guest blogs, interesting stuff. he's definitely great with media relations. but from what one poster said in response to the departures article on sunset tower, it sounded like he doesnt deliver on luxury service.
his other guest blogs, interesting stuff. he's definitely great with media relations. but from what one poster said in response to the departures article on sunset tower, it sounded like he doesnt deliver on luxury service.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jan 26, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Jan 28, 2008 | 11:49 am
#34
Join Date: Feb 2003
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http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/author/jeffkleinnyt/
his other guest blogs, interesting stuff. he's definitely great with media relations. but from what one poster said in response to the departures article on sunset tower, it sounded like he doesnt deliver on luxury service.
his other guest blogs, interesting stuff. he's definitely great with media relations. but from what one poster said in response to the departures article on sunset tower, it sounded like he doesnt deliver on luxury service.
May 13, 2008 | 3:57 am
#35
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Come to think of it, very few European hotels are designed with inviting public spaces for sitting around. So I guess I should maybe scratch that from my list. I wasn't thinking about European places when I wrote it; I was sort of imaging an Asian hotel.
I'd say the big key is service. GREAT concierges, intuitive servers, great maid service, etc. 4 star hotels can have great rooms, but they often lack the service.
And obscure2k, what hotel is that in VCE? I might consider it next time I'm there.
I'd say the big key is service. GREAT concierges, intuitive servers, great maid service, etc. 4 star hotels can have great rooms, but they often lack the service.
And obscure2k, what hotel is that in VCE? I might consider it next time I'm there.
Mar 23, 2009 | 2:05 am
#36
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
I think for a truly outstanding hotel it must score very high (93 or better) in all categories at the same time without exception; and that's really hard!
Location and Property: The location should be both beautiful and convenient i.e. close to transportation, historic sites, shopping etc. The property itself should have a unique character and not be mistaken for a chain property. This could be achieved by the building itself, the architectural details, the interior design, the art, the gardens etc.
Physical amenities: They should all be top notch i.e. exclusively high quality items of a certain refinement e.g. linens that are made of real linen (not cotton), carpets made of wool, curtains of real silk. And with impeccable attention to the utmost detail for example the curtain pulls should be practically silent and drawers should have a mechanism that pulls them shut silently. Ideally, there'd also be some local flavor; for example local antiques or particular tiles in the bathroom.
Practical amenities: Those must be very detailed, too. One basic thing that is often wrong is that the curtains and blinds will still let light in. There might not be enough AC outlets, The air condition might not be fully adjustable or make too much noise. The alarm clock might be a nightmare to set. The elevators not fast enough. The whole place should be so well thought out that it works ergonomically correctly. Another example would be that there should be a long shoe spoon. Or a switch that automatically turns on a light as soon as you open the door. And a kill switch for all lights by the bed and by the door.
Safety and security: There should be sufficient safe space i.e. the safe must be big enough even for a 17" laptop or a 12" tele lens. Nobody gets even into an elevator if they are not a guest or accompanied by the guest. Good video surveillance, full background check on ALL employees.
Service: It should be so individualized and so attentive that you feel like a prince(sse) but without feeling like your privacy is invaded (Prince of Zamunda's little prince is now clean, your highness). This is a very difficult balance to get right. I have often been addressed by my name even in big hotels only hours after I checked in, and by personnel I had never met before. That is absolutely impressive. It is super discreet, yet highly efficient and always friendly (not just polite). I need to get the impression that I really matter to these people and that they like serving me. Any eventuality must be prepared for. Sir Rocco Forte was once quoted as saying to one of his managers that if a guest asks for a camel, the answer should be whether the guest would like his camel alive, sliced or cooked in a particular fashion. Forte said he never said that, but I think this is just about the right attitude.
I also second the generosity suggestion. Charging a guest $10 a day for internet access when each night costs upwards of $500 is ludicrous. Instead the hotel should have an IT expert on hand 24/7 who will come to my room if I have any difficulties. OJ, water and coke from the mini-bar should also be free of charge. I also like to receive polite unsolicited advice. I like to hear something like: "Mr. R., I know you are very interested in opera. XYZ is playing tonight and I can arrange for really good tickets if you wish." Or even a well-meant warning in the line of:"I will gladly reserve a table for you at restaurant x, but the quality there has not been very consistent lately. Would you like to hear my suggestion for something similar that I can recommend whole-heartedly?"
Perks: Depending of how good a customer I am I would expect stuff like being picked up at the airport in a limo by a chauffeur who comes only for me, at no extra charge (I don't need a Rolls, the S-Class will do). The Krug replacement champagne in the post above was a NICE gesture, I must say. Also some very exclusive amenities are installed for frequent guests at certain hotels (Ritz and Bristol in Paris come to mind). For example one can have one's own mattress and bedding put in the bed. When one leaves, the mattress and bedding are stored by the hotel free of charge and put back in place upon one's return. The same is possible for a wardrobe. A luxury hotel where you are a frequent guest will store personal and clothing items for you and put them in place so they are ready for when you arrive, freshly pressed and laundered with shoes polished.
Finally, the guests should be eclectic but classy. I can deal with seeing an occasional pimp if it's a high class pimp in very pretty company.
It should just be a place so charming and perfect that you wish it was home.
Till
Location and Property: The location should be both beautiful and convenient i.e. close to transportation, historic sites, shopping etc. The property itself should have a unique character and not be mistaken for a chain property. This could be achieved by the building itself, the architectural details, the interior design, the art, the gardens etc.
Physical amenities: They should all be top notch i.e. exclusively high quality items of a certain refinement e.g. linens that are made of real linen (not cotton), carpets made of wool, curtains of real silk. And with impeccable attention to the utmost detail for example the curtain pulls should be practically silent and drawers should have a mechanism that pulls them shut silently. Ideally, there'd also be some local flavor; for example local antiques or particular tiles in the bathroom.
Practical amenities: Those must be very detailed, too. One basic thing that is often wrong is that the curtains and blinds will still let light in. There might not be enough AC outlets, The air condition might not be fully adjustable or make too much noise. The alarm clock might be a nightmare to set. The elevators not fast enough. The whole place should be so well thought out that it works ergonomically correctly. Another example would be that there should be a long shoe spoon. Or a switch that automatically turns on a light as soon as you open the door. And a kill switch for all lights by the bed and by the door.
Safety and security: There should be sufficient safe space i.e. the safe must be big enough even for a 17" laptop or a 12" tele lens. Nobody gets even into an elevator if they are not a guest or accompanied by the guest. Good video surveillance, full background check on ALL employees.
Service: It should be so individualized and so attentive that you feel like a prince(sse) but without feeling like your privacy is invaded (Prince of Zamunda's little prince is now clean, your highness). This is a very difficult balance to get right. I have often been addressed by my name even in big hotels only hours after I checked in, and by personnel I had never met before. That is absolutely impressive. It is super discreet, yet highly efficient and always friendly (not just polite). I need to get the impression that I really matter to these people and that they like serving me. Any eventuality must be prepared for. Sir Rocco Forte was once quoted as saying to one of his managers that if a guest asks for a camel, the answer should be whether the guest would like his camel alive, sliced or cooked in a particular fashion. Forte said he never said that, but I think this is just about the right attitude.
I also second the generosity suggestion. Charging a guest $10 a day for internet access when each night costs upwards of $500 is ludicrous. Instead the hotel should have an IT expert on hand 24/7 who will come to my room if I have any difficulties. OJ, water and coke from the mini-bar should also be free of charge. I also like to receive polite unsolicited advice. I like to hear something like: "Mr. R., I know you are very interested in opera. XYZ is playing tonight and I can arrange for really good tickets if you wish." Or even a well-meant warning in the line of:"I will gladly reserve a table for you at restaurant x, but the quality there has not been very consistent lately. Would you like to hear my suggestion for something similar that I can recommend whole-heartedly?"
Perks: Depending of how good a customer I am I would expect stuff like being picked up at the airport in a limo by a chauffeur who comes only for me, at no extra charge (I don't need a Rolls, the S-Class will do). The Krug replacement champagne in the post above was a NICE gesture, I must say. Also some very exclusive amenities are installed for frequent guests at certain hotels (Ritz and Bristol in Paris come to mind). For example one can have one's own mattress and bedding put in the bed. When one leaves, the mattress and bedding are stored by the hotel free of charge and put back in place upon one's return. The same is possible for a wardrobe. A luxury hotel where you are a frequent guest will store personal and clothing items for you and put them in place so they are ready for when you arrive, freshly pressed and laundered with shoes polished.
Finally, the guests should be eclectic but classy. I can deal with seeing an occasional pimp if it's a high class pimp in very pretty company.
It should just be a place so charming and perfect that you wish it was home.
Till
Last edited by tfar; Mar 23, 2009 at 2:12 am
Jul 6, 2009 | 2:39 am
#37
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Being new to this Forum - and already a fan indeed - I was a bit overwhelmed by the "dogmatic" following of Four Seasons - and to some extent Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental.
So happy to find obscure2ks words which couldn't be better.
Aug 28, 2009 | 9:08 pm
#38
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time for a bump...
(btw i try to keep this up to date - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/8859216-post12.html)
(underlined the good stuff, IMHO >)
http://www.elitetraveler.com/business/2009-0825.html
gotta love the web 2.0 maniacs. at least its this rubel guy's job, so that explains his hype.
weve had reports of hand written notes here havent we? i just got one from spa director at sanctuary on camelback along with membership information packet. and what about welcome letters? even ive seen those - just had one signed by resort manager at sanctuary. interestingly at gansevoort, i got one for oscar de la hoya (originally booked my suite i guess) and it was just initialed by managing director.
and on subject of magazines/sources, some seriously epic fail
>
and reading the article, i thought the shopping stats were bad...
http://www.vegastripping.com/feature..._id=176&page=1
http://www.vegastripping.com/board/topic.php?topic=636
(btw i try to keep this up to date - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/8859216-post12.html)
(underlined the good stuff, IMHO >)
http://www.elitetraveler.com/business/2009-0825.html
...In the audience were a number of executives from various print and multi-platform media, who I think had to snicker when Rubel predicted that print will virtually be gone within five years. It was an assessment few in the room agreed with...
...some of Rubel's suggestions included using Concierges and Chefs to represent hotels on line. As one hotelier I was sitting with noted, "My Chef has a full time job. It's called cooking."...
* "Corporate All-Stars" references the above, making your concierge, maid and Maitre D' your spokespeople. It is an idea that certainly has some interesting applications, but [Rubel] couldn't answer the tough questions about the liability of hotels whose selected All-Stars may have alter-on-line personalities that don't mesh with the brand image of a luxury provider. It is an idea that is interesting, but perhaps better suited for sectors where image is less important.
* "Power of Pull" is about making sure you are found. Again, while Rubel's ideas make sense for mass brands, does a 120-room hotel in New York City need to be one of the most popular pages on Facebook? Does putting an exclusive hotel out to the masses in the wide open domain of the wild, wild web take away from its exclusivity or perhaps turn off existing customers who value the privacy one expects with a luxury hotel? I don't know the answers. I thought Kozma Kaplan the next day did a good job of providing some examples of how LHW and its hotels can use networks like Facebook and Twitter. Her example was reaching out to current customers who use them so that hotels can then communicate to those customers via the social networks they use, as well as encourage loyal guests to post positive experiences that their friends will then see.
I can't say I shared the unbridled enthusiasm for being part of every mass social network and talk board on the web unless it is part of a specific strategy. As always, with luxury it is the quality of the contacts, not the quantity in my opinion. That said, I view the web a bit like the telephone: It's how you use it. Are you making personalized calls, reading off a telemarketing script, or doing thousands of those annoying computer generated calls? Clearly luxury brands are going to have to think how they want to use the web and make sure they figure a way that matches their Brand DNA.
...some of Rubel's suggestions included using Concierges and Chefs to represent hotels on line. As one hotelier I was sitting with noted, "My Chef has a full time job. It's called cooking."...
* "Corporate All-Stars" references the above, making your concierge, maid and Maitre D' your spokespeople. It is an idea that certainly has some interesting applications, but [Rubel] couldn't answer the tough questions about the liability of hotels whose selected All-Stars may have alter-on-line personalities that don't mesh with the brand image of a luxury provider. It is an idea that is interesting, but perhaps better suited for sectors where image is less important.
* "Power of Pull" is about making sure you are found. Again, while Rubel's ideas make sense for mass brands, does a 120-room hotel in New York City need to be one of the most popular pages on Facebook? Does putting an exclusive hotel out to the masses in the wide open domain of the wild, wild web take away from its exclusivity or perhaps turn off existing customers who value the privacy one expects with a luxury hotel? I don't know the answers. I thought Kozma Kaplan the next day did a good job of providing some examples of how LHW and its hotels can use networks like Facebook and Twitter. Her example was reaching out to current customers who use them so that hotels can then communicate to those customers via the social networks they use, as well as encourage loyal guests to post positive experiences that their friends will then see.
I can't say I shared the unbridled enthusiasm for being part of every mass social network and talk board on the web unless it is part of a specific strategy. As always, with luxury it is the quality of the contacts, not the quantity in my opinion. That said, I view the web a bit like the telephone: It's how you use it. Are you making personalized calls, reading off a telemarketing script, or doing thousands of those annoying computer generated calls? Clearly luxury brands are going to have to think how they want to use the web and make sure they figure a way that matches their Brand DNA.
Sacks recalled a recent lunch he had at The Modern, one of Danny Meyer's New York restaurants. Sacks and his guest both had trouble finding each other as they asked for reservations under different names at the reception. Later in the meal, the Maitre D' came over to the table. Politely, she told Sacks and his guest, "I understand you had a problem earlier, so I wanted to give each of you my card. Any time you need a reservation with us, please feel free to call or have your assistant call me directly." She didn't offer a free dessert or some other amenity.
As hotels struggle with a combination of discounting and value added amenities that also cost money, Sacks pointed to the power of connection, as a consumer: "I can buy a bottle of wine, I can't buy a relationship." He now uses his relationship to always get a top table whenever he needs it, while the bottle of wine would have been long gone.
...Sacks notes in all the years he has stayed at luxury hotels he has never gotten a personal note thanking him for staying. He noted a story about eating at Del Frisco: Towards the end of the meal, his waitress asked him if she could add him to their database. A week later, instead of getting an email he got a personalized letter from his waitress that even made note of something specific to the dinner. Sacks' advice: "Hire a letter writer, an English grad."
As hotels struggle with a combination of discounting and value added amenities that also cost money, Sacks pointed to the power of connection, as a consumer: "I can buy a bottle of wine, I can't buy a relationship." He now uses his relationship to always get a top table whenever he needs it, while the bottle of wine would have been long gone.
...Sacks notes in all the years he has stayed at luxury hotels he has never gotten a personal note thanking him for staying. He noted a story about eating at Del Frisco: Towards the end of the meal, his waitress asked him if she could add him to their database. A week later, instead of getting an email he got a personalized letter from his waitress that even made note of something specific to the dinner. Sacks' advice: "Hire a letter writer, an English grad."
and on subject of magazines/sources, some seriously epic fail
>
For food books, only about a quarter of Bon Appetit (25 percent) and Gourmet (27 percent) readers spent over $2,000 on fine dining in 12 months, or less than $200 per month! Of course the readers of Conde Nast must not spend too much on dining when they travel either - only 34 percent broke the $2,000 annual spending market.
Only 49 percent of Conde Nast Traveler readers had been to Europe in the past three years, while 68 percent of all Conde Nast readers could also say the closest they have come to Paris may be in Las Vegas. Since 73 percent of Conde Nast Traveler readers have not been to Hawaii in the past three years, and 86 percent have not been to anywhere in Pacific/Asia
Only 49 percent of Conde Nast Traveler readers had been to Europe in the past three years, while 68 percent of all Conde Nast readers could also say the closest they have come to Paris may be in Las Vegas. Since 73 percent of Conde Nast Traveler readers have not been to Hawaii in the past three years, and 86 percent have not been to anywhere in Pacific/Asia
http://www.vegastripping.com/feature..._id=176&page=1
Within ten minutes of that post, Society's manager approached my table.
"Ah, you're the one," he said.
"Sorry?" I replied bewilderedly. Had I made some egregious error? Was Steve Wynn finally going to eighty-six me from the joint for being too obsessive with his new property?
"The Twitter guy."
"What?"
"Let me explain: I just got a call from our Office of Internet Outreach saying that someone on Twitter was eating at our restaurant. I looked on the web page, saw your profile picture and knew it was you."
"Ah, you're the one," he said.
"Sorry?" I replied bewilderedly. Had I made some egregious error? Was Steve Wynn finally going to eighty-six me from the joint for being too obsessive with his new property?
"The Twitter guy."
"What?"
"Let me explain: I just got a call from our Office of Internet Outreach saying that someone on Twitter was eating at our restaurant. I looked on the web page, saw your profile picture and knew it was you."
The server was rude and short with us and the food was not prepared to the menu’s description. Towards the end of the meal, I tweeted out our experience...
I received a Direct Message back asking for more details about our experience, followed by an invite back to Terrace Point Caf for the following day that would be “taken care of”.
...We were told to ask for the manager on duty when we arrived, who arranged everything from start to finish. Service was back to the top-notch level I expect from anything Steve Wynn touches. The food was fantastic, as it was when we last stayed at Wynn. The most impressive part of this whole experience was that we were encouraged to order alcoholic beverage and deserts even though Wynn was picking up the tab.
I received a Direct Message back asking for more details about our experience, followed by an invite back to Terrace Point Caf for the following day that would be “taken care of”.
...We were told to ask for the manager on duty when we arrived, who arranged everything from start to finish. Service was back to the top-notch level I expect from anything Steve Wynn touches. The food was fantastic, as it was when we last stayed at Wynn. The most impressive part of this whole experience was that we were encouraged to order alcoholic beverage and deserts even though Wynn was picking up the tab.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Oct 14, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Oct 14, 2009 | 3:56 pm
#39
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http://www.cnbcmagazine.com/story/wh...aningless/507/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-a...oncierge/full/
absolutely wild article. fantastic (service) i guess, if youre the spouse that is doing the cheating. but if both spouses are nearly equal customers, that starts getting trickier, regardless of the "moral" issue.
NOT luxury, catering only to public figures >
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/18...sed/index.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11650821-post26.html
re brand integrity >
Elite Traveler -
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-a...oncierge/full/
absolutely wild article. fantastic (service) i guess, if youre the spouse that is doing the cheating. but if both spouses are nearly equal customers, that starts getting trickier, regardless of the "moral" issue.
NOT luxury, catering only to public figures >
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/18...sed/index.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11650821-post26.html
Four Seasons is one of only two hotel chains on Fortune's list of the 100 best companies to work for...managers worship every Sunday at the Holy Church of Good Attitude...senior staff have gone to a dozen hotel schools, sorted through 10,500 resums, conducted 4,200 interviews and found 214 suitable employees...In other words, for every 50 candidates who apply, Four Seasons hires one...Each has a two-page form with a series of boxes: "Highly recommend," the less-enthusiastic "recommend for hire," and "TBNT"—thanks but no thanks...
...You say you love cooking? "Tell me about a special meal you cooked for your family." He's stumped. TBNT.
...there was this Japanese guest who was flustered because he'd lost his cellphone—"a ridiculous reason" to get upset. Wrong answer. The guest's feelings are never ridiculous. TBNT.
..."Tell me something special you did for one of your guests," Moore demands. Roslin can't find a good answer. TBNT.
No one—not even a dishwasher—gets a job without at least four interviews, and for more senior jobs it's not unheard of for candidates to face seven cross-examinations...
...You say you love cooking? "Tell me about a special meal you cooked for your family." He's stumped. TBNT.
...there was this Japanese guest who was flustered because he'd lost his cellphone—"a ridiculous reason" to get upset. Wrong answer. The guest's feelings are never ridiculous. TBNT.
..."Tell me something special you did for one of your guests," Moore demands. Roslin can't find a good answer. TBNT.
No one—not even a dishwasher—gets a job without at least four interviews, and for more senior jobs it's not unheard of for candidates to face seven cross-examinations...
re brand integrity >
Elite Traveler -
Greg Furman: [Founder/Chairman The Luxury Marketing Council]...I think that there's discounting and there's discounting. I mean, I think the way Bergdorf does it quite intelligently is they have special best customer sales, where they won't plaster it on the billboards in Times Square. There are some brands that shall go unnamed that are really taking a very radical approach to cutting the value of best merchandise, and really just starting to feel like Costco. I think that trains the customer to question the underlying premise of what Stanley Marcus called "Impact of the Hand," craft of manufacture and value. So, my theory on that, you know, I'm not running these companies, but my theory on that is that that conditions the customer to understand there's a big margin where there's flexibility. And the customer is very smart. And I think that's just conditioning customers to not want to pay right prices. So I think it's a disaster strategy, in my opinion. I just think it's the wrong way to go.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 4, 2009 at 10:57 am
Oct 18, 2009 | 4:32 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver
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I agree what previous posters have mentioned, what makes a true luxury hotel is its service.
I have stayed at some really magnificent design villas in the past, but the level of service is in no comparison to hotels like FS or Aman, and that really makes a difference.
For truly wonderful hotel service, I expect the staffs to understand and accommodate my needs way ahead of me, and they should also fulfill reasonable requests in a timely manner. They also need to be professional but sincere, not being pretentious. All guests should be treated equal.
Location is important to me too. For a city hotel, it should be located in the most convenient or popular area, if not, a luxury hotel shuttle should be included in the price. For a leisure hotel, I'd expect my room to come with a breathtaking view.
Food is very very very important to me! Especially in a resort when you're pretty much stuck there most of the time.
Facilities should also be top-notch and high quality, though it doesn't really have to be some famous brands....
Bathrooms doesn't need to be marble, but should be bright and comfortable, even better if it comes with steam!
I also appreciate a large dressing table with bright lights, always a plus for female travelers I assume!
I have stayed at some really magnificent design villas in the past, but the level of service is in no comparison to hotels like FS or Aman, and that really makes a difference.
For truly wonderful hotel service, I expect the staffs to understand and accommodate my needs way ahead of me, and they should also fulfill reasonable requests in a timely manner. They also need to be professional but sincere, not being pretentious. All guests should be treated equal.
Location is important to me too. For a city hotel, it should be located in the most convenient or popular area, if not, a luxury hotel shuttle should be included in the price. For a leisure hotel, I'd expect my room to come with a breathtaking view.
Food is very very very important to me! Especially in a resort when you're pretty much stuck there most of the time.
Facilities should also be top-notch and high quality, though it doesn't really have to be some famous brands....
Bathrooms doesn't need to be marble, but should be bright and comfortable, even better if it comes with steam!
I also appreciate a large dressing table with bright lights, always a plus for female travelers I assume!
Oct 18, 2009 | 8:45 am
#41
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Dublin,Ireland and Nice France
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Posts: 2,408
A separate shower unit is a must.
Having the shower in the bath is just unacceptable and I've seen large bathrooms with that type of set up-the mind boggles.
I'd agree with pretty much everything else said on the thread.
Regarding paying for the internet-theres no excuse for that whatsoever.
Hoteliers might think it's a good way to keep pc's free but why not just impliment ...actually impliment a 30 minute rule instead or better still 15 minutes.
Having the shower in the bath is just unacceptable and I've seen large bathrooms with that type of set up-the mind boggles.
I'd agree with pretty much everything else said on the thread.
Regarding paying for the internet-theres no excuse for that whatsoever.
Hoteliers might think it's a good way to keep pc's free but why not just impliment ...actually impliment a 30 minute rule instead or better still 15 minutes.
Dec 2, 2009 | 1:51 pm
#42
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http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/20...s_a_Good_Thing
we Tweeted this:
The comment was made in semi-jest (we weren’t gonna go razors to the wrists over this detail or anything), but it caused the Four Seasons Resort to snap into damage control action. The following day post a marathon series of 15-minute meetings, we found a bottle of Syrah in room with the following note:
We later found out that Four Seasons corporate called The Biltmore to find out who was Tweeting. Then the Biltmore went to ATIA organizers to find out who @global_gourmet was so the could get in touch.
"Okay, the turndown music in my room at Four Seasons Biltmore is so not soothing. More appropriate for a funeral or beheading. #alaska"
It was brought to my attention that our turndown music was not to your satisfaction. Please accept my sincerest apologies as this was certainly not our intention to start your stay on this note. I have enclosed a listing of our local radio channels in hope that you may find a channel to your liking.
If there is anything else that we can do to improve your stay, please feel free to call.
Sincerely,
Ian Williams, Director of Housekeeping
If there is anything else that we can do to improve your stay, please feel free to call.
Sincerely,
Ian Williams, Director of Housekeeping
Dec 2, 2009 | 4:51 pm
#43
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: ual, aa, co, delta, centurion
Posts: 120
this one may seem obvious but i have been to a few smaller rooms at "lux" hotels that failed the following test.
a luxury hotel bathroom door should NEVER be able to make contact with a persons legs when they sit on the throne. if it is a small toilet space (seldom in a lux hotel, but i have seen it) use a pocket door, not a door that opens inward to the toilet area.
regards,
jsq
a luxury hotel bathroom door should NEVER be able to make contact with a persons legs when they sit on the throne. if it is a small toilet space (seldom in a lux hotel, but i have seen it) use a pocket door, not a door that opens inward to the toilet area.
regards,
jsq
Dec 3, 2009 | 6:38 am
#44
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I loved the turndown story at FS Biltmore, but it made me wonder if anyone else had experienced a hotel checking them out in cyberspace?
It has happened to me a few times - hotels have googled me to find out about my preferences, which is a pretty impressive thing to do.
Anyone else?
It has happened to me a few times - hotels have googled me to find out about my preferences, which is a pretty impressive thing to do.
Anyone else?
Dec 3, 2009 | 8:34 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
2 similar stories from wynn las vegas at bottom >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12298953-post38.html
further thread updates >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...-industry.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ry-hotels.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12298953-post38.html
further thread updates >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...-industry.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ry-hotels.html
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 8, 2010 at 11:39 am