Why I’m Bad At Writing Reviews Of Luxury Hotels

by joeheg
Sharon and I have an unwritten deal about what we write about here at Your Mileage May Vary. While her focus tends to be the more quirky, usual, and human interest aspects of travel, I’ll write more about credit cards, as well as lounge, airline and hotel reviews.
When I have to write a review of a fancy hotel, I always get nervous. I mean, I’ve never stayed at a bad luxury hotel. Admittedly, I’ve stayed at very few hotels that would be described as “fancy”. Many of the great hotels we’ve stayed at have been a part of our trips with Adventures by Disney. That includes Dromoland Castle in Ireland and several of the hotels we recently visited on our trip to Southeast Asia.On that trip, we stayed at a number of luxury properties:

I started to wonder what differentiated luxury hotels. I mean, do any people stay at an ultra-lux property and go home disappointed? If so, why?

I did what anyone else would do in this situation. I asked an AI Engine what people look for in a luxury hotel. Here’s what it said:

People look for different things when staying at a luxury hotel, but some of the most common factors include:

  • Location: A luxury hotel should be located in a desirable area, such as near popular tourist attractions or business districts.
  • Room size and amenities: Luxury hotel rooms should be spacious and well-appointed, with features such as plush bedding, high-end linens, and marble bathrooms. Amenities may also include a minibar, coffee maker, and in-room safe.
  • Service: Luxury hotels should provide excellent customer service, with attentive staff who are always willing to help.
  • Food and beverage: Luxury hotels should have excellent restaurants and bars, offering a variety of dining options.
  • Amenities: Luxury hotels should offer a variety of amenities, such as a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.
  • Atmosphere: Luxury hotels should have a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, with elegant decor and comfortable surroundings.

Here are some additional things that people may look for when staying at a luxury hotel:

  • A view: Many people prefer to stay in a hotel with a view, whether it’s of the city skyline, the ocean, or a mountain range.
  • A quiet location: If you’re looking to relax and unwind, you’ll want to choose a hotel that’s located in a quiet area.
  • A pet-friendly hotel: If you’re traveling with your furry friend, make sure to choose a hotel that’s pet-friendly.
  • A business-friendly hotel: If you’re traveling for work, you’ll want to choose a hotel that has meeting rooms and other amenities that are business-friendly.

Ultimately, the things that people look for when staying at a luxury hotel will vary depending on their individual needs and preferences. However, the factors listed above are some of the most common things that people consider when choosing a luxury hotel.

I thought of some of the most memorable luxury hotels we’ve stayed at and what made them stand out.

Grand Hyatt Kauai

a view of a beach from a balcony

We were staying in a room with one of the best views of the hotel, as we were under what used to be the Presidential Suite.  Our room was huge, with views of the ocean that looked as if they were photoshopped into our pictures. The hotel staff were helpful but not intrusive and the entire stay personifies what someone thinks when visiting Hawaii.

Even with the hotel going up another category in World of Hyatt’s program, we’re going to do what we can to get back there again.

Goldener Hirsch

a building with a window and bars

There are so many reasons why we think this is one of our most favorite hotels in the world. The incredible history of the property goes back centuries. And even after undergoing an extensive renovation, the hotel managed to retain all of its charm. Knowing that every piece of furniture was restored and updated to meet today’s needs instead of simply replacing everything shows the level of respect the owners have for the property.

Being located on the main street of Salzburg, Austria, just down the block from Mozart’s House, gives the Goldener Hirsch an exclusive feel. In addition, this hotel is where I met the hotel concierge who spoiled me for the rest of my life. Where else will you find someone who will drop what they’re doing to take guests on a 20-minute tour of the hotel to show off all of the improvements from the recently finished renovation?

We’ve stayed here twice and can’t wait to get back again.

Final Thought

I think what I’m trying to say is that you can expect a decent stay at any luxury hotel. However, what sets a hotel apart from the rest is something that goes above and beyond. For us, that meant having a breathtaking view and a peaceful stay in Hawaii or being upgraded to a suite in a recently renovated hotel in Austria, with personalized service the level of which I’ve never seen before.

As for other luxury hotels, we have no complaints. The breakfast spreads were all extravagant, the staff was professional and cordial, and every place had a remarkable pool and a delightful spot to sip a cocktail. Even though we didn’t use the spa or gym, they were available if we wanted to.

Ultimately, what makes a luxury hotel special to one person may not matter to someone else. We might prefer a hotel with an exceptional restaurant, such as the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in Washington D.C., while another person might desire a view of the ocean, like the one we had at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

So forgive me if most of my reviews of luxury hotels sound the same, with pictures of the lobby, the room and the pool. Every once in a while we’ll stay somewhere that hits different and when we do, you’ll know.

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1 comment

Pat September 6, 2023 - 8:09 am

I would define a luxury hotel as anywhere that doesn’t feel like part of the real world. From the decor, cleanliness, scent, to the amenities, everything is taken care of for you. My wife (and probably lots of other people’s wives) tends to stress about any minor imperfection, and a luxury hotel provides a setting where they can actually relax. Guys tend to be more spartan, and for them, the main feature of a luxury hotel is their female travel partner actually being at ease.

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