There’s an unwritten deal between my wife Sharon and me about what we write about here at Your Mileage May Vary. Sharon tends to focus on the quirky, human-interest aspects of travel, while I dive into credit cards, lounges, airlines, and hotel reviews.
Writing About Luxury Hotels
When writing about luxury hotels, I always get a bit nervous. I mean, I’ve never stayed at a bad luxury hotel, but let’s be honest: I’ve also stayed at very few that would be considered “fancy.” Many of the great hotels we’ve stayed at have been through our Adventures by Disney trips, like Dromoland Castle in Ireland and a handful of luxury properties in Southeast Asia, such as the Park Hyatt Saigon, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Belmond Luang Prabang, and the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Siem Reap
What Makes a Luxury Hotel?
So, I did what anyone else would do: I asked an AI engine what people look for in a luxury hotel. Here’s what it had to say:
- Location: Desirable areas near attractions, with a growing trend toward hotels reflecting local culture.
- Room Size and Amenities: Spacious rooms with high-end amenities and eco-friendly options.
- Service: Attentive, personalized service, enhanced by AI and data analytics.
- Food & Beverage: Locally sourced dining to connect guests to the destination.
- Amenities: Spas, wellness centers, and sustainable practices.
- Atmosphere: Luxurious and relaxing, focusing on local design and experiences.
- Technology: Biometric check-ins and high-touch service to balance convenience with warmth.
- Personalization: Tailored experiences, from dining to custom activities.
- Other Considerations: Quiet, pet-friendly environments and sustainable travel options.
Our Memorable Stays
When I think about some of the most memorable luxury hotels we’ve stayed at, I reflect on what truly made them stand out.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
We stayed in a room with one of the hotel’s best views, just below the former Presidential Suite. The room was huge, with views of the ocean that looked as if they were photoshopped into our pictures. The hotel staff was helpful but not intrusive, and the entire stay personified everything we think of when visiting Hawaii.
Since our visit, the Grand Hyatt Kauai has moved up to Hyatt Category 7, which means it now requires 25,000 to 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night, depending on the date. Category 7 properties represent some of the most extravagant Hyatt offerings, including luxurious locations like the Park Hyatt Vienna and the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. Even with the hotel moving up in World of Hyatt’s categories, we’re going to do whatever we can to return.
Goldener Hirsch
This is one of our favorite hotels in the world, and for so many reasons. The property’s history goes back centuries, but after an extensive renovation, the hotel managed to retain all its charm. The owners didn’t replace everything—they restored and updated each piece of furniture to meet modern needs while maintaining the original aesthetic. That respect for the property speaks volumes about the hotel’s character.
Goldener Hirsch exudes exclusivity, located on the main street of Salzburg, Austria, just down the block from Mozart’s House. It’s also where I met a concierge who set a new standard for service—one I’ve never experienced since. Where else will you find someone willing to drop everything to give guests a 20-minute tour to show off renovations?
We’ve stayed here twice and can’t wait to go back.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Hotels
What sets a luxury hotel apart from the rest isn’t just having an extravagant breakfast spread or a stunning pool. It’s the experience that goes above and beyond—whether it’s a breathtaking view in Hawaii or an upgrade to a suite with personalized service in Austria.
While we have no complaints about the other luxury hotels we’ve visited—where the service was professional, and every pool was relaxing—there’s something special about those few stays that really hit differently.
Whether it’s a world-class restaurant, like the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C., or a perfect view at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, the hotels that stand out to us are the ones that go the extra mile.
So, if most of my luxury hotel reviews sound similar—pictures of the lobby, the room, the pool—know that when we stay somewhere exceptional, you’ll be the first to hear about it.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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