When we think of a 5-star hotel, we picture the “wow” factors featured on a hotel’s homepage: a breathtaking setting, award-winning architecture and interiors, a world-class chef, or an amazing adventure. Think of Rwanda’s One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, which “specializes in preparing trekkers for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: getting up close and personal with the country’s famed gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.” We agree these features make for a fabulous destination, but it’s the personal service and amenities tailored to guests’ needs and desires that take a hotel to the highest level of luxury.
5-Star Hotels Share Impeccable Services and Amenities
These are some of the services and amenities we’ve discovered in the 5-star hotels we’ve visited, as well as some of those in properties we’re looking forward to experiencing. To learn more about what it means to be labeled a “5-star hotel,” you can read our recent article linked below.
1. Invisible but available housekeeping
A 5-star hotel is impeccably clean, but it will seem as if that happens by magic. Apart from performative cleaning that seemed intended to make guests feel comfortable returning to travel following the Covid shutdowns, the sign of a 5-star hotel is the invisibility of its care and maintenance. Guests will not find themselves scooting around cleaning carts in the hallway. They will, however, find themselves greeted by name by staff members throughout their stay.
2. Butler or valet service
Beyond room service, 5-star hotels can be expected to offer an array of personal services such as valet service, laundry service, and dog-walking service. There will be plenty of personal pampering with unique spa offerings one won’t find at home. Consider the Mayan Cacao service in which warm cacao oil is poured onto the forehead at the Nizuc Spa by ESPA at the Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun.
3. Evening turndown
The room will be refreshed as part of a turndown service while guests are out enjoying hotel services or evening activities. In a short amount of time, the housekeeping staff will tidy the bathroom, bedroom, and other living areas. That includes removing soiled towels or dishes, replenishing amenities, and emptying waste baskets.
Housekeeping will also turn down the bedding and place turndown mats and slippers on the sides of the bed. They will leave fresh water for the night, as well as the hotel’s signature turndown treat on the bedside table. The lights will be left low, and the audio may be set to gentle music to ease returning guests into their bedtime routines. You can read about the elements of a great turndown service and the ways to recreate them at home in our article linked below.
4. Concierge services
Guests of 5-star hotels can expect communication from a concierge anticipating their visits before their arrival. Once on the property, the concierge will be available to do more than offer directions and assist with tickets and reservations. A professional concierge is prepared to assist with guests’ needs as they arise.
- Whether the hotel has a house car or utilizes a car service, the concierge can arrange transportation and local guides. The Address Istanbul can organize a tour “with the hotel’s private helicopter that leaves from the onside helipad.”
- The concierge can assist in arranging local outings from an array of water sports to sailing to “Ile aux Aigrettes to learn about wildlife conservation work” while visiting LUX Belle Mare in Mauritius.
- If you are unwell or forget a prescription, the concierge can connect you with onsite or on-call medical assistance.
- Beyond providing umbrellas in case of inclement weather, the concierge will be able to assist with obtaining or providing storage for outdoor activity equipment, whether its skis, golf clubs, bicycles, or trekking gear.
5. Pillow menu
A great night’s sleep requires pillows suited to the sleeper. That can include a pillow menu, storage, and delivery system like down etc’s pillow butler® from which the guest can select the pillow or pillows for the way they sleep. Guests can choose between down and feather pillows and down alternative pillows, as well as the firmness, size, and shape that suits their sleep style. For details on the options for choosing pillows, read our pillow buying guide at the link below.
6. Bathroom amenities
In addition to sumptuous robes, plenty of large towels, slippers, and exquisite toiletries, expect unique offerings like outdoor showers and large soaking tubs. As if the world’s largest jellyfish aquarium were not enough, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai provides gold-plated toothbrushes and razors in the bathrooms.
7. In-room services
Beyond the gym and spa, many luxury hotels offer in-room services such as exercise equipment or personal training. After working out, guests can enjoy in-room massages and aromatherapy.
Since sleep is our focus, we appreciate the luxury hotels that offer services to improve their guests’ sleep experience. These services can range from a pillow menu to the services of a sleep specialist. You can read more about traveling to find great sleep in our article on sleep tourism linked below.
8. Pet care
When pets come along, they can expect guest treatment including specially designed pet menus and pet beds. At The Mark in New York City, furry guests are welcomed with a “dog bed by Molly Mutt, signature water bowls and a custom placemat.” They can also enjoy ‘gourmet entrées and delicious pet-friendly desserts” by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
9. Unique treats
Whether it’s a pillowcase embroidered with a guest’s initials or one of the hotel’s souvenir stuffed mascots, a hotel’s unique treat can extend a warm welcome. Four Seasons Hotel Doha’s personalized welcome can include “customized T-shirts and bathrobes for returning guests.”
10. Available technology
Should a guest need to take care of business while visiting, 5-star hotels have all the facilities to allow them to do so. That means rooms with internet connectivity and easily accessible electrical plugs and charging points, a business center, and private areas for taking a call or a meeting.
If you have the chance to visit a 5-star hotel, enjoy every moment of your 5-star stay.
-Team at down etc
Read more:
What Does It Mean to Be a 5-Star Hotel?
Bedding Buying Guide: The Right Sleeping Pillow for Your Head and Your Bed
10 Elements of a Luxury Hotel Turndown Service to Recreate at Home
