Luxury Hotels- Tips to Know

So, you’re about to venture to a far away land and decide to indulge with a five-star hotel. Or maybe your company is hosting a business trip at a corporate, but elegant accommodations. Perhaps it’s your first luxury lodging experience- how thrilling! One may suspect that the experience is similar to any other hotel stay, however you find yourself caught off-guard by the subtleties presented (at least, I certainly was). In fact, there are customs and protocols luxury establishments implement to best serve their frequent clientele- think celebrities, politicians, etc.

I recently visited Malta and stayed at the Iniala Harbour House in Valletta. The experience was thoroughly magnificent and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. During my stay I paid attention to the discreet nuances of this finely-tuned operation and thought the information may be valuable for those new to luxury hospitality. I personally remember feeling intimidated and uncertain how to conduct myself the first time I stayed at a hotel of this caliber.

I’m certainly not implying that you must know these to deservedly stay at these hotels, but they may be helpful and make you feel at ease. Take what you’d like!

1. The concierge and staff will likely know your name upon arrival and address you formally —such as addressing you as “Miss Kourafas”—throughout your stay. This is to personalize your experience and demonstrate respect. Sometimes luxury hotels will do a screening on their guests to best serve them, especially if you indicated your profession or reason for visiting in your reservation. The staff at Iniala Harbour House knew I’m an etiquette consultant and graciously acknowledged my work (I was so flattered!).  

2. You will likely be served upon entrance to the lobby. The bellhops will ensure they immediately relieve you of any luggage, and you will be welcomed with complimentary refreshments, such as chilled spa water, champagne, and a cold towel if the climate is hot. Don’t hesitate to accept the champagne—it’s included. The cold towel is to refresh yourself if it’s hot outside from your journey to the hotel. I had hiked up the inclined road when I arrived at Iniala and was quite sweaty, so this detail was much appreciated, lol.

   
   

   

3. Hotel Concierge personnel are truly magicians, so take advantage of their wizardry. They wield powers to conjure, procure and fulfill most needs, requests and questions you may have during your stay. Need a recommendation for a truly outstanding dinner spot? They know AND they’ll book the table. Unsure what to do after dinner? They have a list of special events occurring that evening. The hotel is often well-connected within the city, and the concierge is your wristband into the party (I know of concierge members finding guests sold-out concert tickets). Seriously, the concierge has an uncanny ability to make things happen. My mother was admiring an art piece showcased at Iniala and upon returning to our room, we found that the concierge had printed information about the artist and the piece and placed it on our coffee table!

   
   

4. Tipping is typically customary in most luxury hotels, but should be adjusted according to culture. Hospitality in such establishments is not merely a service but an art form. If a staff member serves you well, it’s considerate to tip. This may include the bellhops, room service, and housekeeping staff. Remember to research the customary gratuity in the country you’re visiting. For example, a bellhop’s tip in the U.S. may be a few dollars more than one in France. In Japan, tipping in hotels is not typically customary and gratitude/politeness is appreciated. Do your research and arrive informed. Be mindful of service charges. If a service charge is included, tipping is optional and may be reserved for exceptional service. 

5. What is the “turndown service?” This is when housekeeping prepares your room for sleep. They typically refresh your room by dusting, straightening any belongings left out of places, adjusting the sheets (they often fold a corner of the bedspread away from the pillow in a manner that facilitates slipping right into bed- I mean, the DETAIL!), drawing the curtains and providing bedside water and specialty chocolates. Of course, the chocolates are the best part, and yes, they are also complimentary. Housekeeping will typically knock on your door in the early evening and ask if you’d like the service. If you’re not in the room, they will complete a turndown while you’re gone unless you indicate otherwise, via “do not disturb.”

   
   

   

6. Luxury hotels tend to be more formal establishments, so keep this in mind if you’re getting dinner at the restaurant or drinks at the bar. I’d suggest to avoid wearing your cozy but stained sweats around the premises if you wish to feel comfortable within the setting. Breakfast tends to be more casual, so don’t feel pressured to arrive in heels at the buffet. Of course, this is dependent on location- a hotel in California will likely be more relaxed compared to a hotel in Shanghai.

7. Don’t feel shy to make friends in the lobby or the bar. Hotels are great places to meet interesting people from all over the world! 

Above all, enjoy your stay and don’t allow unfounded feelings of imposter syndrome to influence your time. Thankfully, these aren’t trendy downtown New York City restaurants, where it feels like the hostess was instructed to make you feel lame and unwelcomed. The staff and employees at an esteemed hotel want you to be thoroughly satisfied. If you have a request, ask and they will be delighted to assist to their best ability.

Lastly (and I can’t believe I’m including this), maintain courtesy towards the staff. They are doing their best to fulfill all of your needs and it’s well-mannered to treat them kindly and respectfully. 

I hope these suggestions were beneficial to those who are about to experience the special treat of a luxury hotel. 

-ZK