What do you expect from a luxury property?

[Mountie]

Denise….we have noticed, unfortunately, there isn't always a correlation between higher hotel rates and higher levels of luxury/service. Supply and demand in many markets drive the rates, while some hotels self-anoint themselves as "luxury" properties….while tacking on fees at every turn.

Our experiences with Luxury Link, have generally provided us a nice selection of luxury properties, which in most cases have included many of the items you outline.

"Attitudes" can often go undetected by management, unless reported by guests (we are just as quick to report exceptional encounters as well as unpleasant encounters).

Re: The Sanctuary Lodge....we didn't think the room, food or level of service justified their rates, but there is no discounting the fact they have the best location if one is really into exploration of the citadel. We hated paying the money, but we're pleased for the added experiences staying there afforded us.

p.s.....mountie makes a good point in doing local shopping for basic supplies prior to arrival at a property.....we try to do the same.

-O-, shopping for "supplies" - just make that mostly the local beer and a few bottles of water.

And let me reaffirm, will not pay $1,000, $500 or even $400 to stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, when I finally get to Peru!

[jsattapr2]

Denise,

1) I'm not a big breakfast person, so it doesn't bother me one way or the other, if food is provided. I am satisfied with a cup of acceptable coffee or tea served in a paper cup most days, even when I'm on vacation.
2) Refrigerators are nice. I usually have a bottle or two water with me, when I travel, so hotels don't have to provide it. If I'm on a vacation, I almost always stop at a grocery store on my way to the hotel and stock up on water and beer.
3) On a vacation trip, I usually find airport transfers on the internet before I arrive, unless the hotel provides it at no additional cost.
4) I hate the concept of mini bars. If I start getting the mini bar explanation from the front desk when I check in, I tell them to keep the key, since I will not be using this service.
5) I do not tolerate attitudes nor will I accept marginal or bad customer service when I am a paying guest at a hotel. In the past, on a few occasions when I have encountered either, I have spoken directly with the senior management and either had the matters corrected or simply checked out of the property and found space in other facilities.

I guess one of the reasons I keep coming back to Luxury Link is the fact that I can substantially upgrade the level of hotels I would normally be able and willing to afford.

If I ever get to Machu Picchu, I am sure I will not be willing to pay $1,000 or even $500 a night to stay there.

I was just thinking about this subject. I really, really like those high thread count sheets - maybe 450 to 600.

Also, it is a real treat to have those neat little folds on the end of the toilet tissue rolls each night!

[travel2fun]

I was just thinking about this subject. I really, really like those high thread count sheets - maybe 450 to 600.

Also, it is a real treat to have those neat little folds on the end of the toilet tissue rolls each night!

Good point, j-s-2. I think those little trianglular folds on toilet tissue are so cute. I often add add them myself, if housekeeping overlooks this detail. It just makes me feel like I have been upgraded in some sense!

[[email protected]]

Of course the little folds on the TP don't help much when the TP is like sandpaper which I have experienced in a few lux hotels ;-)

Soft sheets are a plus except when the bed is as hard as a rock which I have also experienced lux hotels - and I am not talking extra firm mattress here but literally like lying on a hard slab - a mattress with no cushioning makes for little sleep! One place I stayed in recently had mattresses so hard that I took the big cushion from the lounge on the balcony and put it on the bed to make it softer - they had such soft sheets and amazing blankets but the hardness of the mattress negated all that softness from the covers!

[kyshel]

Amen to the tissue issue and those hard beds (most I've had were in Mex).
I found it interesting that some premium Eu hotels have softer/better tissue in the lobby toidys than the rooms/suites!!

Re--Eu better hotels:
Ok--I STILL don't get this: what's with the HALF glass shower wall?? Water water everywhere...

[jmbklj]

Amen to the tissue issue and those hard beds (most I've had were in Mex).
I found it interesting that some premium Eu hotels have softer/better tissue in the lobby toidys than the rooms/suites!!

Re--Eu better hotels:
Ok--I STILL don't get this: what's with the HALF glass shower wall?? Water water everywhere...

kyshel, I'm with you - what is up with the half glass shower wall? No matter how I try, I cannot keep the bathroom area dry when showering.

[travelchacha]

Luxury destinations that are spread in different corners of the nation and it is of no doubt that Colorfol Rajasthan is one such destination. Rajasthan is one of the choicest destinations. What make Colorful Rajasthan so special are the magnificent forts, palaces, havelis, heritage hotels, rich culture and the luxurious way of living. Many of the palaces have being converted into the heritage hotels where guest can relish the ultimate charm and highest standards of luxurious hospitality.

[travel2fun]

kyshel, I'm with you - what is up with the half glass shower wall? No matter how I try, I cannot keep the bathroom area dry when showering.

Maybe it is just me, but I can't used to those old fashion bath tubs that have been retro fitted with the handheld shower heads. I usually end sitting in the tub and trying to apply soap or shower gel with one hand while holding the shower head in my other hand. It is all about technique.