It is a question fiercely debated in the travel industry: ‘What truly makes a 5-Star Hotel?’ With all the different hotel ratings in different countries it can be difficult to debunk a question such as this. In Italy a 5-Star hotel relates to cleanliness throughout the hotel whereas in France it relates to the standard of the rooms. Fear no more, Luxy has used its wealth of knowledge to find out what makes a 5-Star hotel.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Singapore is one of the best 5-Star hotels in Asia.
1. Food
Even though most travellers like to dine out while they are away, Luxy believes that a 5-Star hotel must have the most impeccable food. The main restaurant should be fine dining at its best, with dishes created using only the best ingredients and presentation that looks like it was created for art. In addition, the head chef should have some accolades or awards and the staff must be able to see to any need the customer has, no matter how big the request. There must also be a few other restaurants in the hotel, possibly offering a different theme or cuisine. The restaurants must be so desirable that the waiting list for non-guests could often be weeks and must be well known to locals.
2. Rooms
When staying in a 5-Star hotel the room must be of the highest quality. The bed must be king sized and have a comfy mattress with quilts made from the best materials. Multiple pillows must also be included. The room needs to have multiple amenities such as TVs, DVD players, high quality hot drinks machine, telephone and air-con/heating. En-suite is also an absolute must with a huge bath and powerful shower. Large mirror and some form of entertainment such as TV or radio in the bathroom is also a nice touch. There should also be bath amenities from the highest quality, not just the hotel’s own brand. It is also a massive plus if the room has a lounge area with a table and comfy chairs. It is not necessarily the size of the room that is important, (however a big room is nice) but the quality of products inside the room
3. Service
Luxy believes service is what truly makes customers remember their stay. Letting staff make the customer feel at ease is what makes a comfortable stay at any hotel. The checking in process should be a breeze, and being helped with your bags to your room is a must. As well as a high standard of room service, the hotel should have high class of service at all their amenities; whether by the pool or while enjoying food and drinks at one of the many bars. They should be able to attend to all needs and make you feel totally relaxed and comfortable. Finally the concierge should be savvy and wise. He must know all the best restaurants, bars, and sights in the area and be able to guide you to these places. As well as this, he requires to find you somewhere based on your preference, giving each guest individual attention and results. Finally, he should have good connections around the city, being able to get you booked in to the must exclusive places.According to Ruby Newell-Legner, it takes 12 positive experiences to make up for one bad experience, this demonstrates how important service at a hotel is.
4. Personalisation
Similar to service, personalization really makes the best hotels memorable. Being greeted on arrival by the staff saying your name is a massive plus as well as the staff smiling and asking how you are as you are around the hotel. Food being cooked the way you want it, drinks being made the way you like it, all go a long way in the hotel industry. These may sound simple but next time you stay in a luxury hotel see how personal your experience is and see afterwards how much you enjoyed your stay.
5. Hotel Amenities
In order for a hotel to be of the highest quality, it must have other amenities apart from just bars and restaurants. Gyms are must with the newest technology and equipment as well as multiple staff members. A Spa is also a necessity offering a range of services and treatments. Multiple pools with a sauna and steam room need to be present in the hotel. Fast Wifi is also needed whether you are there for business or pleasure. Finally there must be a 24/7 valet that includes high quality security for your vehicle to make you feel safe.The 5-Star Hotel Corintha in Budapest offers facilities and amenities such as a Hungarian Spa.
6. Attitude to Children
There is nothing worse than turning up to a hotel with a crying baby or fussy child only to have the staff turn their nose up at them. Luxy believes that the very best hotel should cater to the whole family. The staff should be pleasant and friendly towards the children and the hotel should offer some sort of distraction while the adults would like to relax. Furthermore, there should also be a children’s restaurant or a part of the menu a child can order from. On the other hand, other guests may not want to be annoyed by young children so different areas of the pool, restaurant and lounging areas are great.
7. Problem - Solving
Nobody likes it when things go wrong especially on your travels and away from your home. Luxy believes that the best hotels will make all problems seem insignificant. The staff must always be friendly and be prepared 24/7 to help you with your problems. As a result you will feel comfortable and relaxed regardless of what has happened.
8. All Round Quality and consistency.
Finally, Luxy believes that the very best hotels should be consistent across the board. This means that every guest will receive the best experience every time, and faults by the hotel are at an absolute minimum. Also, every aspect of the hotel must have a certain quality to it that cannot be described.
So there you have it! Luxy has found the 8 areas that make a hotel 5-Star.
What is your favourite hotel?
Next time you message someone try asking them their favourite hotel?