What makes a hotel room luxurious?
12 non-negotiable amenities from frequent travelers
As a travel writer, it’s no secret that I stay at a fair share of hotels and resorts. Given my beat is luxury, the services are typically premium and I’m no stranger to the notorious question: What’s your favorite hotel?
I have many, but I’m not here to answer that today. That dreaded question has many responses and I’d rather focus on what I think constitutes luxury: meticulous attention to detail.
To me, that’s what luxury is — anticipating what a consumer wants before they even know they want it.
So when I check into a hotel room and see a beach bag or pair of flip flops, I’m instantly like, “why didn’t I think to pack a pair of easy slide-ons for around the property or a catch-all bag for my book, hat, and cover-up when heading to the pool?” At this point, admittedly, I’ve come to expect these amenities as many luxury brands started offering them, but I still see it as luxury as I know I don’t have to waste precious space in my luggage with these items.
After reflecting on some of the past amenities I’ve appreciated, I decided on a few contenders that really set a luxury hotel room apart from any old accommodation. The first one is a bit basic but I love a Nespresso machine, preferably one that’s concealed by some snazzy configuration that adds to the room design. As silly as it sounds, hotel Nespresso just hits different. Every. Single. Time. Especially when there’s a balcony or an oversized window to curl up in bed and have a slow wake-up while watching the world go by.
I have a few more contenders below, but first wanted to share favorites from some writer friends who are constantly checking in and out of hotels. Here’s what really ignites the wow factor according to them:
I love when a hotel supplies a clothing or accessory item unique to that destination that enriches the experience.
A couple of examples that come to mind include Wellies at Ashford Castle in Ireland (for clomping around the muddy woods) and a straw sun hat at Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection (for foraging under the sun) and at Playa Grande Beach Club (for strolling along the sand). None of these properties charge for these amenities, which makes it a real surprise and delight moment. I also like this amenity because if you forgot to pack it or didn't know how to prepare, there's a sense of being taken care of by the hotel staff, which is nice! — Nicole Kliest, freelance journalist
A view!
No, really. It sounds so simple — but it can really change the vibe of a room. Even if you're staying at the nicest hotel, in the most chic well-decorated room, staring at a brick wall through the window can be… a bummer. When your window is overshadowed (literally) by another building, it can make you feel less free and instantly claustrophobic. I recently stayed at the SO/Paris and the room had an amazing view of the seine and Eiffel tower — what a welcomed sight! During another recent trip, I stayed at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, near Scottsdale and Phoenix, and having a view of the pools and grassy areas below was super relaxing. It also inspired me to get out of bed and put on a bathing suit so I could go down the water slides on property. — Hilary Sheinbaum, freelance journalist, founder of GoingDry.co and Author of The Dry Challenge and Going Dry (coming out Sept 3)
Private pool
It's so indulgent! I love having the privacy to sunbathe and relax away from other guests, and the fact you can enjoy it at any hour of the day, even with a busy travel schedule. Southeast Asia has some of the best private pool villas I've seen. One of my favorites has been Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel: the pool was huge and had traditional Balinese water spouts. And the water was always filled with fragrant frangipane flowers which blew in from the surrounding trees.. just magical! — Livia Hengel, freelance travel writer and dolce vita enthusiast
Customizable concierge services
I've noticed complimentary concierge services are becoming a trend amongst hotels, which I find just truly elevates a stay to luxury level. Having someone who can book you reservations, make itinerary suggestions, etc. makes planning a stay just that much more comfortable. The W South Beach Hotel has their W Insider program that boasts a "whatever/whenever" policy for your heart's desires, and it was all through their app, making access even easier. — Brittny Drye, editor-in-chief of Love Inc.
Bluetooth Speaker
If you like listening to Cowboy Carter while you get ready for dinner, then a bluetooth speaker is an essential! — Stephen Figliozzi, director, social media
Slippers and robes
They are the first things I check. If there is a smaller and larger size then that's a great start. If the robe is soft and plush AND the sash is already threaded through the loops then I am very happy. Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa and Tswalu in the Kalahari both more than met this goal with super soft robes and, another personal favorite, an all inclusive mini-bar filled with local gin, canned tonics and nightly ice service. Any occasion where I don’t have to do any extra work to get cozy is a win. — Alissa Fitzgerald, food and travel writer
Bath tub
I live in NYC so I do not have the luxury of having a bath tub — even though I’m obsessed with baths. So when I travel, having a bath tub is the pinnacle of luxury. The travertine tub at Borgo Santo Pietro is already heavenly but they also offer a bath ritual where they fill the tub with thousands of flower petals, bath oils made on property from Seed to Skin that are hand harvested and it kicks jet lag’s ass. If you died in that bath tub you’d go to heaven. — Brianna Peters, beauty editor of goop
A few more contenders from my end:
A steamer — In order to get to a destination, clothes are rolled up in a bag; therefore, wrinkles are intrinsic so every room should have one, not just a shared steamer that you have to request (and usually wait for) from the front desk.
Yoga mats — Wellness travel is on the rise. Even if the hotel has a gym, some travelers prefer to stretch in the morning or after a long flight rather than head to the gym where they may not have enough space. Of course, European hotels are infamous for not having gyms, so this is a great alternative for those hotels to lean into the ever-popular wellbeing movement.
Sunscreen — I only travel with carry-on so packing enough sunscreen is never in my cards. Even if I didn’t travel with carryon-on, sunscreen is messy and runs the risk of leaking all over the suitcase. More so, many destinations have restrictions about reef-safe sunscreen these days so I don’t want to be unsustainable. Thus, it’s a treat when you check-in to a room and there’s a bottle waiting or when there’s supplies out by the pool and beaches rather than having to head to the first store I see to pick up a bottle I’ll only use half of during my stay.
Balcony, terrace or outdoor area — for my morning cup of Nespresso and evening bubbles.
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