Why a Great Hotel Matters

There’s a lot of travelers out there who say the hotel doesn’t matter. That it’s just a place to sleep. As long as it’s clean and in a decent location and at a good price. 

But I’d like to respectfully disagree.

After spending a week in Japan staying at some of the best 5* properties, I am only more certain that a great hotel can make a trip that much better. Whether it was the delicious breakfast, attentive service and friendly staff, or the upgraded amenities that we had access to (like a sauna after a long travel day!) - these all made our trip even more memorable (and comfortable).

Service

This is by far the biggest difference between a wonderful hotel and a ‘meh’ hotel. A good 4 or 5* hotel comes with attentive staff, attention to detail, and the feeling that good service accompanies each and every aspect of your stay. 

Your needs are anticipated. Issues are resolved quickly and with care. Supportive and helpful staff are nearby at all times. The hotel staff greets you warmly and by name.

You truly feel like a guest, being taken care of throughout your stay. 

For example, during my recent trip to Japan, wake-up calls at more than one hotel were provided both on the phone and in person - and included a freshly made cappuccino! When you stay at a 5* resort, this is the level of service you should expect.

The Rooms

High quality linens and comfortable beds. Spacious and well-appointed rooms that come with all of the expected amenities. Nightly turndown service. Unique design that feels endemic to the destination. 

It’s not just a place to sleep and, on many trips, you may want to actually spend time in your room. If you’re taking a resort-based trip where you’ll mostly be on property, you definitely want something that goes beyond comfortable. Perhaps you’re looking for a balcony, patio, or private plunge pool? Taking a romantic vacation and looking for some added privacy? 

If you’re traveling in a group or with kids, you may be interested in larger suites or connecting rooms. At a higher-end property (and one that is a preferred partner of ours), we can work with our hotel connections to guarantee your desired room configurations - this is certainly not a feature available at all hotels!

photo via https://pluslifehealth.com.au/

Our Preferred Partners

Our agency is fortunate to have access to hotel elite partnerships via our affiliation with Gifted Travel Network - not only do these programs offer perks for our clients, they also provide VIP status for clients. What does this mean for you? Your reservation will be a top priority for the hotel staff - you’ll feel that the moment you’re welcomed at the property, your special requests can be honored (like those connecting rooms and more) and troubleshooting any issues during your stay will be of utmost priority. And you’ll still be able to earn those important hotel loyalty rewards during your stay. 

We also have access to exclusive Virtuoso benefits for our clients as Gifted Travel Network is a member of Virtuoso. Consider these perks the added value you receive by booking with us!

Extras

If you’re the type of person who loves a nice spa, then your hotel definitely matters! I love scoping out the spa during my hotel site visits - it can be such a wonderful way to indulge and unwind during your stay and oftentimes there are resort credits earned through our preferred partners that can be applied to spa services. 

Dining can also be a critical part of your hotel experience. Multiple dining options and 24-hour room service can truly make a difference during your stay. If you’ve ever opted for a hotel that doesn’t offer this type of service and arrived late at night when nothing is open ... .It's far from ideal. 

Fitness centers, outdoor activities, and kids clubs are just a few of the other amenities that are offered at these 4-5* hotels and resorts, taking your hotel stay to another level by having access to these amenities onsite. When traveling with kids, having dedicated activities for them can make a huge difference in your trip and, at many resorts, we can arrange babysitting or nanny services so the adults can enjoy some time on their own. 

Are you convinced that the kind of hotel you stay in makes a difference?  Learn more about our hotel booking services and how we can upgrade your next stay.