What makes a hotel fab? Why would you want to go back? Would you recommend it to your best friend?
The more hotels I stay at, the pickier I get, so I decided to start a new series called “My hOtel”, where I actually show you what it is really like to stay in each property. Details matter, and often – especially when we are talking about luxury hotels, which is the focus of this blog – it is the small things that make you want to go back for more.
I have done some research before writing this first “My hOtel” post – and would like to thank all my lovely Facebook and Twitter followers who took the time and effort to share with me what they thought about luxury hotels – what do they like? What do they need? What do they expect? And most importantly, what really annoys them.
![A room with a view at The Yeatman](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/yeatman-spa-barrel-bath-640x360-550x309.jpg)
We are paying good money to stay away in these homes away from home. Sometimes it is a special occasion, sometimes it is simply a business trip – but if we chose hotel A instead of hotel B, that happened for a reason.
I personally find it outrageous that luxury hotels charge for wi-fi – and usually more than I pay for a whole month of superfast broadband at home. I also feel very strongly about being charged €5 for a bottle of water – when I am paying €200, €400 or more per night to stay. I would much rather it is added to the cost of the room and psychologically, it is “included”. What do you think about this?
I personally don’t care much for coffee/tea facilities – but my initial research demonstrated that most people do. This has been a learning journey and once again, thanks to everyone who took the time to help out and join in the conversation.
I won’t be reviewing past hotels – it wouldn’t be fair on them. There are too many details and I am only human and honestly cannot remember if every shower was Hansgrohe. My point here is not to be over critical or mean – on the contrary. I am fortunate enough to stay in incredible places, and those who follow this blog do so as well – so why not share incredible experiences? The purpose of mrsoaroundtheworld.com is to inspire people to travel as much as they can and need.
![Sexy and cozy library at the Sofitel Legend Amsterdam The Grand](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/06.-Libary-Or-550x368.jpg)
So, without further ado, here are the points that Mrs. O shall be looking at when on her next luxury stay:
Pre-Arrival
– Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
– Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
– Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
Arrival
– The wow factor – sometimes these words come out of my mouth when I enter a hotel! What was the hotel décor style?
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
– Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know J
– Wifi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
Room Experience
![A room with a view? Four Seasons Sydney](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/fssydney-550x309.jpg)
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
– Welcome amenity
– The bed – this is very important. There have been hotels whose beds I never wanted to leave. Bed linen – did I want some of it at home?
– Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
– Iphone Charger/Dock – seen more and more often and absolutely necessary
– Bathrobes and slippers – something I rarely use, but most of you really value it, so I shall take a closer look
– Coffee and Tea – which I never use, but shall see if a Nespresso moment can be had.. and what alternatives for tea lovers
– Free bottled water
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
– Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
Bathroom
![Sexy bathroom (and room) at the Sheraton Lisbon](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/Club_Guestroom_Lisboa-550x309.jpg)
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
– Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
Breakfast
![Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/001160-05-outdoor-dining-daytime-550x309.jpg)
– Décor of breakfast room – there are some beauties out there
– The spread (inc yumminess)
– Cost (I have seen a hotel charging €75 for breakfast – a tad much, maybe?)
Bar
![Eclipse bar at W Barcelona](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/Eclipse-W-Barcelona-550x366.jpg)
– The wow factor – obviously!
– Service
– Cocktail yumminess
Beach and non-city properties
![A "pool" at he Viceroy Maldives](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/Viceroy1-550x366.jpg)
– Sun loungers – the good, the bad and the ugly. And the not included in the price of the room ones (excluding Cabanas, obviously)
– Towels – I am “slightly” obsessed with towel quality and they deserve their own bullet point
– Food and drink selection
– Child-free or quiet pool/beach areas – have seen this more and more and think it is a really good idea. We are all there for different reasons – I like to sleep and read, not to hear about other people’s life stories or screaming children. (Once I have children, I shall move to the other side!)
General thoughts
![Timeless elegance at The Berkeley, London](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/5-berkeley-luxury-hotel-rooms-suites-550x218.jpg)
– How good and reliable was the wifi?
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
– Location
– Cost – rooms starting from…
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
– Would I stay again?
And last but not the least… my 3 favourite things about the hotel!
![Ames Hotel Boston](https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/270004940129231801_kXQFHtci_f.jpg)
So there you are, with each hotel I visit, coupled with great photos, you will know what to expect if you decide to book a stay there. As always, I will always disclose if I am being a guest of the hotel or not – it shall not cloud my judgement in any way.
And incredible hotels will get something special.. the Mrs. O seal of approval. Oh and a Triptease review!
My question to you: what have I missed? Do let me know by commenting below, and I shall add them to the list!
Xo
Mrs. O