We have been staying in a wide variety of hotels on this trip in terms of quality and price, in several countries and continents. We have had some pretty basic no-frills rooms and we have had some amazing luxury suites thanks to Hyatt. There are a few features we have noticed that really differentiate between luxury and budget hotels:
1. Pillows
Luxury hotels tend to have a nest of pillows that take up half the bed; budget hotels have 1 pillow per head.
2. Towels
Luxury hotels usually seem to have at least n+1 fluffy sets of towels (including hand towels and face cloths); budget hotels have 1 (often threadbare) towel per person.
3. Conditioner
Luxury hotels provide conditioner in addition to shampoo, bath gel, and soap; at budget hotels you're lucky to get shampoo.
4. Tissues
Luxury hotels have tissues in the room; budget hotels do not.
5. Internet (This one goes to the budget hotels)
Luxury hotels charge exorbitant rates for internet; budget hotels usually provide it for free. (If we didn't have elite status that gives us free internet at 3 different Western hotel chains, this one would really steam us.)
In additional to these physical aspects, there is a certain "ahhh" factor when you come home at night to a nice hotel room. We have never been on a trip this long before and have never alternated between budget and luxury accommodations, but there is definitely something to be said for staying in a luxury hotel that just makes you feel happy when you come home at night. Of course, we still will try to get luxury hotels below market rate using points or other deals whenever possible, but I think we are realizing that there is perhaps more of a price premium we would be willing to pay for luxury hotels in some situations than we had previously thought.
Good observations. Let me expand, but first preface that I generally do not value luxury hotels, opting instead for instant friends, and getting the skinny on local activities from real people like me (instead of concierge). That said, travelling on-the_cheap seems to raise the value of occasionally rotating in a luxury hotel to restore my balance. The "ahhh" feeling is essential, but for me only occurs when I am otherwise offset, and that doesn't happen in the course of a day or two, even with the tribulations of mass transiting everywhere. Once in a while, for 2 days is plenty for a long time IMO.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect this would happen in a youth hostel, but budget hotels will often give you an extra pillow per person, or extra towels, if you ask for them. I travel with a PackTowel and JCloths cut in half, as many hotels in Europe do not include face cloths. JCloths dry very quickly. I also have a small inflatable pillow, which works pretty well when wrapped in a clean towel.
ReplyDeleteAlso, budget hotels often include a continental breakfast. Our experience in luxury hotels is that breakfast is not usually included, unless you get a deal through one of the hotel booking web sites. Re conditioner and tissue, I bring my own (or it's cheap to buy more tissues if needed).
Luxury hotels are a nice treat once in awhile, but it seems a big waste of vacation money to use them often, especially if one is not going to be spending much time in the hotel except to sleep and shower. I don't even really need a TV in the room, although a mini-fridge, microwave oven, or kettle is a nice bonus. Bed and breakfasts are often much cheaper than luxury hotels (although a cut above budget hotels) and provide the benefit of meeting helpful locals.
Great piece of information on luxury and budget hotels.As compared to the price I would prefer budget hotels.
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't imagine myself to stay on luxury hotel I do love it,because you can captures the essence of the country.
ReplyDeleteOnline hotels reservation @ Volunium