Planning a last-minute luxury autumn getaway? After eighteen months of ongoing travel restrictions, it’s safe to say that everyone deserves a break – and if you’ve been missing being wined, dined and waited on hand and foot then a lavish holiday is just the ticket to get you feeling relaxed, rested and utterly pampered once again.
Once the destination has been decided and the first class flights have been booked, it’s time to start seeking out the perfect luxury hotel to serve as your base, with opulent suites, impeccable service and an enviable dining and entertainment experience guaranteed. But with so many hotels bearing the five-star status these days, how do you ensure you’re making the best choice?
Now that we’re firmly in the digital age, it has become easier and more convenient than ever to do some digging and unearth your perfect match – but if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for then the search can feel overwhelming. To help set you off on the right path, we’ve broken down all of the key criteria to consider when choosing the perfect accommodation for your trip – from the location to the room specifications, and everything in between.
The ratings
When looking for your perfect luxury hotel, the first thing to check is star ratings. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, then you’ll of course be looking for a five star or a plus, but it’s just as important to go through the ratings on third party websites, as well as customer reviews, to get a clearer picture of what to expect. Two five-star hotels, when compared, can offer two very different experiences, so it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you book to avoid disappointment and ensure that all the right boxes are ticked.
The location
Your next port of call when choosing your dream luxury hotel is deciding on the right location. The location of the hotel you choose can easily make or break your overall experience – too far from the centre of the city for your weekend getaway, then that relaxing few days away can quickly begin to feel tiring. Too far from the beach on that tropical island getaway, and your holiday might end up missing the mark when it comes to transporting you to paradise.
Start by researching the city or the area in which you intend to stay, then work out its proximity to the sights and attractions you hope to experience during your holiday. Then, once you’ve narrowed it down to some convenient locations, make use of Google Maps to get a better feel for each place, and read TripAdvisor reviews to make sure you’re on the right track.
Decide whether you’d like most things to be within walking distance, or if you’re happy to be based further afield from the action but with good transport links nearby. And be sure to consider the variety of nearby dining options, bars and grocery stores before making your final decision.
The room
If you’re a fan of getting out and exploring then you might not envisage spending much time in your hotel room – but a lavish and relaxing space to come back to after a long day out will truly make you feel like you’re on holiday. While some five-star hotels offer sprawling suites with an endless selection of included services and amenities, others might be more modest, so take some time to consider what the essentials are for you and use them as the criteria for your search.
Start by checking all the specifications of the room, including the bed options, size, view, heating, air conditioning, and bathroom. Some hotels offer other amenities like shaving kits, dental kits, and Bouclair furnishings – you can get a better idea of what to expect by viewing the galleries on hotel websites, but be sure to check hotel reviews discussing the rooms to find out whether they live up to your expectations before you book.
Amenities
Of course, a breath-taking hotel room alone isn’t usually enough to go on, so be sure to delve a little deeper into the facilities on offer before making your selection. A few basic services include 24-hour reception, room services, concierge, and housekeeping should all feature. All hotels must provide these, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking, a swimming pool, a business centre, an airport shuttle and luggage storage, but if you’re looking to stay somewhere that really has that wow-factor then keep an eye out for some other stand-out features.
Are you looking for somewhere with a rooftop bar and infinity pool, with breath-taking views down over the city? Or is a highly-rated spa and fitness centre a deal-breaker for you? Make a list of what you’d like, and use it to narrow down your shortlist of hotels even further to help you make a final decision.
Fine print
After settling on your ideal luxury hotel, it’s wise to go through the fine print in detail before going ahead and making your booking. Check the no-show, cancellation, tipping and refunding policies to ensure that you’re fully informed, and be sure to verify if the hotel will debit the booking cost from your credit card immediately or save the details for the future so that you know when to expect to pay.
A holiday should be a relaxing and restorative experience from start to finish, so be sure to take a little time over choosing your perfect hotel to ensure the best possible stay. It might be time consuming, but you’ll thank yourself for it later and be perfectly primed for the trip of a lifetime.
