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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Five Star Alliance

Five-star hotels are properties that offer their guests the highest levels of luxury through personalized services, a vast range of amenities, and sophisticated accommodations. Though there is no standard rating system for hotels, properties earn 5-star distinction by providing guests experiences that meet or exceed even the highest of expectations for comfort, décor, and luxury.

5 Star Hotel Criteria

5Star-HotelsThough a luxury hotel may share many five-star hotel characteristics, a true five-star hotel should satisfy all these criteria:

5-Star Service

Five-star hotel employees should be polite, attentive, discreet, and can anticipate guests’ needs. All-in-all, consistently flawless excellence is the expectation.

  • Standalone concierge staff available at least 16 hours a day
  • A high staff-to-room ratio—ideally above 2.5
  • Multilingual staff
  • 24-hour reception, room service, valet parking, butler, doorman
  • Nightly turndown
  • Easy communication with hotel staff - even via text or app
  • Daily housekeeping that is also available upon request at any time
  • Laundry, ironing, dry cleaning, and shoe polishing
  • Guest elevators separate from staff elevators
  • Medical Team and resources on call
  • Luggage storage in which bags are out of guest view
  • Fine dining restaurant(s) and a standalone lounge and/or bar
  • Transfers and executive or house car
  • Childcare options including vetted babysitting service
  • Pre-check-in registration and preferences
  • Local products and services, especially for dining

5-Star In-Room Amenities

  • Luxurious robes and slippers
  • Electric safe
  • Laundry bags
  • Full-length mirror with lighting
  • Flat-screen TV with international programming
  • Outlets for personal electronics, especially multiple plug and socket types (USB)
  • Smart TV features with access to streaming services
  • Stocked mini bar (with cocktail and wine accessories)
  • Selection of daily newspapers
  • Wifi (highest speeds, multi-device)
  • Specialty night lighting
  • At least four types of spa treatments
  • Digital room key entry
  • Electronic travel convertors and adapters

5-Star Comfort

  • Guest rooms must be plush and inviting—especially the bed (ideally, there is a memory foam bed with high thread count sheets)
  • Pillow menu
  • Blackout shades
  • Bathrobes, slippers, luxury toiletries, and large fluffy towels
  • Night lighting in walking areas and bathrooms
  • Yoga or fitness equipment available for use in-room
  • Poolside daybeds, umbrellas, lotions, ice water, attendants, and food and beverage service

5-star hotel meaning

Some luxury hotels are even trying to out-do others to prove that they have 5-star amenities and are above and beyond the competition. These go far past the typical luxury upgrades. 

One example from Bloomberg Businessweek describes foraging in the woods for parts of your meal (Five-Star Mushroom Hunting Programs Are Newest Amenity at Top Hotels). Other's include in-room drink stations for cocktails or guest-use of boat or yacht (Gili Lankanfushi guests can access a 14-metre Riviera yacht). A hotel in Northern California Will Fill Your Room With Fresh Flowers and Houseplants — That You Can Take Home". Travel+Leisure also found this hotel in the Belize that will puts cocooning butterflies in rooms for guests to release.

During COVID-19 lock-downs, some 5-Star resorts even transformed themselves into full-service family getaways offering "work-from-home" office spaces, full time childcare (including camps and even schooling), and pet concierges. One examples is from back in 2020 when Island Destinations properties did private family camp getaways.

And as more hotels aspire to five-star quality, we expect to see the very best hotels advance the standards of luxury. Here is what does exist in many five-star hotels, and will become standard for luxury hotels soon:

  • Remote access to room lighting, climate, and "do not disturb"
  • Circadian lighting
  • Further upgraded coffee machines
  • Bluetooth-enabled door locks
  • Customizable smart beds
  • Sustainable and environmentally-friendly focus

Who awards hotels 5 stars? 

There is no universal standard for hotel ratings. 

Terms such as Deluxe/Luxury, First Class/Superior, Tourist Class/Standard, and Budget Class/Economy are more widely accepted as hotel types, not hotel standards.

In North America, AAA hotel ratings are from 1 to 5 diamonds. The Forbes (Mobil) Travel Guide only ranks 4- and 5-star hotels.

In Europe, the Hotelstars Union has standard hotel star ratings applicable to properties for more than 15 countries. Switzerland uses hotelleriesuisse which confirms a certain level of quality service, infrastructure, and equipment. The UK uses the Automobile Association's (AA) 1-to-5 star ratings.

Many other nations have laws to define hotel rating criteria.

In New Zealand, Qualmark, part of Tourism New Zealand, grades hotels from 1 to 5 stars.

In Australia, the Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA and RACT) have awarded hotels star ratings that incorporate guest feedback. The ratings are now managed by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC).

In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism maintains hotel rating standards with a system that grades properties between 1 and 5 stars.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) grades hotels based on strict criteria and conditions in six categories.

India's classifications are handled by the Ministry of Tourism's Hotel and Restaurant Association Classification Committee (HRACC). The categories are 1 to 5 Stars and 5 Star Deluxe as well as categories for heritage: Heritage Grand, Heritage Classic, and Heritage Basic.

While it might be great for marketing, there are no 7-star or 6-star hotels

In addition to meeting the criteria above, all of the Five Star Alliance hotels must maintain a high degree of satisfaction from guests across review sites and via feedback provided directly to us. This article and the details get updated frequently based on changing standards and newly available criteria.

 

Click here to explore all of our five-star hotels >>

5-star luxury hotel meaning

written by Courtney W. May, Five Star Alliance 

* This page is fully maintained and updated when appropriate

 


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

Hotel Stockholm SwedenYou have questions, we have answers! Explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: We are looking to stay in Stockhom and need a room for 3, what do you recommend? 

Answer: Hotel Rival Stockholm is the epitome of cool. Hip, lively, colorful, and chic, the city's first boutique hotel is a modern masterpiece of design. With its on-site bakery and cinema, stylish lobby, and gorgeous bar, the Hotel Rival is the kind of friendly and exciting boutique that every city should wish for. The hotel belongs to Benny Andersson, the ABBA legend. The gorgeous cinema -renovated to retain its original historical touches- is now the scene of fashion shows, parties, concerts, and film screenings. The cinema motif is dominant in the hotel's design- the comfortable bistro features wall paneling with a mosaic of 924 film star images, and each guestroom is adorned with a scene from a vintage Swedish film, the glass-covered canvas suspended above the beds.

For Your Needs, We Recommend:

Deluxe Balcony Room. The guestrooms embrace a sleek modern minimalism which hasn't abandoned function over form. They are perfectly comfortable and highly sophisticated. The DUX beds are heavenly, with luscious linens, Egyptian cotton sheets, a special pillow menu, and the signature teddy bear from Debenhams. Some rooms feature a windowed wall between the bathroom and bedroom, allowing guests to soak in the tub while gazing out into the room. Of course the guestrooms and suites are loaded with technology,from plasma screen TVs, DVD/CD players (and plenty of DVD rentals), PS2's, and wireless internet access.  

Book a stay at Hotel Rival Stockholm >>


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

The Lodge at Torrey Pines
You have questions, we have answers! Explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: Can You Recommend a Suite for Five at The Lodge at Torrey Pines?

Answer: Overlooking the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course with distant views of the Pacific Ocean, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a AAA Five Diamond La Jolla hotel located just 15 miles north of downtown San Diego. The Lodge, site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championships, pays homage to the Craftsman era and showcases 169 rooms and suites that reflect San Diego's stress-free lifestyle while providing all the comfort and amenities you need. The resort is designed to blend in with the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve, which features golden sandstone formations and rare Torrey pine trees. A member of the California Green Lodging Program, The Lodge is home to The Spa at Torrey Pines and A.R. Valentien, a signature farm-to-table restaurant.

For Your Needs, We Recommend

The Blacker Suite is a luxury suite, which provides the option of a second room that overlooks the 18th green of the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and offers a sweeping view of the California coastline. The generously sized suite is well over 2,000 square feet, with spacious accommodations that include central Presidential Parlor, private balconies, one and a half baths, full kitchen and two fireplaces. This suite has one bedroom with a King sized bed and an optional second bedroom with two Queen sized beds, bathroom and fireplace. Each bed is appointed with Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets. The Stickley-style fine wood furnishings embody the Craftsman era and are accentuated with rich fabrics and fine leathers. The bathrooms are luxurious granite and marble decor with Craftsman accents and hardwood. The bathrooms have walk-in showers and oversized tubs. In addition to the sense of historic elegance, this suite offers many of the high-tech details needed by the corporate business traveler such as large working areas, Wi-Fi, data hook-up, lap-top safes and state of the art telecommunications, Bose wave stereo systems, to name a few.

Book a stay at The Lodge at Torrey Pines >>


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

Windsor Court HotelYou have questions, we have answers! Explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: We are traveling to New Orleans and want a suite at Windsor Court Hotel that has river views.  What do you recommend?

Answer: Try a Premium Suite. They feature:

Classic English/French Vogue decor
New furnishings and amenities
800 square feet of living and working space
King size or two queen beds in the bedroom
Separate, large living room with couch, work desk and chairs, and French doors for privacy from the bedroom
Butler's pantry
Many suites with private balconies
Large dressing and vanity area
Genuine Italian marble bath
Mini-bar
Complimentary high-speed internet, wired and wireless
iHome docking stations
Customizable voicemail
Coffee and coffee maker
Two bedroom suite configurations available

For those river views, book a suite on the Club Level. They are located on the top four floors of the hotel, with panoramic views of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Club Level accommodations also offer exclusive access to the private Club lounge, and the services of a dedicated concierge. 

Book a stay at Windsor Court Hotel >>


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

Vanderbilt Grace
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and thats why we’re here.

QUESTION: We are looking for someplace in or near Newport, RI that offers something different as a hotel activity. Where do you recommend?


ANSWER: The  Vanderbilt Grace, formerly Vanderbilt Hall, is an historic boutique hotel in Rhode Island just minutes from the delightful waterfront of Newport, and is one of the town's best kept secrets. Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, the 1909 property is a vintage Newport mansion that has been restored to its former glory and is one of the few private homes of the era to operate for guests as a fully functioning and top luxury hotel in Rhode Island.


Today, as The Vanderbilt Grace, the mansion comprises a luxurious hotel with 33 rooms and luxury suites in Newport Rhode Island, a sumptuous spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel features two restaurants including Muse, a fine dining restaurant created by renowned New England chef, Jonathan Cartwright, where the best local ingredients are on offer in imaginative menus which change throughout the year.

For Your Activity, We Suggest:

Vanderbilt Private Cooking Classes
Tap into your culinary prowess with the hotel's chefs as they impart their experiences and techniques to prepare the perfect meal chosen by you. Thecooking classes can be extremely flexible depending on what you wish to taste and experience, the size of your group, the seasonality and local produce available. There are also various dining options available. For example, guests can take a private fishing trip to catch local lobster. Once back on dry land you will work hand in hand with the chefs to prepare your catch to your very own tastes.

This is an ideal experience for the whole family and you can immerse yourselves in local produce and classic New England cooking.

Duration: from 2 to 4 hours
Price: from $100 per person
Cooking experiences dependent on seasonality.

Book your culinary stay at Vanderbilt Grace >> 

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.
 


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

Chateau Elan Winery
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

QUESTION: What Atlanta area resort would you recommend for a romantic weekend?


ANSWER: Chateau Elan Winery and Resort Braselton, GA


Within the sweeping panorama of the north Georgia foothills, just 40 minutes north of Atlanta but a world away from the bustling city is Chateau Elan. Here on 3,500 acres, French provincial and Southern hospitality combine to produce a superb leisure resort and conference destination. The Inn's charm can be attributed not only to its architectural authenticity but also to the approachable and enthusiastic service-oriented staff. The exterior design, with its pitch roof, wrought-iron detail and cornice moldings, captures the feeling of a French country estate. In the lobby and throughout the elegant guest rooms, a pastel color scheme, window shutters and country French furnishings enrich the look. Dining at Chateau Elan, enhanced with the bounty of the award winning vineyards, is a heady attraction for anyone's tastes. Choices and settings span classic French dining at Le Clos, casual bistro style foods at Cafe Elan, sumptuous buffet and a la carte fare at Versailles, and the spirited ambience of Paddy's Irish Pub. All guaranteed to send taste buds soaring.
 

Book your romantic getaway at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort >>


All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

 


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

QUESTION: What is the pet policy at InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa?

ANSWER: InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa is located on the most idyllic island in the Mexican Caribbean, within the Cozumel National Marine Park, surrounded by pristine turquoise waters which are home to one of the best coral reef system in the world. A dedicated staff and some of the finest facilities in the Mexican Caribbean give this luxurious destination resort a unique point of difference and a memorable experience for each guest.

PET POLICY
The resort does accept pets, however pets must weigh 20 pounds or less and be on room premises. There is a 25 usd fee per day. Pets cannot be unattended and are not allowed in restaurants, pools or beach areas.

Book a stay at InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa >>

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.


| By:

Palazzo Victoria
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

QUESTION: Are there connecting rooms at Palazzo Victoria in Verona, Italy?


ANSWER: In a place rich with history and cultural heritage, located in the heart of one of the most elegant cities, stands the magnificent Palazzo Victoria, a stunning palace built at the beginning of the XIV° century. Palazzo Victoria is a few steps away from everything you need and you dream. Not only a Palazzo but also a Museum where you can still feel the visible traces of the past. The hotel is the result of millenary heritage of arts, cultures, architectural innovations and style that perfectly match and live together.Palazzo Victoria
Palazzo Victoria is ideally located whether the stay is for business or pleasure. It is the perfect venue for guests looking for luxury.


As far as Connecting Rooms – Grande Deluxe Rooms can be connected to other Grande Deluxe Rooms. Rooms are decorated with local furniture from the Veneto region; they combine comfort with the most elegant style. Those rooms are an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers; there is enough space to work and to relax. On the walls of the bedrooms, selected hand painted frescoes and classical paintings make stays unforgettable. The Grand Deluxe rooms measure around 25 square meters.

Book a stay at Palazzo Victoria >>

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

 

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| By: Betsy LeTourneau

Grand Hyatt Atlanta
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that's why we’re here. Be sure to explore our blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

QUESTION: Can You Recommend a Romantic Hotel in Atlanta?

ANSWER: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead is set within the upscale uptown neighborhood of Buckhead. Spacious, renovated guestrooms include irresistible Hyatt Grand BedsTM, state-of-the-art fiber-optic Internet and sleek flat screen HDTVs. Enjoy views of the Japanese Zen Garden at Onyx at the Grand, savor renowned Southern cuisine at Cassis, or treat colleagues and guests to the culinary expertise of the outstanding catering staff.Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Suite Unwind within the spacious 1,240-square-foot accommodations featuring stunning views of Stone Mountain and downtown Atlanta. Entertain graciously in these handsomely appointed accommodations that include sitting, dining, and work areas as well as a marble foyer. Allow the professional food and beverage staff to serve dinner from the kitchenette. Luxuriate in the master bath offering a Jacuzzi, marble vanity, and deluxe Portico bath products. Slumber blissfully on one king-sized signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ fitted with sumptuous linens Additional amenities within these superb accommodations include iHome stereo with iPod® docking station, 42” flat screen HDTV, 24 hour in-room dining service, a safe large enough to store and charge a laptop computer, and easy video checkout.

Book a stay at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead >>

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.
 


| By: Betsy LeTourneau

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Explore our whole blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa


QUESTION: What is the Pet Policy at Paradise Point Resort and Spa San Diego?


ANSWER: Tucked away on gentle Mission Bay next door to SeaWorld, Paradise Point Resort and Spa features comfortable, California bungalow-style rooms amidst lush, tropical gardens, tranquil lagoons, and one mile of sandy beaches in the heart of San Diego.
Scattered over 44 acres, Paradise Point offers ground-floor accommodations including waterfront bungalows, 73 suites and connecting rooms ideal for families and large groups. Each airy guestroom comes with all the convenient details such as a private patio, mini-fridge, reserved door-step parking, and alarm clock with mp3 player input.
Beyond your bungalow door, the island is a one stop shop for all things fun under the Southern California sun home to five swimming pools, beach bonfire pits, watercraft rentals, five dining venues, one of the country's top spas, and an array of recreation opportunities.

Pet Policy
Pet policy. 15 lbs or less for dogs- $250 authorized on check in and $150 will be returned at departure if no damages-- in other words $100 will be charged for 1 dog.

Book a stay at Paradise Point Resort and Spa >>

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies
 


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