5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (2024)

2018-04-25T15:34:55Z

Stephane Mahe/Reuters
  • A luxury-hotel developer told Insider about the secrets the staff doesn't want its guests to know.
  • Tipping the employees and staying loyal to a hotel will lead to better service.
  • Celebrities sometimes get to stay at 5-star hotels for free, and their identities are kept private.

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Tipping the hotel staff goes a long way.

5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (2)

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Like other services in the hospitality industry, tipping goes a long way for your hotel experience, according to Arik Kislin, co-owner of the Gansevoort Hotel Group.

"The more you treat the staff well and compensate them for the services they are providing, the better they will accommodate you," he told Insider.

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Guests' public requests and behaviors may be documented.

5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (3)

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It may sound creepy, but having your behavior documented by hotel staff is usually to your benefit. Kislin said that hotel employees do this to make note of what their guests like and don't like.

"When people make weird or special requests, we always make note of them so the next time they stay with us, we are fully prepared for anything they might need," he told Insider. "Our guests are our number one priority and we want them to feel at home with every stay."

On the other hand, if you behave in an unfavorable way — like causing a scene over a small grievance — that may be recorded, too.

Of course, hotel employees only keep track of guests' activity in the lobby, elevators, hallways, and other common areas, not in your actual room.

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Celebrities sometimes get free hotel stays.

5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (4)

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Kislin said it's not uncommon for celebrities and influencers to get complimentary stays at the hotels of their choice for promotional purposes, especially if the person's image aligns with the hotel's brand.

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Privacy is key to keeping the elite coming back.

5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (5)

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When high-status individuals stay at a five-star hotel, the staff is obligated to keep their information and whereabouts private, according to Kislin.

If the masses were to find out where celebrities and public figures were staying, the hotel would suffer, too, because it would expose a lack of security on their part.

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Loyalty matters, so repeat customers will likely have a nicer stay.

5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (6)

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Guests who have a long-standing relationship with their five-star hotel of choice receive more love and perks from the hotel staff, according to Kislin.

"Five-star hotels will always put more effort and attention to detail for their loyal customers," he told Insider.

This is a great way of increasing your chances for free upgrades to a better room or suite, he added.

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5 things 5-star hotels don't want guests to know, according to someone who owns one (2024)

FAQs

What do hotel guests value most? ›

The most important expectation has and always will be cleanliness. Lack of cleanliness is among the top complaints about hotel stays. Good cleanliness often goes unnoticed, but poor hotel hygiene will always be something guests remember about their hotel stay.

What are the criteria for a 5 * hotel? ›

5 Star hotels must meet the following criteria:

Exceptional levels of proactive service and customer care. All areas of operation should meet the 5 Star level of quality for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, and for the quality of physical facilities and delivery of services. Hotel open seven days a week all year.

What matters most to hotel guests? ›

The 6 Most Important Things To Hotel Guests
  1. Hotel Cleanliness. One of the most important aspects of any hotel is its cleanliness. ...
  2. Contactless Check-In. ...
  3. Room Comfort. ...
  4. Hotel Amenities. ...
  5. Quality of Previous Guest Reviews. ...
  6. Timely Responses Via Text Messaging.
Dec 31, 2022

What is a 7 star hotel? ›

A seven-star hotel exceeds even the luxury and premium service required to attain a five-star rating from an official body. These hotels offer something above and beyond a five-star experience, catering to a highly wealthy clientele. They're courting celebrities, captains of industry, and major political figures.

What are the 3 guest expectations? ›

The list can never be ended but as a general one, guests expect their hotel room to be clean, comfortable and inviting. They want to feel like they are being taken care of and their needs will be met by the hotel. They also expect excellent customer service, both from the front desk staff and from housekeeping.

What is the 10 5 rule in hotels? ›

The idea behind the 10:5 rule is that anytime you find yourself within 10 feet (3 meters) of someone, you should smile and make eye contact. When you are within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of someone, you should greet them with a friendly hello or other greeting.

What is the 15 5 rule hotel? ›

The 15/5 rule at Marriott teaches employees to make eye contact and smile at customers when they are within 15 feet and to give a verbal greeting when customers are within 5 feet.

What is 15 5 rule in hotel management? ›

Use the 15/5 rule.

Employees are taught to make eye contact and smile at customers when they are within 15 feet. Employees then give a verbal greeting when customers are within 5 feet.

What is hotel etiquette? ›

If you are ever in doubt about proper etiquette, follow the general rules of proper etiquette. Smiling, saying “please” and “thank you,” and having a positive attitude will show your good manners wherever you are. Everyone at the hotel, including staff and other guests, deserve your respect and kindness.

Do hotels research their guests? ›

Guest Surveys: Hotels often conduct surveys to get feedback from guests about their experiences. This feedback can include information about the guests' preferences for room amenities, food and beverage options, and other hotel services.

Do hotels care how many guests? ›

While hotel charges can vary, it is common for hotels to ask for the number of guests during the booking process to determine appropriate room types and amenities. Standard occupancy limits exist for each room type, but these limits can be influenced by hotel policies and local regulations.

What is the most expensive hotel in the world? ›

Top 12 Most Expensive Hotels in the World
S.noMost Expensive Hotels in the worldPrice per night
1.The Lover's Deep St. Lucia Submarine- The Underwater HotelUSD 292000 per night
2.Kokomo Private Island FijiUSD 500000 per night
3.Palms Casino ResortUSD 100000 per night
4.The Mark HotelUSD 750000 per night
8 more rows
Feb 22, 2024

What's the highest star hotel in the world? ›

A history of luxury hotel ratings systems—and how the “seven-star” hotel was born. Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel built on an artificial island in front of Jumeirah beach.

What do customers value in a hotel? ›

Amenities: Consider the hotel's facilities, such as the availability of a gym, pool, restaurant, or spa, and the level of quality of these amenities.

What to sell to hotel guests? ›

In-Room Amenities – Adding special amenities such as chocolates, champagne or fresh flowers to a guest's room can be a great up-selling option. These added touches can make the guest feel special and enhance their overall stay.

How do hotels create customer value? ›

Give More Value to Customers than they Expect

A hotel can get good reviews from guests by doing little things, such as a welcome note or interesting in-room decoration. These little efforts by the hotel can enhance the overall stay experience of a guest and may add more delight in them during the end of their trip.

What is the most important thing that you sell in hospitality? ›

What is the most important thing in hospitality? The most important thing in hospitality is the customer experience, like how you welcome them & what facilities they have received in your hotel.

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