What Makes a Great Hotel?
We recall a recent stay that didn’t quite live up to expectations—which begs that we ask an important question.
We recently had a hotel experience that didn’t quite live up to expectations…
It’s no secret that expectations and travel can be a tricky combination. We can all use a regular reminder of that.
For us—the majority of our most memorable, rewarding travel experiences have been trips that we didn’t build up in our minds. Sure, there will always be some level of anticipation (one of the beautiful parts of travel!), but when we pack our bags with an openness and curiosity of what we might find, everything seems to turn out for the better. We should never set ourselves up to be let down!
For whatever reason, on this recent hotel stay…we broke our own rule.
Why? Because the hotel in question belonged to a brand that we’ve both heralded—one within a historic collection that we’d experienced and loved before. So we had arrived with heightened hopes.
Before you ask—no, we won’t be naming names. No, we won’t be getting into the specifics. And no, it wasn’t a bad stay. It was even good. Which is exactly what got us thinking: what separates good from great in hospitality?
What brings major value? What moves the needle? What elevates a hotel from a place to sleep to an experience worth remembering (and revisiting once again)?
The obvious first answer is people: excellent, caring staff that do what they do with pride. Staff with an astute attention to detail, the ability to anticipate, and the knowledge of when to engage guests directly. But beyond that—there are many little things, or “+1s”, that can add up to something special.
Not every hotel can or should do each of these things. But if one is done right? You’re in for a better stay. And if they’re all covered? That’s a stay you’ll never forget.
Here a just few things that can make greatness…
1 // A WORTHY LOBBY BAR. A hotel without a lobby bar is just a building with beds. The best lobby bars? They catapult otherwise unassuming properties into excellence. We love hotel bars with a sort of faded elegance, a balanced mix of locals and guests, and bartenders who really know what they’re doing. The lobby bar remains the heart of a great hotel.
2 // A PROPER ROOM SERVICE PROGRAM. A proper room service program is a 24-hour offering. That means any time of the day! When you arrive exceedingly late to check-in after a long day of travel, room service at the ready is non-negotiable. Or after a big night out? The mini bar just won’t cut it—but a 2 AM club sandwich that arrives crispy, stacked, and properly salted can solve just about anything.
3 // AGGRESSIVE SHOWER PRESSURE. One should judge a hotel bathroom by one thing: pressure. Does the shower wake you the hell up or lull you back to sleep under a sad drizzle? If it’s the latter—you’ll see us checking out early. Superior hotel shower pressure should feel like you’re being power-washed by the gods.
4 // AN ATTENTION TO LIGHTING. Lighting sets the ambiance in any space. So throw out the headache-inducing fluorescents. The sad lamp in the corner? Not good enough. We’re looking for warm, layered light that makes the space (and the people!) look good. And make sure the bedside controls don’t require an engineering degree.
5 // A SIGNATURE SCENT. A great hotel smells like something. Something specific. Something unforgettable! You enter the premises and the fragrance envelops you calmly. Not like a slap in the face—but in a way that’s almost comforting. Warm wood, bergamot, maybe a hint of leather: a signature scent evokes the feeling of permanence. And it’s always the first thing to welcome guests back on a return visit.
6 // A NIGHTLY TURNDOWN SERVICE. Turndown service is a whole lot more than flipping the edge of a duvet and placing a tiny chocolate on the pillow. We’re talking about a service that anticipates the guest's needs: loose items re-organized, lights dimmed, slippers waiting, and complimentary water by the bedside. It’s the extra mile that counts for far more.
That’s all for today. If you made it this far—we sincerely thank you for your support. Why not drop us a line in the comments and say hello? We’ll be responding to all of them. And if you like what you’re reading, please hit the heart (<3) on this post to show others that it’s worth subscribing.
As always, smooth skies to the lot of you!
To be honest what's even more important than shower pressure is a decent bed. One with a mattress topper, a soft duvet and a choice of pillows. That's should have made your list.
Also... stand-out amenities that are unique to the hotel, such as embroidered bathrobes, specialty restaurants, or unique décor that set it apart from every other hotel.