How can you make sure you’re getting a true five-star experience? Weekender finds out from industry experts
Real estate agent Janice Yeo received a rude shock when she checked into a “four-star” hotel during a Taiwan trip last year.
“The hotel had advertised itself as a luxury one, but I had to put up with faulty air-conditioning and a rickety bed. I felt cheated,” said the 47-year-old, who has since resolved to read hotel reviews before booking any accommodation.
Many travellers may not know this, but the star rating system — the most widely-used standard for hotels worldwide — has no real regulatory body.
So what actually qualifies as a luxury hotel? And if you’d like a five-, or even six-star, stay, how can you make sure you choose one truly deserving of the title?
Here are some factors you should look out for.
Location, location, location
Most luxury hotels that boast five-star ratings typically have “attractive locations”, explained online travel agency Kayak.sg’s vice-president Debby Soo. These locations can include commercial districts and secluded beach resorts.
But beware — good location maketh not a good hotel. Popular tourist districts, like Singapore’s own Orchard Road and Chinatown, are dotted with self-proclaimed “five-star hotels” that are, in fact, sub-par.
The luxury of space
Room sizes in better hotels are also typically much more expansive than regular ones — and that means a lot especially in crowded cities where space is a luxury.
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, for example, which overlooks the Marina Bay skyline, has rooms of at least 51 sq m. Its suites can run up to a whopping 150 sq m, with two bedrooms and two (and a half) marble bathrooms.
In comparison, standard rooms in mid-range hotels like the three-star Hotel Kai in Bugis are only 6 sq m. Its largest offering measures 38 sq m, and comes equipped with basic fittings like a dining table, washing machine and microwave.
Getting the royal treatment
Here’s one quality that many travellers look forward to with every luxury stay: being treated like royalty. After all, when you’re forking out big money, you’d want to be pampered.
Some hotels gladly go above and beyond to make you feel extra special. For example, the Westin Singapore loans guests branded workout gear and conducts yoga classes.
Its concierge even leads guests on morning and evening runs around Marina Bay.
Mandarin Oriental Geneva offers patrons private limousine transfers and even a fully-insured and fully-pumped Porsche at their disposal for one whole day. Granted, you may have to pay extra for these special perks through hotel packages.
A treasure trove
Soft and fluffy towels, branded bath amenities and even quality-label mattresses can be the cherry on top of a good trip. You get what you pay for, after all.
Conrad Hotels, for example, offers guests a choice of four brands of bath amenities, including the ultra-luxe Shanghai Tang and eco-friendly Tara Smith Vegan Hair Care. Simply request for your preferred brand through the Conrad Concierge app. You can also request for turn down and car services through the mobile platform as well.
And what’s more important in a hotel stay than a good night’s sleep? Last year, Gallup’s Hospitality Industry survey showed that guests would even pay more for a better bed.
This means sleeping on, say, the specially-commissioned Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds or the Westin Heavenly Bed, said to have eased many into deep, restful sleep.
The price is right
Even if you’re scoping out the most basic room options in a five-star hotel, be prepared to pay at least $300* a night. Suites can go up to $570, with some Presidential Suites — often the most exclusive and lavish of rooms — going for a cool $5,500.
But if you’re looking for some affordable options that don’t compromise on opulence, there are plenty of luxury hotels around Asia that won’t require financial gymnastics (see side story). Who says that only the rich can be pampered?
*Prices as stated on various hotel websites
3 cheap luxury hotels in Asia
Check out these recommendations by Kayak Singapore
1. The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur
From $76/night
This five-star hotel is close to the Petronas Twin Towers and Petaling Street, and your bed is swathed in fancy Egyptian cotton sheets. The private bathrooms are a treat with deep-soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads.
2. Earl’s Regency, Sri Lanka
From $180/night
Retreat to the hills overlooking the arresting view of Kandy in Sri Lanka. Each room comes with its own private balcony, and premium services like a spa and complimentary Wi-Fi and childcare services are offered.
3. The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
From $210/night
This luxury Art Deco hotel looks almost like a modern Disney dream. Located near main city attractions in Shanghai, the hotel boasts limo services and designer bath amenities in all bathrooms.
By Pamela Chow
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