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Cheyenne Lentz
2018-04-25T20:36:00Z
- Top hotels have a reputation to uphold in order to serve the elite and keep them coming back.
- But these hotels also have a few well-kept secrets to maintain the 5-star realm.
- These hotels have perks they don't advertise to guests, and you'll get a better stay if you have status, tip well, and stay at the hotel regularly.
- If celebrities are staying at the hotel, that information is kept private, and guests' public behavior is often recorded by the hotel.
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If you've ever been curious about what it's like to stay in a 5-star hotel, you're not alone.
And even if you have stayed at one, there's probably a lot of behind-the-scenes happenings that you don't know about.
We did some of our own research and spoke with an owner of several top-rated hotels to find out the best kept secrets of 5-star establishments.
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Some perks aren't marketed to the general public.
As a way to deter guests from taking advantage of their free perks, 5-star hotels will keep from advertising all they have to offer, according to Business Insider. Free upgrades and complimentary breakfast and champagne are just a few examples of perks that are fair game, but often not advertised to guests.
To access these extras, make sure to tip well and buddy up with your concierge.
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Tipping goes a long way.
Like other services in the hospitably industry, tipping goes a long way in your hotel experience, according to Arik Kislin, co-owner of the Gansevoort Hotel Group and owner of Turks Cay Resort & Marina.
"The more you treat the staff well and compensate them for the services they are providing, the better they will accommodate you," Kislin told INSIDER.
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Your status is important.
Before you even arrive, some 5-star hotels will run an online search on you to find out who you are and what level of status you hold.
Those who are VIPs will receive the very best service from staff, while those who hold a lower social status probably won't experience any kind of star treatment.
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Guests' public behavior is recorded.
Sounds creepy, right? But having your behavior documented by hotel staff is actually to your benefit. Kislin confirmed 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. Our guests are our number one priority and we want them to feel at home with every stay," Kislin told INSIDER.
On the flip side, if you behave in an unfavorable way, like causing a scene over a small grievance, that will be recorded too.
Of course, hotel employees only keep track of guests' activity in the lobby, elevators, and the hallways, not in your actual room.
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Hotel staff won't tell you if a celebrity is staying at the hotel.
For privacy matters, celebrities typically go by an alias or as a non-registered guest (NRG) when staying at a hotel, according to The Independent.
If Taylor Swift, for instance, was staying at a 5-star hotel and someone called in asking if Swift was in fact staying there, the staff would respond saying that they do not have a guest registered under that name.
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Celebrities often get free hotel stays.
For promotional purposes, Kislin shared, it is not uncommon for celebrities and influencers to get free rooms at the hotels of their choice.
Kislin said that they do not offer free stays to every celebrity who comes their way, but only to those who align with their hotel brand.
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Loyalty matters.
Guests who have a long-standing relationship with their 5-star hotel of choice receive more love and perks from the hotel staff, according to Kislin.
"5-star hotels will always put more effort and attention to detail for their loyal customers," he told INSIDER.
This is a great way of getting free upgrades to a better room or that suite you always wanted, he added.
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Privacy is key to keeping the elite coming back.
When people of high status stay at a 5-star hotel, the staff is obligated to keep their information private, according to Kislin.
Celebrities usually don't want to publicize their stay, and it's unethical to disregard their request.
Plus, if the public were to find out where celebs were staying and what they were up to, the hotel would suffer as well — mainly because it would expose a lack of security on their part, according to The Independent.
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Based on the insights shared in the article about 5-star hotel secrets, I can offer a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Unadvertised Perks: Top-tier hotels often provide exclusive perks like free upgrades, complimentary breakfast, or champagne. These perks aren't explicitly advertised to guests to avoid exploitation. Building rapport with the concierge and tipping well might help access these benefits.
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Tipping and Treatment: Tipping significantly influences the quality of service one receives at a 5-star hotel. Treating staff well and compensating them for their services can enhance the overall accommodation experience.
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Guest Status Importance: The level of VIP or social status a guest holds can significantly impact the quality of service they receive. VIP guests are likely to receive exceptional treatment compared to those with lower social status.
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Recording Guests' Behavior: Hotel staff often take note of guests' preferences, special requests, and behavior in public areas to tailor services during future stays. Positive behavior is noted for better service, while unfavorable conduct might impact future experiences.
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Privacy and Celebrity Stays: Celebrities often use aliases or are registered as non-public guests (NRG) to maintain privacy. Hotels keep celebrity information confidential and may offer free stays to certain celebrities or influencers for promotional purposes.
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Loyalty Rewards: Long-standing relationships with a particular 5-star hotel can result in better treatment and additional perks for loyal customers. Hotels tend to prioritize and reward their loyal patrons with special attention and upgrades.
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Privacy for Elite Guests: Maintaining privacy for high-profile guests is crucial to uphold the hotel's reputation and security. Discretion is a key factor in retaining the patronage of elite clientele.
The article delves into the intricacies of the hospitality industry's high-end services, focusing on maintaining exclusivity, providing tailored experiences, and safeguarding the privacy of influential guests.
