How to soak in luxury without letting your bank account cry.
Let’s face it: luxury hotels are supposed to be an escape from reality—so why not make the most of it? Here’s my no-nonsense guide to living your best (and most pampered) life while staying at a fancy hotel. Spoiler: You don’t have to spend extra cash to enjoy the perks.
1. Let Them Know You’re Celebrating Something (Even if You’re Just Celebrating Surviving Life)
Hotel staff love to feel like they’re part of your special moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary or you managed to leave your house for the first time in weeks, make sure to tell them. A little heads-up can get you perks like a free room upgrade, a bottle of champagne, or, if you’re lucky, a handwritten note that says, “You’re awesome; enjoy your stay.” Don’t expect them to throw a party for you, but you never know.
Surprise Perks: Speaking of unexpected perks, I’ll never forget the time when my partner and I stayed at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand. It was a picture-perfect beach getaway, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a luxury travel magazine. We were totally spoilt by the resort’s top-notch facilities, from rejuvenating spa treatments to amazing cuisine.
Now, here’s where the surprise kicks in. My partner had previously been to Phuket with an ex (whoops!), and he swore he’d never set foot in that particular hotel again. Fast forward to us walking into our room at Le Méridien, and what do we find? A massive towel elephant sculpture welcoming us… with a sign that read “Welcome Back”! As if that wasn’t enough, there was a handwritten note from the general manager addressed to another couple. Yep, you heard that right—another couple’s name was on our welcome note. His face was priceless. Needless to say, I’ve never let him live that one down.
2. Check In Early, Check Out Late (The Early Bird Gets the Pool)
You paid for this luxury, so why not enjoy it as much as possible? Aim for an early check-in and late checkout. Sometimes, if you ask nicely (or in my case, very nicely), you can wrangle a free late checkout, which means more time in that overpriced but undeniably comfy bed. If you can’t check in early, don’t just sit in the lobby. Drop your bags off and go hang out by the pool or grab a cocktail at the bar. Your vacation starts the moment you walk through those doors.
3. Take Advantage of Free Food (Because You Deserve It)
Some hotels have seriously generous food offerings. Check if breakfast, cocktail hour, or lounge access is included. And if they do, make sure you schedule your day around it because no one wants to miss out on free snacks and a mimosa or two.
Pro tip: Pack up some leftovers if they’ll let you. No shame in taking that charcuterie platter back to your room for a late-night snack. And don’t even get me started on the complimentary water bottles that are available in most hotel gyms. Who knew hydration could feel so luxurious?
4. Use the Concierge Like They’re Your Personal Fairy Godmother
The concierge isn’t just there to book your dinner reservations (though they’re very good at that). These magical beings have connections to all the hard-to-get experiences—like tickets to sold-out shows or reservations at that impossible-to-book restaurant. Want a last-minute surprise celebration or a spa appointment? They’re your people. And they know everything about the area, including those quirky hidden gems that Google will never tell you about. So, spill the beans about what you’re looking to do, and let them work their magic.
5. Try All the Bath Products (Because Why Not?)
If you’ve ever stayed at a luxury hotel, you know their bath products are basically the skincare equivalent of gold. And guess what? They’ll replace them every time you use them. So, go ahead and indulge in that fancy shampoo and body wash. You deserve it. And don’t forget to try out any other skin care products they might have – some hotels will even leave you feeling like you’ve just had a full spa treatment. No one will blame you for using that luxurious lotion every single day, except maybe your wallet.
6. Make Full Use of Those Over-the-Top Amenities
Want to know what luxury hotels actually offer? Think robes so soft you’ll never want to take them off, top-tier spa facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centres, and pools that make you want to spend your entire stay in a swimsuit. Don’t forget that free water in the gym because, let’s be honest, you’re not working out that hard, but hydration is key. And guess what? Some hotels will even let you use their spa facilities without booking a treatment. That’s right, just relax. It’s basically a free vacation within a vacation.
7. Spa Secrets: Booking in Advance Saves You Big
Talking of spa facilities, if you’re planning to indulge in a spa treatment (and let’s be honest, you should), book it in advance. You’ll often save up to 50% compared to booking on the day of arrival. Plus, booking early can ensure you get the best time slot and a better selection of treatments. So, go ahead and relax without shelling out the full cost of a spa experience and whilst you are there enjoy the saunas, pools, and hot tubs which are generally offered as complimentary. It’s essentially free luxury.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want (They’re There to Help)
Need a different pillow? A bath drawn for you at turndown service? Or maybe a kayak for a quick adventure? Ask for it. Luxury hotels love to spoil their guests, and the more specific you are, the better. They might even provide workout apparel (so you don’t have to pack your own). Want to borrow a bike or golf clubs? Check. Want a sewing kit or a charger because you lost yours five minutes after checking in? It’s yours. Just ask. They’re not going to judge. Probably.
9. Book Directly and Keep Checking for Better Rates (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Deal?)
Want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck? Book directly through the hotel. Also, keep checking the rates even after you’ve booked. Why? Because if the price drops, you can usually rebook at the lower rate. And if the hotel throws in some extra perks for booking directly (and it’s always worth asking), you’ll get the most for your money.
10. Be Nice (It’s Not Hard, I Promise)
Last but not least, be kind. The staff are there to make your stay amazing, and a little kindness goes a long way. Strike up a conversation, ask how their day is going, and maybe share a story or two. They’ll appreciate it, and who knows? It might just lead to some unexpected perks. Remember, luxury stays are not just about plush pillows—they’re about the people who make your experience unforgettable.
