First-Time Luxury Hotel Guests Often Miss Out: Short Stays and Overlooked Amenities
First-time guests at luxury hotels often miss out on the full experience by booking short stays, skipping concierge services, and overlooking included amenities. Travel reporter Monica Humphries highlights common mistakes such as not utilizing the concierge for exclusive experiences, failing to explore hotel dining options, and not researching the hotel's location. These oversights can lead to a rushed or underwhelming stay. Humphries advises guests to communicate with hotel staff to understand available perks and to pack light, as many luxury hotels provide essentials.
Booking Too Short a Stay
One of the most frequent mistakes new luxury travelers make is underestimating how much time is needed to enjoy a high-end hotel. A single night, while tempting for budget or schedule reasons, rarely allows guests to fully experience what the property has to offer.
Travel reporter Monica Humphries recounted her first luxury stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park, where she and a friend checked in just before sunset and had to rush through the hotel’s offerings before checking out the next morning. “We didn’t have nearly long enough,” she wrote, describing how they scrambled to hike around the lake and enjoy the amenities before their 11 a.m. checkout. Similar stories emerged from guests at a five-star hotel in Sydney and a resort in Zanzibar, where travelers felt torn between exploring the destination and enjoying the hotel itself.
With typical check-in times around 4 p.m. and early checkouts, a one-night stay often translates to less than 20 hours on the property. For a luxury experience that can cost hundreds—or thousands—per night, that’s hardly enough time to unwind, let alone explore.
Skipping the Concierge: A Missed Opportunity
Another major oversight is failing to use the hotel’s concierge service. At five-star properties, the concierge is more than just a helpful face at the front desk—they are a gateway to exclusive experiences, local insights, and hidden perks.
Concierges can secure hard-to-get dining reservations, arrange private tours, and even assist in emergencies. At Wynn Las Vegas, for example, the concierge can pre-arrange in-room amenities, book spa treatments, and organize bespoke experiences like a Wynn Master Class. Yet many guests don’t realize the full extent of this service.
Humphries noted that she’s seen travelers miss out on restaurant visits or avoid using water sports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards, assuming they came with extra fees. A simple question to the concierge could have clarified that these were complimentary. “They’re a resource, so failing to use them is a big mistake,” she emphasized.
Overlooking Included Amenities
Luxury hotels often bundle a wide range of amenities into the cost of the stay—but many guests don’t realize what’s included. From free minibars to access to private beaches and spa facilities, these perks can significantly enhance the experience.
In one instance, guests were surprised to learn that their stay included access to a second private beach. Others didn’t know that the minibar was complimentary. At some properties, even the spa is open to all guests, regardless of whether they’ve booked a treatment.
The disconnect often stems from a lack of communication or research. “Since every hotel works differently, knowing what’s included and what’s not when you arrive is important,” Humphries advised. A quick conversation with the front desk or concierge can reveal a wealth of options that might otherwise go unused.
Ignoring the Hotel’s Dining Scene
While exploring local restaurants is a key part of travel, skipping the hotel’s dining options can be a missed opportunity—especially when the property hosts award-winning chefs.
At the Four Seasons Tamarindo in Mexico, for example, the on-site restaurant Coyul features a menu created in partnership with Elena Reygadas, named the world’s best female chef in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Humphries described a standout meal of risotto and soft shell crab as a highlight of her trip.
Despite such offerings, many guests never dine at the hotel. “I’m always shocked when I chat with guests and learn they haven’t had a single meal at the hotel,” she said. While venturing out is part of the adventure, ignoring the hotel’s culinary scene can mean missing out on some of the most memorable parts of the stay.
Failing to Research the Location
Not all luxury hotels are created equal when it comes to location. Some are nestled in the heart of bustling cities, while others are remote retreats. Failing to research the destination can lead to frustration, especially if guests expect easy access to off-site attractions.
Humphries shared stories of travelers who were caught off guard by how isolated their resort was, only to find that dining options and activities outside the hotel were limited or required long travel times. “Researching where you’re heading is key to making the most of a luxe hotel stay,” she advised. Whether through a travel agent, hotel representative, or a simple Google search, understanding the setting can help guests plan accordingly.
Overpacking for the Experience
First-time luxury travelers often overpack, bringing items that are already provided by the hotel. From beach towels to toiletries, five-star properties typically offer high-end versions of the basics.
“I still laugh when I think about packing for my first five-star vacation to a tropical destination,” Humphries recalled. She debated whether to bring a beach towel—only to find them stacked at every corner of the pool. Robes, slippers, hair dryers, and even umbrellas are standard at most luxury hotels.
Packing light not only saves space but also makes the travel experience smoother. A quick call or email to the hotel before departure can clarify what’s provided, helping guests avoid unnecessary baggage.
