Luxury accommodations have always held a special place in the hearts of travelers seeking crรจme de la crรจme of experiences.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in the finer things in life, you’ll find the passport to the most luxurious stays around the world in the guide below.
Explore opulent hotels, resorts, villas, and more, while learning about the extravagant features that make them stand above the rest.
CONTENTS โ In this article, you will learn important features you should consider when booking luxury accommodations, including:
- Best Features of Luxury Accommodations
- A Straightforward Booking Experience
- Professional Imagery
- Excellent Service
- Luxury Facilities
- Exclusive Services and Amenities
- Incredible Views
- Privacy and Security
- Excellent Reviews
- Innovative Technology
- Final Thoughts on Luxury Accommodations
- Next Steps
9 Best Features to Look for in Luxury Accommodations
We all deserve to treat ourselves occasionally.
For some people, that treat is a vacation somewhere beautiful with luxury accommodations.
While you might live an โordinaryโ life at home, thereโs no reason you canโt experience a luxury hotel, a breathtaking villa, or a quaint cottage somewhere exotic or idyllic.
However, knowing which accommodation will provide the โluxuryโ experience you seek can be challenging. Because more money doesn’t always equate to a better experience.
In this article, you’ll learn about the 9 best features to look for to potentially improve your chances of a five-star experience.
Then, you’ll have a discerning eye that easily recognizes the best experiences for the money.
1. A Straightforward Booking Experience
Most providers of luxury rentals understand their guestsโ time is precious. As a result, they know most people donโt want to spend much time looking for contact information or navigating an archaic booking system.
Thatโs why the best accommodation providers invest heavily in their online presence. So start there when you’re considering luxury accommodations.
Alongside having a high-quality website with up-to-date accommodation information and photos, they should provide a seamless booking system.
In most cases, you can select the dates you want to stay to ensure availability and choose how many people require accommodation. You may also find options for special requirements, like pet-friendly housing and wake-up calls.
Once youโve made your booking, the best hotels provide you with a confirmation email linked to your calendar.
2. Professional Imagery
Unlike products you purchase from retail businesses, you canโt typically see accommodation options in person before you book them. Your first time experiencing them is normally after youโve made your booking and traveled to that location.
However, that doesnโt mean you canโt gain insight into what to expect when booking luxury accommodations in desirable travel destinations like Europe, North America, and South America.
Most luxury rental providers hire professional photographers when advertising their properties online.
They then upload imagery catalogs you can browse to ensure the property you book suits your taste and needs.
3. Excellent Customer Service
Luxury accommodation providers want to provide high-quality service for their guests โ especially when you’re spending thousands of dollars with them.
Pay attention to the service offerings at the time of your booking and when you arrive at your accommodation. If youโre yet to arrive, you might gain insight into the service you can expect from published reviews.
At a minimum, you should have no problems contacting someone to talk to about your preferred accommodation when you have questions.
Some accommodation providers also go above and beyond by offering personalized greetings and concierge services.
4. Luxury Facilities
Luxury accommodations are about more than enjoying a restful nightโs sleep in a beautifully designed room. It can be about enjoying associated indulgent experiences you might not indulge in regularly.
Research the facilities advertised by luxury rental providers. You might then be able to narrow down the most desirable options.
You might look to treat yourself with the following facilities:
- Private golf courses
- Private beaches
- Swimming pools
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Fitness centers or gyms
- Bars and restaurants with exquisite cuisine
5. Exclusive Services and Amenities
Likewise, the services you can enjoy at many luxury accommodation providers go beyond what you would find at your average roadside motel.
Excellent service is nearly guaranteed, but you might also be treated to exclusive services beyond what traditional hospitality providers offer.
Be on the lookout for mention of:
- Chauffeur services
- Personal shoppers
- Butler services
- In-room spa services
- Exclusive clubs
Sometimes, these services form part of your initial per-night costs. Other times, they are an upgrade you can request when you make your booking or check into your accommodation.
6. Incredible Views
Great views arenโt always guaranteed with all the hotels and homes you book for a relaxing vacation.
However, you’ll find this is typically a desirable feature of many luxury accommodations.
Inner-city luxury apartments and rooms often advertise incredible skyscraper views, while quaint villas and cottages in rural locations promise rolling hills, lakes, and pastures for as far as the eye can see.
If views are important to you during a vacation, browse the online photos to see whatโs available. Some accommodation providers might even describe the views in their booking descriptions.
7. Privacy and Security
Some people donโt mind being close to other guests at a hotel, motel, or similar.
However, if you prefer a serene and relaxing vacation where you donโt have to worry about other guests impinging on your comfort, keep this in mind.
Some of the best luxury accommodations are designed with privacy and security in mind.
Spacious rooms with sound-proof walls, private balconies, and privacy shades can help ensure you remain undisturbed. If youโre enjoying standalone accommodation in an isolated location, perhaps full fencing or shelter plants will provide the privacy you seek.
For security, you might need to use keys or cards to access your parking facility, and see employees stationed at various entry points.
Many accommodation providers also do their best to ensure security inside the premises. You might also be able to take advantage of in-room safes and advanced lock systems for complete protection.
8. Excellent Reviews
Reviews can be something many shoppers consider before making a purchase.
In hospitality, the same is true.
You’ll want to consider the opinions of people who have booked before you. Donโt be afraid to browse various luxury accommodation providersโ reviews before booking. You can learn both positive and negative information that might help you make an informed decision.
Most reviewers describe room cleanliness, price, facilities, and customer service.
While one bad review is generally not a reason for concern, if you notice that some providers have many negative reviews, look for the common details between them.
This information might help you decide whether youโll still make a booking or look elsewhere.
9. Innovative Technology
Innovative technology wonโt always be available in even the most luxurious suites. However, it can sometimes be a sign of how high-quality an establishment is.
Some accommodation providers go the extra mile by using technology to make your stay much more enjoyable.
Aside from online booking, you might enjoy app-based customer service, digital lighting, and even smart tech. Such features would seldom be available in entry-level accommodations.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Accommodations and Their Best Features
Being on vacation means treating yourself to experiences you likely wouldnโt get at home.
As a result, you may wan to explore accommodations where you can enjoy the incredible world of luxury living. From amazing hotel rooms with great views to having your own butler and experiencing different cultures, luxury accommodations make travel a whole new experience.
So, whether you’re thinking about your next trip or just daydreaming about a fancy vacation, allow these tips to inspire you to make your travel experiences even better.
And if it’s time to treat yourself to an indulgent break away, look for luxury vacation rentals with some of these standout offerings above. Your vacation can then be memorable for all the right reasons.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
Next Steps
For more about booking luxury accommodations, read these articles next:
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- A Perfect Escape: What Are The Different Types of Accommodations?
- Boston vs NYC: Which World-Famous City Has the Better Boutique Hotels?
- 5 Best Southeast Asia Luxury Resorts: Favored Hotels in Southeast Asia