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What defines a luxury hotel? Musings from some of my best experiences

I travel a lot, which means that I spend a lot of time staying at hotels and eating in restaurants, which is also good for my profession being a recruiter in the hospitality industry. While I personally prefer staying at luxury hotels, that is not always possible and even the luxurious ones are not all the same.

But what defines a luxury hotel? Is it the fancy interiors, expensive linen and amazing view or is it something more? Perhaps the exceptional service, personalized experience, attention to detail and taking the statement ‘Customer is King’ a bit too seriously is what makes one come back for a second visit and many more after.

Keeping all that in mind I decided to share my best hotel experiences. I expected these hotels to provide me with a great place to stay but instead they elevated my stay to a great travel experience.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louis, Canada

This is a beautiful hotel in an even more beautiful setting. Located in Alberta’s Banff National Park, the Fairmont Lake Louis is surrounded by mountains, the Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake. I visited the Fairmont Lake Louis in 2006 and it had felt like heaven. But that’s not all that stood out during my visit there.

The Fairmont has an exceptional staff. They are so passionate about their work and the property. They remembered our names throughout our stay. Housekeeping was prompt, polite and fulfilled all our requests. There is a reason behind their attitude towards their work. Most of the staff there have worked for over 10 years. They are treated like family and so they strive to give their guests the same experience. They are empowered to take decisions on their own rather than getting approval from a manager for things.

The Oberoi MV Vrinda, India

Although not a conventional hotel, the MV Vrinda is an Oberoi on water. If you are looking for a memorable way to experience the Kerala backwaters then you need not look further than the Vrinda. The Vrinda has some of the best staff in India working with them. Well trained with a pleasing personality, they are prepared to go out of the way to make your experience a memorable one.

The culinary offerings by the Vrinda is one to lookout for. The food is of the highest standards freshly prepared by their Masterchefs onboard. The Vrinda not only offers high speed Wifi but also a dedicated 24 hour personal butler. They also arrange short cultural performances prior to the evening meal.

The MV Vrinda was definitely one of my best day trips ever.

Marriott Properties Around the World

Imagine entering a hotel and being greeted with ‘Welcome! We have been waiting for you’. Doesn’t it feel special? Well, Marriott is one such brand that takes the expression ‘Customer is King’ too seriously. I have stayed at various Marriott properties and each stay has been better than the previous. Each time I’m about to visit I’m greeted with welcome emails, my luggage is quietly removed from the car and I’m escorted by the hosts who assist me with the check-in procedure and take me to my room as swiftly as possible. The consistency in the service provided by their staff never fails to impress me.

Highlights of the different Marriott Properties

J W Marriott Marquis, Dubai – The amazing view of the Burj Khalifa from the 77th floor of the world’s tallest hotel

Courtyard by Marriott, Riyadh – The plush bedding in its rooms and the dates and chocolates left in the evening guaranteed a good night’s sleep

J W Marriott, New Delhi – This hotel has a ‘go big or go home’ attitude towards its buffet breakfast, so expect a feast

J W Marriott, Pune – Their Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge, Paasha will leave you wanting for more.

There are of course other hotels that I have really enjoyed staying at and also called home for a brief period of time, however the ones mentioned above went above and beyond my expectations and offered more than I had bargained for. After all it’s ultimately the hotel that defines a great part of your travel experience.

Alijan Rajan, CEO, Vira International

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