8 Tips For Making The Most Out Of A Luxury Hotel Stay

8 Tips For Making The Most Out Of A Luxury Hotel Stay

Checking into a luxury hotel should feel like slipping into your own private world of comfort and indulgence. But if you're only there to sleep and order the occasional club sandwich, you're barely scratching the surface. From secret pillow menus to spa perks and rooftop hideaways, there's so much more behind those grand lobby doors. The best five-star stays are about soaking up every thoughtful detail, big and small. Whether you're in a sleek city hotel or a breezy beachfront villa, here's how to make the most of every perk and truly enjoy your stay from check-in to checkout.

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One of the simplest ways to stretch your luxury experience is to maximise your time there. Many top hotels will happily let you check in early or linger a bit after checkout if rooms allow. It doesn't hurt to ask nicely — sometimes you'll even score a complimentary welcome drink or access to facilities while you wait. Pro tip: Join the hotel's loyalty programme if they have one; members often get priority for early check-ins and late checkouts.

It sounds trivial, but unpacking your suitcase is one of the easiest ways to feel at home fast. Many luxury hotels offer unpacking and packing services — yes, someone will actually fold your clothes and neatly line up your shoes. It saves you rummaging through a half-open suitcase and makes the room feel like your own personal dressing suite. Just hang up what wrinkles easily and tuck everything else away.

If your room is stocked with fancy toiletries — think Bulgari, Le Labo, or Aesop — they're yours to keep. Housekeeping will usually replace them daily, so stash the extras in your bag. They're perfect souvenirs and handy for your next trip. Just don't go raiding the housekeeping cart in the corridor — that's pushing it.

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Room service menus can be extensive, but chefs in luxury hotels are usually happy to go off-script. Craving breakfast at midnight or want your eggs just so? Politely ask — you'd be surprised what's possible. Some properties even offer 'secret' dishes known only to regulars. The same goes for the bar: bartenders at luxury hotels often have a few hidden cocktails up their sleeves.

Most high-end hotel spas have steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas open to guests, whether you've booked a massage or not. Pack your swimsuit and unwind in the thermal suite, or dip into the hydrotherapy pool before breakfast. Many spas also give you complimentary herbal teas, fruit, and fluffy robes — you've paid for the ambience, so soak it up.

Luxury hotels love a pillow menu — and if you've never tried one, you're in for a treat. From memory foam to lavender-scented, you can often request a pillow that suits how you sleep best. Some even have 'pillow butlers'. While you're at it, ask if they offer aromatherapy kits or special bedding for extra comfort. A good night's sleep is half the point of booking a five-star stay, so make it count.

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Everyone wants an upgrade, but few ask smartly. The best time is when the hotel isn't fully booked — mid-week or off-season are your friends. Be polite, dress neatly, and ask if any upgrades might be available. Special occasions help too — birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries — mention them when booking. Even if you don't get bumped up to the presidential suite, you might score a better view or a larger room.

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If your room has a deep soaking tub or a private plunge pool, don't let it go to waste. Order a glass of bubbly, run a bath with all the salts and oils you can find, and settle in for an indulgent soak. Some luxury hotels even offer bath butlers to draw it for you — now that's living.

Luxury hotels aren't just about marble floors and silky sheets — they're about feeling special. Ask questions, make the most of what's on offer, and don't be afraid to make requests. The best stays are the ones where you feel pampered from check-in to checkout — and that's exactly what you're paying for.