Lessons In Luxury - Do's & Don'ts In A 5 Star Hotel

Five star hotels are built to serve – you. The anarchic antics of out of control rock stars aside, knowing how to behave in the lap of luxury is about more than just not making off with the bathrobes and towels or skimping on your tips.

When you're paying for premium quality, well everything, it's imperative to understand that the hotel is there to provide you with whatever it is you want. If it is within the power of the hotel to accommodate you, it will do so. Sadly however, this is a maxim of the premiere service industry is all too often only taken advantage of by the rich, the famous or those who embody the intriguing combination of having more money than they know how to spend and world's weirdest appetites when it comes to personal pampering and pleasure.

From requesting a bath be drawn using only milk stored in glass bottles, demanding a separate suite to house the dog, a slice of New York Cheesecake to be delivered (you guessed it) from New York or a bonfire to be built on the balcony, hotels have seen and (in many cases) appeased the somewhat deranged desires of some of their more 'particular' clientele.

Now, whilst we don't recommend going all dictator on the hapless hotel staff by commanding that your bed be shortened, or that you wish for the toilet to make a pleasant chirping noise when flushed, we do have a handful of useful tips to help you help your hotel take the best possible care of you and ensure that you enjoy a stay worth every five star penny you're spending.

The Concierge Is King (or Queen)

Wealthy people aren't drawn to stay in five star hotels simply because of the plush interior and extra fluffy bath robes – What they are after is service, and of the highest most appeasing standard. The embodiment of all that five-star service aspires to be is embodied in the highly trained and highly connected persona of the concierge.

In most cases, those unacquainted with the workings of most five star hotels are often unaware of the level and degree of help and service to which they are entitled. In fact, a great hotel actually prides itself on going the extra mile for their customers and you should approach any stay at a luxury hotel with this in mind.

Communication Is The Key

Simply communicate to the concierge desk what your interests are, and what kind of things you'd like to see and do and they will best be able hook you up with the best activity service providers in the area at the best prices. After all, their job is to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Be Reasonable

Always ask for what you want in a timely manner. If you're looking to go to a concert during your stay for example, call well in advance of time and ask the concierge to arrange it for you – most of the time they will be able to secure you the best possible tickets at a fair price.

Be Discerning

Being discerning when it comes to requesting the kinds of things that will make your stay the best one possible for you is not pushy, it's sensible. If you have a bad back and require a hard, firm mattress or a special kind of pillow, then make sure to let the concierge know before you are due to arrive. Are you on a specific kind of diet? Simply ask for suggestions to a number of great restaurants that cater to your tastes – bypass the guide books and delve into a wealth of local knowledge instead. The key to getting what you want is being specific and giving the concierge enough time to arrange everything.

Be treated like a King – But Don't Act Like A Tyrant.

Finally, always remember that although a stay in a luxury hotel is meant to make you feel like a king or a queen, it doesn't pay to act like a tyrant. Kindness, civility and respect towards the staff will go a very long way to ensuring that your stay will be the most rewarding one possible.

Allow Yourself To Be Treated Like Royalty

From heated indoor swimming pools, extensive gyms and sauna's to the ultimate in luxurious health and beauty spas, the five star hotel is a palace for pampering. Many people attach some sense of negativity to simply allowing themselves to be doted upon, served, pleasured and pampered yet this is the very essence of luxury – to be treated like a king or a queen.

The name of the game is indulgence, and the heart of a hotel is undoubtedly its spa. Rest, rejuvenate and revel in an unrivalled atmosphere of healing, relaxation and of course pure pleasure. Those looking for a luxury hotel in Auckland that provides an incredible array of Spa treatments inspired by both East and West will do well to check out the East Day Spa at the iconic Sky City Grand Hotel.