Debunking the 5- Star “Luxury Experience”

The grande Naiada Anantara in Rome. Rooftop pool and Michelin Restaurant in the heart of Italy. Voted #1 by Robb Report.

One comment I hear frequently when receiving a new inquiry from a potential client is, “We aren’t five-star travelers; we wouldn’t feel comfortable in that environment.” I often acknowledge their concerns and reassure them that most people who work with us are equally comfortable in four-star hotels. However, what I want to debunk is the idea that travelers with moderate to high disposable income either A) can’t afford five-star properties, or B) won't fit in because those hotels are only for "snobby wealthy people."

This year, unlike in past years, I’ve had more freedom to travel and have either stayed at or completed site inspections for several higher-end properties. In essence, a site inspection involves a hotel manager walking me through the property to personally tour various room categories, restaurants, and unique amenities. While pricing varies widely depending on the city and country, my clients shouldn’t dismiss these hotels out of hand.

Turn down service.

As an example, I stayed at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, Rome Hotel in May while the ATP tennis tournament was in town. One of the fascinating features that make this property special is the Roman Spa that you can see from the basement. There is a glass floor through which you can look down into historic Roman ruins.

Despite the high-profile tournament and the Prime Minister of Italy hosting a meeting on-site during my stay, I never felt out of place. My warm-weather wardrobe consisted of athleisure and shorts, or slacks with a polo for a relaxed country-club look. If anyone walked by in head-to-toe Hermès or Prada, I didn’t notice—and vice versa while I was in my casual clothes.

Anantara in Amalfi, a pen from the Vatican.

Palazzo Naiadi was recently named the #1 hotel in Rome. Room rates were at their peak due to the summer season and tournament guests. However, as a travel advisor, I often have access to special offers. Recently, Anantara ran a "Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night Free" promotion. For a visit in November, the standard rate might be around $721 a night, but with the free night factored in, the average rate drops to $466 per night for a three-night stay. While still on the higher end for some budgets, Rome's #1 hotel suddenly becomes an accessible splurge.

So, what makes a five-star hotel so special?

A beautiful welcome give at the Naiadi.

My junior suite featured 15-foot-tall ceilings, for instance. Five-star properties are frequently designed by celebrated interior decorators, creating an opulent oasis away from the hustle and noise of the city. A typical luxury room includes plush robes and slippers, evening turn-down service, chocolates, a welcome gift (such as a beautiful dessert from their Michelin-starred restaurant), a handwritten note from the manager, a pair of sun hats to keep, premium bathroom amenities, and fresh flowers—just to name a few details.

As a designer of curated travel across Europe and worldwide, I can say it is well worth remaining open to these special touches that make a trip truly unforgettable.

Breakfast with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean at the Convento di Amalfi, Five Star Hotel, a former convent turned hotel. Three nights in Amalfi for less than $1800, sea view, and hot tub.

Finally, I always make sure my clients enroll in the hotel’s loyalty program. On top of the advisor perks I secure, program benefits often include early check-in, late check-out, spa credits, and elevated breakfasts (which, at a five-star hotel, are a major step up from standard cold cuts and croissants).

So before you automatically rule out a five-star property, consider giving it a second look. It just might end up being the highlight of your trip.

We recently returned from a river cruise with a group of 10 High Park clients but I had time to visit the Mandarin Oriental Palance in Luzern.