One person’s luxury may be another person’s hell on earth, and most people have their own ideas about what constitutes true relaxation and pampering. Just because a hotel describes itself as luxury doesn’t mean that it will suit you. So check out the details of what is on offer before you hit the “Book Now” button.

Service

There are some things that you can’t be sure about without trying them for yourself, although reviews can give you a reasonably good impression if you treat them with due skepticism. You can, however, get an idea of the style of service if you phone the hotel and speak to reception.

Booking into a luxury hotel like the Bathen House and others, should be a smooth and easy experience and so should checking in. You generally do not have to wait in a queue for more than a few minutes. Cleaning staff are also pretty pleasant and unobtrusive and use odor-free cleaning chemicals. Room service is available at short notice 24 hours a day, and transport facilities are also easy enough to arrange.

Location

You are probably not visiting just for the hotel, so consider where it is in relation to the amenities you are seeking. A coastal hotel like the Marriott Resort and Spa at Hilton Head should not only have easy access to the beach but also to the many other recreational facilities that you expect in such a position. You may expect facilities like a spa, restaurants with a beach view, or an easy way to commute during your stay at the hotel. Enquire and find out whether the amenities you are looking for are available. You can make a better decision if you’re sure of what to expect when you visit. For example, guests staying at hotels in Hilton Head Island can easily rent bikes from places like Pelican Cruiser (https://pelicancruiser.com/bike-rentals/) to help them travel around quickly and explore more of the island.

Room

Room decor will be a matter of taste, but something should say, as soon as you walk in, that this is a room designed by someone with flair and individuality.

Beds, needless to say, must be super-comfortable and of the size that you have requested.

Bathrooms should also be stylish, with dual wash bowls, fluffy towels and robes, a big bath, good water pressure and shower controls that do what you expect them to.

There should be something memorable about each room, like a balcony or spa tub, and every room should have a reasonable view.

Food

Unless it is a very small boutique establishment, a luxury hotel would have at least one excellent restaurant with an imaginative menu, staffed by friendly, unpretentious people with a good understanding of the food and wine on offer.

Room service should offer more than burgers and club sandwiches, and be promptly served on an attractive trolley without too great a markup against the restaurant prices.

Extras

To be a luxury hotel, there must be something that is extra. You would expect a fitness center and a pool, at least, but you would also probably want a fully staffed spa, and perhaps a golf course, tennis courts, or a casino. All these should, preferably, be free to hotel residents, as should basics such as wifi, coffee makers, and shuttle services. In addition to these facilities, it is important to assure that the business practices appropriate cleanliness. For instance, spas, salons and swimming pools in general use plenty of towels, robes, liners and other fabric items that need to be washed properly in an Industrial Washing Equipment and dryers to assure that the hygiene is not compromised upon. Before or during your visit, make sure you research this aspect of the hotel to find that the right methods are employed.

Spoil Yourself

It can be hard to find a hotel that fits anyone’s perfect specification for the description “luxury.” However, there are many hotels that make the effort, and if a bit of pampering is what you need, you can probably find it.