5 Signs You’re Actually Staying at a Luxury Hotel (Not Just an Expensive One)

I’ll never forget the moment I realized what true luxury hospitality felt like. It wasn’t the marble lobby or the champagne on arrival. It was when I casually mentioned to the concierge that I loved jasmine tea, and the next morning, a pot of fresh jasmine tea appeared at my door without me asking. That’s when it hit me: luxury isn’t just about high prices or fancy decor. It’s about the details that make you feel genuinely cared for.

Over the years, I’ve stayed at properties that charge luxury prices but deliver mediocre experiences, and I’ve discovered that calling yourself a “luxury hotel” doesn’t automatically make it true. Unlike the auto industry, which has strict standards for what qualifies as a sedan or SUV, the hotel world lets just about anyone slap the word “luxury” on their marketing materials.

So how do you know if you’re getting the real deal? Here are five telltale signs I’ve learned to look for that separate genuinely luxurious hotels from those just trying to justify premium rates.

Service That Anticipates Your Needs (Not Just Responds to Them)

The first thing I notice at a truly luxurious hotel is how the staff operates. It’s not just about being polite or efficient. It’s about anticipating what you need before you even ask.

At luxury properties I’ve stayed at, this means everything from the booking process to checkout runs seamlessly. The front desk remembers your name. Housekeeping shows up at times that work with your schedule. The concierge doesn’t just answer questions, they offer suggestions based on your interests.

I remember staying at a hotel in Kyoto where the staff noticed I went running every morning. By day three, they had a personalized route map waiting for me at breakfast, complete with water stations and scenic photo spots. That’s the difference.

What to look for:

• Phones are answered quickly, not after endless hold music
• Staff addresses you by name throughout your stay
• Requests are handled immediately, not “we’ll get back to you”
• Every touchpoint be it a room service, spa, restaurants maintains the same high standard
• No eye-rolling or attitude when you ask for something

If you’re getting attitude at the front desk or waiting 30 minutes for someone to bring extra towels, you’re not at a luxury property, no matter what the nightly rate says.

Dining That Goes Beyond Continental Breakfast

Here’s a quick test: if the hotel’s idea of food service is selling pre-made sandwiches at the front desk or a waffle station at breakfast, you’re not staying anywhere luxurious.

Real luxury hotels treat dining as an experience, not an afterthought. I’m talking at least one full-service restaurant, ideally Michelin-starred where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are genuine culinary events. Many of my favorite luxury stays have had multiple dining options, from formal restaurants to more casual cafés with high-end touches.

The Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo had three restaurants when I visited, each with its own distinct personality. One morning I had sushi for breakfast (yes, really), and that evening I enjoyed French fine dining on the 45th floor. Both were exceptional in completely different ways.

What to look for:

• At least one full-service restaurant with a chef-driven menu
• 24-hour room service (not just limited hours)
• A café or lounge for lighter fare, but elevated beyond grab-and-go
• Fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative presentations
• Wine lists curated by sommeliers, not just stocked with generic options

If room service shuts down at 10 p.m. or the only breakfast option is a buffet with soggy eggs, keep looking.

Guest Rooms and Bathrooms That Feel Like Sanctuaries

Anyone can book a place to sleep, but a luxury hotel makes the room itself part of the experience. I’ve learned to look beyond Instagram-worthy aesthetics to the details that actually impact comfort.

The best rooms I’ve stayed in have thick walls and floors meaning I’m not hearing my neighbor’s TV or footsteps above me. The lighting has multiple settings for different moods. There’s original artwork on the walls, not generic prints. Windows actually open (a rarity these days). The closet has enough space for more than two hangers.

And the bed? High-thread-count linens, multiple pillow options (some hotels even have pillow menus), and a mattress that doesn’t feel like it came from a budget motel.

Bathroom essentials:

• Spacious layout with quality fixtures
• Large soaking tub, ideally big enough for two
• Double sinks (or at least plenty of counter space)
• Artisan toiletries, not tiny bottles of generic soap
• Heated floors, good lighting, and plush towels

I once stayed at a hotel that charged $600 a night but had a bathroom the size of a closet with a shower I could barely turn around in. Price isn’t always an indicator of quality.

Amenities That Actually Add Value

Luxury hotels don’t just check boxes with standard amenities. They offer services and facilities that genuinely enhance your stay.

This includes spas with highly trained therapists (not just a massage room with one therapist on call). Pools with private cabanas where you can actually relax, not fight for lounge chairs. A 24-hour fitness center that’s well-equipped and staffed, with access to personal trainers if you want them.

Beyond the basics:

• Full-service laundry and dry cleaning
• Packing and unpacking services
• Luxury car service or chauffeur options
• Professional babysitting or pet-sitting services
• Concierges with deep local knowledge who can secure reservations at fully-booked restaurants

At a property in Florence, the concierge arranged a private tour of a normally-closed chapel because I mentioned I loved Renaissance frescoes. That’s the level of attention I expect from a truly luxurious hotel.

Design and Details That Create an Experience

The last thing I want to see when I walk into a luxury hotel is the same tired lobby design I’ve seen a hundred times before. You know the one red carpet, generic chandelier, furniture that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1995.

Luxury hotels invest in unique, modern design. Think designer interiors with personality, contemporary art installations, state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated into the space. Every detail feels intentional, from the lobby to the hallways to your room.

But here’s the thing: beautiful design means nothing if it’s not impeccably maintained. The hallways should be spotless. The elevators should be clean. The lobby should feel fresh and inviting, not worn and tired.

What sets luxury apart:

• Unique architectural features or design elements
• Local art or cultural touches that reflect the destination
• Technology that works perfectly (smart room controls, high-speed WiFi, multiple charging stations)
• Spotless cleanliness in every corner
• Attention to sensory details like lighting, music, scent

I remember walking into a hotel in Bali where they had fresh frangipani flowers floating in bowls throughout the lobby, and the entire space smelled like jasmine. It was a small detail, but it immediately set the tone for my entire stay.

Conclusion

After years of travel, I’ve realized that luxury isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how a hotel makes you feel. The properties that truly deserve the title “luxury” are the ones that combine exceptional service, outstanding dining, thoughtful design, and those little touches that show they genuinely care about your experience.

The next time you’re booking a high-end hotel, don’t just look at the price tag or star rating. Pay attention to these five signs. They’ll tell you whether you’re about to have a truly special experience or just an expensive one.