Luxury resort secrets
May 19, 2010 8:07 AM Subscribe
I'm honeymooning at a luxury resort next week. What are some insider tips for getting the most out of the experience?
I've never done this sort of thing before — I'm more of a Motel 6 kind of guy. I've heard that the specialty of first-class hotels is service, but what kinds of things can they do for their guests?
I want to know who to talk to (the front desk? concierge? restaurant waitstaff?) and what assumptions are safe (how much is too much to ask, and at what point would I accidentally become a demanding jerk?). I'm going to naturally feel guilty because I'm a Guess Culture person and I'm not used to making requests of people. I also need to know who to tip, for what, and how much. Are there certain things they can do for which gratuity isn't expected, or should I throw money at them for everything? Finally, what sort of extra charges should I expect to find on the bill after all my service inquiries have been fulfilled?
Feel free to describe even the "basics" like room service because I've never done that before and don't know what to expect.
I've never done this sort of thing before — I'm more of a Motel 6 kind of guy. I've heard that the specialty of first-class hotels is service, but what kinds of things can they do for their guests?
I want to know who to talk to (the front desk? concierge? restaurant waitstaff?) and what assumptions are safe (how much is too much to ask, and at what point would I accidentally become a demanding jerk?). I'm going to naturally feel guilty because I'm a Guess Culture person and I'm not used to making requests of people. I also need to know who to tip, for what, and how much. Are there certain things they can do for which gratuity isn't expected, or should I throw money at them for everything? Finally, what sort of extra charges should I expect to find on the bill after all my service inquiries have been fulfilled?
Feel free to describe even the "basics" like room service because I've never done that before and don't know what to expect.
Response by poster: Hmm, I haven't seen the phrase "all-inclusive" used to describe this place. What does that mean exactly, and how do I find out if the hotel is one?
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:49 AM on May 19, 2010
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:49 AM on May 19, 2010
The terminology varies a little from place to place. Are meals and drinks at the resort's restaurants included in the price of your room? That information should be available in any brochure or what have you. That's what I mean by "all-inclusive."
posted by 256 at 8:51 AM on May 19, 2010
posted by 256 at 8:51 AM on May 19, 2010
Sometimes if you write to the hotel ahead of time they will put you in a nicer room, especially if they know it is a special occasion. When I am trying to go all out, I will contact them (usually the concierge is the person you want to coordinate with) and ask if they can arrange for champagne to be staged in the room prior to our arrival. You can also ask them to arrange flowers or chocolate covered strawberries or a fruit plate as well. None of these things will be free, but you (hopefully) only have one honeymoon. If you or your significant other enjoy massage or other spa treatments, it can be helpful to arrange for those ahead of time (again the concierge can help). If there are other interesting activities in or around the resort, the concierge will know what they are. A good one can guide you in nightlife, dining options, tours, just about anything that is cool in their town.
If I ask the concierge to answer a lot of these sorts of questions and arrange things for me, I'd generally introduce myself as the guy they have been emailing or talking to on the phone and give them $10 or $20, depending on how much of a pain I've been. Tips are not needed for the front desk and the front desk person's power is pretty much limited to selecting your room. It is perfectly fine to advise them that you are on a honeymoon and to ask them what sort of room options are available. If you are lucky, you can get a nicer room and in almost all circumstances, you can select for things that might appeal to you (higher floor, quieter location, etc). You generally tip the bellhop when he delivers the luggage to your room, usually about $5 for a few bags, $10 if you have five or more. Tip at restaurants like you would at home, if you want to get a special table (near the windows, overlooking the sea, etc) the best way is to ask them when you make the reservation (again, mentioning the honeymoon will help). Almost all room service now adds a "service charge" to the delivery which annoys me, so I don't add an additional tip, although some people do.
All of the above tipping discussion is pretty US-centric, so if you are headed overseas you need different data as tipping cultures vary widely in other countries.
posted by Lame_username at 8:52 AM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
If I ask the concierge to answer a lot of these sorts of questions and arrange things for me, I'd generally introduce myself as the guy they have been emailing or talking to on the phone and give them $10 or $20, depending on how much of a pain I've been. Tips are not needed for the front desk and the front desk person's power is pretty much limited to selecting your room. It is perfectly fine to advise them that you are on a honeymoon and to ask them what sort of room options are available. If you are lucky, you can get a nicer room and in almost all circumstances, you can select for things that might appeal to you (higher floor, quieter location, etc). You generally tip the bellhop when he delivers the luggage to your room, usually about $5 for a few bags, $10 if you have five or more. Tip at restaurants like you would at home, if you want to get a special table (near the windows, overlooking the sea, etc) the best way is to ask them when you make the reservation (again, mentioning the honeymoon will help). Almost all room service now adds a "service charge" to the delivery which annoys me, so I don't add an additional tip, although some people do.
All of the above tipping discussion is pretty US-centric, so if you are headed overseas you need different data as tipping cultures vary widely in other countries.
posted by Lame_username at 8:52 AM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I hate popping into my own thread late with additional details, but we're not paying for the hotel stay itself. A friend is part of a timeshare/vacation-exchange network and has given us the trip as a wedding present. I'm not sure if or how that might change things, but I'd hate for my friend to get hit with a surprise bill after-the-fact. I'm assuming that anything extra isn't covered by the package, and that I can pay for it myself when we check out. If this is a bad assumption to make, please let me know.
Pretty sure the place isn't all-inclusive either.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:57 AM on May 19, 2010
Pretty sure the place isn't all-inclusive either.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:57 AM on May 19, 2010
Response by poster: (And I'm pretty sure the gift is for a particular room, and can't be upgraded)
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:58 AM on May 19, 2010
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:58 AM on May 19, 2010
The only time I've stayed at a luxury resort, we stayed on the "concierge floor" which offered a lot of benefits but our favorite was the private lounge which offered light meals and a full bar (the selection changed every four hours) all day and half the night. We never had to deal with the restaurant/waiting to be seated/waiting for our food/waiting for the check. Whenever we were hungry, we could just drift over to the lounge and nosh.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 8:58 AM on May 19, 2010
posted by TWinbrook8 at 8:58 AM on May 19, 2010
Best answer: It doesn't sound like you're likely to make a pest of yourself if you're worried you'll ask too much. It's the people who assume there's no limit that do that.
Concierges can book tickets to events (like theatre) and tours and outdoor adventure (like scuba or rockclimbing), or suggest restaurants and local attractions. It's worth a call if you're interested in that kind of stuff. Their advice and dialing skills are part of the service the hotel offers so will not show up on the bill, but a decent tip ($10 or $20, depending on use) is good. Other "service" things that will not show up on the bill: help from the front desk (no tip), bellman bag schlepping (tip: whatever small bills are in my wallet), bellman getting you a cab (same), pool dude bringing you towels and setting up your cabana (same). Things that will show up on your bill, but can probably be arranged to be paid by you on your credit card: room service (tip like you would at a restaurant) and the minibar. These two options tend to be overpriced and maybe not so tasty. The concierge can likely recommend a fun bar or restaurant as an alternative. If the concierge has left for the day, the front desk staff can frequently help.
The other things that show up on hotel bills, general sales tax, super special hotel tax, room use tax, occupancy tax, state tax, city tax, and other silly fees for basically being in the hotel room that are levied by various levels of government would probably be covered by the gift of the hotel room, but possibly not. The only other thing I can think of is for hotel phone use to show up, the same as it would in a Motel 6.
The hotel website may give you an idea of the amenities available. Also, hotels generally have a book in the room with that info (fitness area, pool, massage, etc.) and how to access it.
posted by *s at 9:20 AM on May 19, 2010
Concierges can book tickets to events (like theatre) and tours and outdoor adventure (like scuba or rockclimbing), or suggest restaurants and local attractions. It's worth a call if you're interested in that kind of stuff. Their advice and dialing skills are part of the service the hotel offers so will not show up on the bill, but a decent tip ($10 or $20, depending on use) is good. Other "service" things that will not show up on the bill: help from the front desk (no tip), bellman bag schlepping (tip: whatever small bills are in my wallet), bellman getting you a cab (same), pool dude bringing you towels and setting up your cabana (same). Things that will show up on your bill, but can probably be arranged to be paid by you on your credit card: room service (tip like you would at a restaurant) and the minibar. These two options tend to be overpriced and maybe not so tasty. The concierge can likely recommend a fun bar or restaurant as an alternative. If the concierge has left for the day, the front desk staff can frequently help.
The other things that show up on hotel bills, general sales tax, super special hotel tax, room use tax, occupancy tax, state tax, city tax, and other silly fees for basically being in the hotel room that are levied by various levels of government would probably be covered by the gift of the hotel room, but possibly not. The only other thing I can think of is for hotel phone use to show up, the same as it would in a Motel 6.
The hotel website may give you an idea of the amenities available. Also, hotels generally have a book in the room with that info (fitness area, pool, massage, etc.) and how to access it.
posted by *s at 9:20 AM on May 19, 2010
Best answer: at what point would I accidentally become a demanding jerk?
If you're even asking that question, you won't be. You won't believe how self-entitled and pompous some of the guests at luxury resorts can be.
Front desk and concierge can do things like call you a taxi, make reservations for tours or at offsite restaurants, or resolve any problems with your room. Many resorts will have massage, spa, tennis or golf lessons or the like available; you can book these at the front desk as well (either in person or by calling from your room).
There will typically be a booklet in your room describing what extra services are available (and how much they cost) at the resort, as well as a room service menu. (Which is pretty simple: you call the room service number, tell them what you want, and some time later somebody brings food to your room.)
Room: if it's a super-fancy place there may be multiple-times-per-day maid service (which mostly seems to consist of rearranging the pillows and bedspread for different times of day.) Most places are good about doing this invisibly when you're away from the room, but don't be afraid to ask them to come back later (or not at all) if they knock while you're in the room. It's your honeymoon after all, you just might want to be spending some time in your room without maids trooping around.
Money: For restaurants, poolside bar, etc., or any other onsite services, you'll be given a bill to sign; you can either pay as you go with cash or a credit card, or (much simpler) just give them your room number and pay it all when you leave.
Don't go crazy throwing money at everyone: if someone carries your bags to your room when you check in, tip them; tip for restaurant, bar, or room service food exactly as you would at a nice restaurant. (Often they'll include a tip or 'service charge' in the bill, check to make sure you're not doubling the tip.) If there's valet parking, tip for that. That's pretty much it; it's not common to tip front desk or concierge unless they've performed some really unusual service for you. Tips don't have to be huge; I used to work valet parking and a dollar was a perfectly typical amount.
On preview: if your friend is paying for the room but you want to pay for your own extras, you can still put everything on your room bill as you go rather than hauling out your credit card every time, then when you check out explain to the front desk which items you want to pay for personally; they'll sort it out. Or explain it when you check in and ask how they want to handle it.
Don't feel guilty about asking for things; it's their job. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon!
posted by ook at 9:38 AM on May 19, 2010
If you're even asking that question, you won't be. You won't believe how self-entitled and pompous some of the guests at luxury resorts can be.
Front desk and concierge can do things like call you a taxi, make reservations for tours or at offsite restaurants, or resolve any problems with your room. Many resorts will have massage, spa, tennis or golf lessons or the like available; you can book these at the front desk as well (either in person or by calling from your room).
There will typically be a booklet in your room describing what extra services are available (and how much they cost) at the resort, as well as a room service menu. (Which is pretty simple: you call the room service number, tell them what you want, and some time later somebody brings food to your room.)
Room: if it's a super-fancy place there may be multiple-times-per-day maid service (which mostly seems to consist of rearranging the pillows and bedspread for different times of day.) Most places are good about doing this invisibly when you're away from the room, but don't be afraid to ask them to come back later (or not at all) if they knock while you're in the room. It's your honeymoon after all, you just might want to be spending some time in your room without maids trooping around.
Money: For restaurants, poolside bar, etc., or any other onsite services, you'll be given a bill to sign; you can either pay as you go with cash or a credit card, or (much simpler) just give them your room number and pay it all when you leave.
Don't go crazy throwing money at everyone: if someone carries your bags to your room when you check in, tip them; tip for restaurant, bar, or room service food exactly as you would at a nice restaurant. (Often they'll include a tip or 'service charge' in the bill, check to make sure you're not doubling the tip.) If there's valet parking, tip for that. That's pretty much it; it's not common to tip front desk or concierge unless they've performed some really unusual service for you. Tips don't have to be huge; I used to work valet parking and a dollar was a perfectly typical amount.
On preview: if your friend is paying for the room but you want to pay for your own extras, you can still put everything on your room bill as you go rather than hauling out your credit card every time, then when you check out explain to the front desk which items you want to pay for personally; they'll sort it out. Or explain it when you check in and ask how they want to handle it.
Don't feel guilty about asking for things; it's their job. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon!
posted by ook at 9:38 AM on May 19, 2010
just being gracious - please and thank you - will keep you from being a demanding jerk. The staff expects to be asked for help or service but to acknowledge their work in word as well as tip is appreciated. . We tip anyone who handles luggage, either from airport to resort or at the resort. We usually tip housekeeping at the end if they are good. Tip waitstaff/bartenders as normal if tip is not added to bill. IF you take an excursion outside of the hotel, we usually tip for good serice to our guide. The concereige can help you call taxi's or suggest restaurants or give directions.
We just back from a hotel with amazing service. We usually do family vacations with good service but it has been a really long time since i have been waited on like that. You will love it!
posted by domino at 10:57 AM on May 19, 2010
We just back from a hotel with amazing service. We usually do family vacations with good service but it has been a really long time since i have been waited on like that. You will love it!
posted by domino at 10:57 AM on May 19, 2010
One other tipping thing: a good idea to leave a few bucks per day as a tip for the housekeeping staff. I've done this as I go and also totalled the whole thing at the end when I didn't have small bills every day. Also, don't let this stuff wig you out too much. You're there to enjoy yourself and resort hotel employees unfortunately have to deal daily with people much less nice than you. Happy honeymoon!
posted by *s at 11:29 AM on May 19, 2010
posted by *s at 11:29 AM on May 19, 2010
« Older Shipping Benadryl from the US to Scotland. | Have paragraphs. Want just the hyperlinks. In... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
In my limited experience, asking for whiskey will get you a shot of bulk swill, but if you ask if they have any single malt scotch, they'll pull a bottle of laphroig out from under the bar. Which always kind of amused me, since it's free either way.
posted by 256 at 8:39 AM on May 19, 2010