Luxury Accommodation Best Service
Reently I was at a symposium where we discussed what constituted luxury accommodation best service standards.
It was generally agreed that things had changed since the pandemic, and that the situation was continuing to evolve.
Hotels are scrambling to keep up with what they can or can no longer offer as ‘luxury accommodation best service’. And participants noted that while most guests have adapted to the ‘new normal’, some guests are reluctant.
They also commented on a segment of the clientele expecting ‘more for less’. Some guests now want to stay at the best places, but are not willing to pay what have been the traditional rates.
This is a new and added challenge for hotels.
The discussion brought to mind this joke
A single lady books into a hotel for the night. The reception attendant dutifully outlines all the features of the beautiful hotel, proudly explaining the levels of luxury and service that she could expect while staying there.
Staff accompanies her to her lovely room and ensures that she had everything she needs before saying goodnight. She is elderly, and tired after a big day, and is asleep soon thereafter.
The next morning she arises early and checks out. When she receives the bill, she throws up her hands in horror at the charges. “What?”, she exclaims. “I only wanted a bed for the night, I didn’t want to buy the whole hotel!”
The receptionist calls the manager, an imposing, elegant man who is very adept a dealing with difficult customers.
The manager explains that this is a top hotel, and that prices reflect this.
The lady agrees that it is a lovely hotel, but that she only slept in one bed for 8 hours.
The manager says “Well yes, but there is so much on offer here and that is reflected in the price. We have a first class gym for example.”
“You may have,” she butted in, ” but I didn’t use it!”
“Well perhaps not” says the manager, “but you could have, and you chose not to.”
“We also have a 3 star Michelin restaurant ” the manager continued, “and a luxury spa.”
“But I didn’t use those either, and you have a pool also I was told, which I also did not use. I just used a bed and bathroom.”
The banter continued back and forward for some time, and the lady realising she was not getting anywhere, just took the bill and wrote out a cheque. She handed the bill and the cheque to the manager and walked out.
The astonished manager was soon at her side again. “Madam, this cheque is made out for $200.00 less than the bill amount!” he said agitatedly.
“Yes,” she cooed, “that is $200.00 for sex services I provide.”
“But,” protested the gob-smacked manager,” I didn’t have sex with you!”
“No,” smiled the lady, “but you could have and you chose not to!”
It may be a joke, but it says a lot about the ongoing dilemma of meeting guest general and dollar expectations.
We try to ensure that guests are fully informed before they make a reservation.
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