I stayed in 5-star hotels for the first time after years of booking cheap Airbnbs. Here are 15 things that surprised me.

Monica HumphriesSep 13, 2024, 05:55 IST

The author in front of the five-star St. Regis Aspen Resort in 2022.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In one year, I stayed in six five-star hotels in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
It was my first time experiencing luxury hotels. Before, I stuck to Airbnbs and affordable hotels.

Whether exploring Banff National Park to see some of the world's most beautiful mountainscapes, getting an adrenaline rush from bungee jumping in New Zealand, or hiking across national parks with friends, I tend to travel for experiences.

So, luxury accommodations never crossed my mind. Instead, I preferred to spend money on activities and food.

That changed at the end of 2021 when I stayed in three luxury, five-star hotels in the span of two weeks. Since then, I've slept in a handful of five-star hotels.

I began staying in luxury accommodations in 2021.

The Fairmont at Lake Louise in Banff, Canada.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I soon discovered what I was missing while staying at five-star hotels and resorts.

The author on the balcony at The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I found that five-star hotels have the best locations. Much of the premium you pay is to have that front-row view.

The view from our window at the Fairmont Lake Louise hotel.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I didn't realize that a glass of Champagne would often be waiting for me when I entered the hotel.

The Crystalbrook Albion offers a daily gin-and-tonic bar.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The concept of a concierge desk was completely new to me.

The concierge desk at The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I incorrectly assumed microwaves were a standard in every hotel — no matter the rating.

A closet at The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I learned that luxury hotels often have a scent that is unique to their brand.

The lobby of The Darling hotel had a citrusy scent.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I was confused to find phones in the bathroom at two of the hotels.

Phones were next to the toilets in both The Little Nell and The St. Regis Aspen.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I didn't previously know that some five-star hotels have ritzy rituals and traditions, like Champagne sabering.

A champagne-saber ceremony at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

I was surprised to find that bathroom essentials in five-star hotels go far beyond shampoo and conditioner.

A tray with a sewing kit, nail file, mouthwash, and cotton swabs were in the bathroom at The St. Regis Aspen.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I loved discovering free gifts and perks left behind by the hotel staff.

Free snacks and a free silver leaf at The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, Colorado.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Robes started to feel like a guarantee by the third hotel.

All five-star hotels provided robes for guests.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Nightly turn-down service is a signature perk of a luxury stay I came to enjoy.

The bed at The St. Regis Aspen Resort.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The five-star hotels I stayed at included lots of extra amenities like free car rentals and hiking gear.

The author's friend holds a pair of microspikes, which they borrowed for free from the hotel.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Five-star hotels often have many lauded restaurants and shops attached to their buildings.

The interior of the Kingi restaurant at the Hotel Britomart.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

From staff remembering my name to handwritten letters, I thought bits of the experience were more personalized at luxury hotels.

A handwritten note waiting for the author in her room at the Crystalbrook Albion.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I didn't know that the price of high-end hotels doesn't stop once you've paid for your room.

The entrance to The Little Nell hotel.James D. Morgan/Getty Images

If you can afford it, staying in a luxury hotel will likely feel more like a destination than just accommodations.

The author in here hotel room at The St. Regis Aspen Resort.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

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