I stayed in 5-star luxury hotels around the world for the first time and 10 things surprised me, from welcome gifts to pillow menus

Joey HaddenJan 28, 2023, 17:45 IST

Insider's reporter stayed in four luxury hotels for the first time and was surprised by free designer toiletries and a pillow menu.Joey Hadden/Insider

While I often book Airbnbs, I recently stayed in four luxury hotels for the first time.
I booked five-star hotels in Montréal, Miami, Milan, and Québec City and found many surprises.

After years of camping and booking cheap Airbnbs, I got my first taste of luxury when I stayed at four five-star hotels around the world.

The author at the Vogue Hotel in Montréal (top left), the Versace Mansion in Miami (top right), the Bulgari in Milan (bottom left), and the Fairmont Château Frontenac in Québec City (bottom right).Joey Hadden/Insider

One of the first surprises I encountered was when I checked into the Versace Mansion, where even the room key felt elevated from a typical hotel.

The room key and door at the Versace Mansion.Joey Hadden/Insider

In some of my hotel rooms, I was welcomed with personalized notes and treats from the hotel, which I never experienced before.

Welcome notes and gifts at the Bulgari (L) and Vogue (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

As a luxury hotel guest, I had access to many amenities and services I didn't previously know existed.

The pool at the Versace Mansion.Joey Hadden/Insider

I didn't anticipate that my hotel rooms would have a variety of lighting options. I thought the surprising glow improved the vibe of each room.

Ceiling lights at the Vogue Hotel (top left), a light controller at the Bulgari Hotel (bottom left), and stained glass windows at the Versace Mansion (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

I often found luxury amenities in the rooms that I'm not used to having.

Luxury amenities that surprised the author at the Vogue and Bulgari hotels.Joey Hadden/Insider

I came to love luxury hotel room bathrooms, which had soaking tubs, marble accents, rainfall showers, and designer toiletries.

Inside the bathrooms at the Versace Mansion (L) and the Vogue Hotel (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

Of all the aforementioned toiletries, I was the most impressed by those in my room at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa, which I'd never tried before.

Bath salts (L) and a bath stone (R) at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa.Joey Hadden/Insider

I was also astonished by the pillow menu at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa.

Turndown service with a pillow menu at the Bulgari.Joey Hadden/Insider

The concept of room service was a new experience for me, and I thought it was remarkable that I could eat upscale meals in bed.

Room service meals at the Bulgari Hotel (L) and the Fairmont Château Frontenac (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

At the Versace Mansion, I felt like I was the hotel's only guest, and to me, that was the best surprise of all.

The author with the pool and the rooftop deck to herself at the Versace Mansion.Joey Hadden/Insider

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