Why the Right Hotel Can Make (or Break) Your Trip
If you’ve worked with me, you probably already know: I have a serious appreciation for luxury hotels. Not because they’re fancy, but because when done right, they elevate every aspect of your travel experience.
And yes, I’ve heard the phrase:
“It doesn’t really matter where I stay—I’m barely in the room.”
But I’d gently challenge that. Because where you stay can quietly shape your entire trip, whether you realize it or not. From the moment you walk through the doors, the atmosphere, the welcome, the attention to detail—it all sets the tone for what’s to come.
I Don’t Just Recommend Hotels— I Study Them
When I suggest a hotel to a client, it’s not a random choice or a list from an algorithm. It’s a match. One based on who you are, what you love, and what will make you feel taken care of.
That’s why I visit so many properties in person. Because not everything shows up in a photo, and not every glowing review reflects the reality of a stay.
Here’s what I’m paying attention to when I visit a property:
🛎 Service: The way you’re treated matters more than marble lobbies or rooftop pools. I look for warmth, responsiveness, and how a hotel team handles both the expected and the unexpected.
🛏 Sleep Quality: A restful night is essential, especially when you’re crossing time zones. I take note of mattress comfort, pillow options (especially for guests with sensitivities), and whether the room offers the kind of quiet and darkness you need to truly rest.
🧴 Amenities: The small touches often make the biggest impression—high-quality bath products, robes that feel like clouds, well-stocked minibars, thoughtful lighting, even the scent of the room.
🍽 Dining: I pay close attention to how hotels handle dietary requests. Whether you have allergies, restrictions, or preferences, it’s important that your needs are acknowledged and met with care.
🎨 Design: Style is subjective. What’s stunning to one person might feel cold to another. I want to know if a hotel’s design feels intentional and welcoming—and if it reflects the spirit of the place it’s in.
💆♂️ Wellness: I deeply value access to spa services, steam rooms, and spaces that help travelers recharge. For many of my clients, these amenities are more than a luxury—they’re a necessity after long flights or active days.
⚠️ Problem Solving: Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. How a hotel responds to a small issue tells me a lot about how they’ll treat my clients. It’s not about perfection—it’s about care and follow-through.
Not All Hotels Are Equal—Even at the Luxury Level
I’ve been in five-star properties that felt sterile, and three-star gems where the service was unforgettable. Luxury isn’t always about labels—it’s about how a place makes you feel.
So when I say the hotel matters, I mean it. And when I help you choose one, it’s with purpose and intention. Because where you stay isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the story.
And I want yours to be exceptional. Seriously. Exceptional!
