Is A 5 Star Hotel Right For You?
Being full time travelers, budget accommodation is our go-to when visiting a new place. That being said, there are reasons why 5 star hotels exist—and it’s not just for the wealthy. Surprisingly enough, 5 star hotels outside of first-world countries are more affordable than you think.
We had the opportunity to stay at a 5 star hotel in Eastern Malaysia called the Pullman Miri Waterfront, and we wanted to answer the question: ‘why do people choose to stay at 5 star hotel?’ Having stayed at countless 1-3 star hotels and hostels around the world, we compared our budget experiences to our more luxurious stay at the Pullman. Here are the top reasons why we think a 5 star hotel is worth paying for…
Cleanliness
Have you ever stayed at a hotel where your room was marginally clean, but the common areas just looked dirty? That’s usually the case when you choose budget accommodation.
At the Pullman Miri Waterfront everything was spotless. I’d even go on to say if I dropped a cookie on the floor, I’d eat it without question. The cleanliness isn’t just about the room: the restaurant, pool, gym, lobby, and everything else in between were gleaming.
There is a balance between how much you pay and how pristine the facilities of your hotel tend to be. When things look dirty and worn you start to wonder—where are all my dollars going?
If you are a germaphobe or have a higher standard for cleanliness, then staying at a 5 star hotel is definitely the option for you.
Comfy Beds
Would you ever choose to pay for a bed that you knew was uncomfortable? There’s nothing more relaxing than a comfortable bed after a long day of exploring a new city. When staying at anything less than a 5 star hotel comfort, among other things, is usually scarified.
Budget accommodation generally sacrifice comfort in the bed department—as we all know, mattresses can be expensive! We cannot tell you how many paper-thin mattress we’ve slept on or worse, those beds that have springs digging into your side all night. Our sleep at the Pullman Miri Waterfront was unmatched. I still have dreams about that bed…
If it’s difficult for you to get a good night sleep, paying for a 5 star hotel during your travels may be the sleep assurance you need.
Amenities
Budget hotels generally offer little-to-no amenities. 4 star hotels often include a small gym, pool, or even spa. At a 5 star hotel, going above and beyond the basic amenities is a requirement. If you’re paying top dollar, you expect more polished facilities.
The Pullman Miri Waterfront was absolutely stunning: From the executive lounge you could enjoy 180-degree views of the South China Sea, which is especially gorgeous at sunset. Breathtaking views at the infinity pool gave a luxurious backdrop to a typical pool day. The Pullman Kitchen was eloquently designed and the gym shared the wonderful view of the pool. Although we didn’t spend time at the spa and sauna, they both looked just as inviting.
If you want your vacation to feel more luxurious, staying at a 5 star hotel will surely provide that.
Customer service
Have you ever got to your hotel and the person at the front desk was less than inviting? Starting your vacation with lackluster customer service can really spoil a mood.
At a 5 star hotel, the service from the moment you walk-in to the moment you check-out should be outstanding. Once we arrived at the Pullman, the front desk happily confirmed our reservation before handing us our keys. The main adjatiave here is happily. The staff at the Pullman were incredibly accommodating—which isn’t always the case at budget hotels, but you can’t expect the world when you’re paying less than $10 a night.
After checking-in, the concierge carried our bags, escorted us to our room, and chatted about the restaurants, lounges, and amenities at the hotel. The hospitality didn’t stop there, the cleaning crew was so friendly and flawlessly cleaned our room everyday.
If you appreciate attention to detail and a more intimate customer service, a 5 star hotel is exactly where you should stay.
Convenience
We all forget things as we a travel, but fear not, your 5 star hotel may have you covered—more dollars usually means more convenience. If you forgot your bathroom products, a razor, or even a phone charger your 5 star hotel might have you covered.
Budget accommodations sometimes cover the basics like shampoo, conditioner, and even shower gel but a 5 star hotel will cover more than just the basic. I am talking the more lush shower gel, tooth brush & tooth paste, mouth wash, iron, shower caps, and sometimes even a sewing kit. Don’t forget those comfy robes and slippers that are perfect for those lazy days.
Didn’t bring enough clothing? 5 star hotels typically offer some type of laundry service in house. You will have to pay, but a set of freshly cleaned clothes are worth every penny.
If convenience is something you need then a 5-star hotel will have you covered.
The Extras
It’s honestly the things that you don’t expect that truly make a 5 star hotel worth booking. The hotel business is hyper competitive, so 5 star hotels invest a lot of money to ensure your stay is spectacular. These investment go beyond amenities, comfy beds, and cleanliness. 5 star hotels want to promote a wonderful experience through many different avenues.
Our stay at the Pullman included live entertainment at their bar, 24-hour room service, fitness classes throughout the week, and even transportation into the city from the hotel. Upon our arrival, a beautiful welcome gift was placed in our room which made us feel at home. These ‘extras’ bring the standard of accommodation to the next level—you just don’t get that from budget hotels.
If these personalized experiences and next level service is something you enjoy, a 5 star hotel will definitely be worth it.
Hopefully our stay at the Pullman Miri Waterfront gave you a better understanding of what type of service you receive at 5 star hotel. From the time we checked-in to the moment we left, we felt welcomed—the entire staff was so friendly and inviting. We love the professionalism of the staff, and appreciated the time they took to understand the nature of our stay and informed us of activities the town had to offer. The property itself was super clean, and the room looked as if no one had ever slept there before.
I hope this blog helps you understand what type of traveler you are, and if you’ll benefit from spending a little extra money. People choose to stay at a 5 star hotel to relax and to get away from the day-to-day stresses we all endure. If you are looking for better service, luxury amenities, and more convenience then a 5 star hotel is the type of accommodation for you.
Thank you again Pullman Miri Waterfront for a wonderful stay—we definitely will be back!
Cheers, Team Travel Too Much
