Staying in 5 star resort- the excess of it all?

[BOP Mustache]

My sister is getting married in Fiji tomorrow and we’ve (my wife and two daughters aged 3, 5) spent the last 48 hours in a resort adjacent to the wedding venue resort.

The deal we got through our travel agent includes meals (buffet breakfast and dinner and set menu lunch).

It is an absolutely beautiful location and the resort (albeit a cost effective option comparatively) is just fantastic.

But after 48 hours here, with my stomach more than satisfied and being able to escape the New Zealand winter, I’ve found myself longing for simple oats for breakfast with a boiled egg or two (my go to at home) and with the resort the best thing is the sunsets which we can get at home on a local hill a short walk away for free.

Not doing this to brag or anything but has made me realise that travelling the world, living the ‘dream in paradise’ etc that after 48 hours I miss my simple, frugal and somewhat spartan way of life. The basic monotony all of a sudden doesn’t seem bad at all. Everything around me here seems so excessive. Driving from the airport to the resort and passing small villages with barefoot kids, no running water or electricity in the homes, etc also makes me feel a bit ashamed deep down. Not 100% sure where this is coming from but do feel a pang of guilt that we are living in excess this week. Goes against our lifestyle and family values somewhat. We are a bit of an anomaly in both sides of the extended family for our frugal, holistic and alternative ways we bring up the kids.

There’s my insights and ramblings. Have any of you experienced something similar? Holidays, family events, etc?

Bula!

[ixtap]

We take our oats and chia seeds with us if we don't think we will be able to get an equivalent. And I am surprised a world class breakfast buffet wouldn't have oats or a similar rice dish.

Does your resort or the area not have any activities? I have zero interest in sitting in a beach chair for more than an hour, but could snorkel all day.

[spartana]

Fancy resorts and especially cruises turn my stomach as well due to their massive excess. Fortunately travelling doesn't mean you have to chose lavious over-the-top luxury. Stay at a local hostel or airbnb in town instead of a fancy resort. Eat street food or cook your own. Walk or rent a bike to get around. Do the things the locals do the way the locals do them. It's much more rewarding imho and of course much less expensive.

[wenchsenior]

I attended a conference at the Hilton Waikoloa on the big island of Hawaii (4 star) and I thought it was head-spinningly ludicrous. It was definitely entertaining for few days to gawk at everything, but nothing like anything I would choose for my own relaxation nor entertainment if I were spending my own dollars. I mean, they had their own dolphin lagoon, fercrissakes.

[Laura33]

I think fancy resorts are similar to fancy desserts:  that first bite may be the best thing you've ever tasted, but if you make a meal out of only that, you're going to start feeling nauseated sooner rather than later.

For me, cruises/all-inclusives don't tend to make me happy, because I like a variety, period.  Keeping on the food theme, yes, I love having a wonderful, special meal at an expensive restaurant.  But I also love the taco cart down the street, which makes some pretty freaking awesome tacos for like $7.  A steady diet of fancy meals is still just doing the same thing over and over.  (Not to mention that I've never had a single resort/cruise meal that was anwhere near the quality of a great non-resort restaurant -- they're usually monotonous and mediocre.  And the one thing I do not appreciate is mediocre -- particularly when it comes with a hefty price tag).

Maybe for that same reason I don't tend to really click with other guests at these places.  I mean, yeah socially awkward introvert, so it's not like I'm making fast friends everywhere I go.  ;-)  But our vacation choices do reflect at least some of our values/priorities, so I think when I'm at one of those fancy places, I probably don't share the same values/priorities as someone who sees that as the most amazing vacation option ever (I mean, really, a Mustachian and a jet-setter aren't really going to have much in common to bond over, will they?).  Conversely, when we travel on our own, we meet a number of people, some of whom became friends for years -- probably because we both share the same interest in whatever little geeky thing we chose to do that day.

[Dave1442397]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

[wenchsenior]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

[Dave1442397]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

LOL! Heading to Sedona, AZ soon - see you there :)

[FLBiker]

I don't have a lot of 5-star resort experience (maybe none?) but this resonates with me.  My dad (very generously) is flying my family, my brother's family and my sister's family to a resort in Aruba next March.  Even though the flights and accommodation are paid for (by him) I still don't really want to go.  I will, because 1) my wife is interested and 2) it's good for my daughter to have time with her cousins as we live far away, but personally, I suspect I'll find it kind of a bummer.  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to suck it up. :)

[Laura33]

Been thinking about this, and I think it's less about how much something costs and more about how the money is deployed.  To me, fancy hotels just feel like a waste of money, because I can get 80% of the experience for 10% of the cost.  I am a complete sucker for a view and will happily sit and read for-freaking-ever, but I've enjoyed some amazing views without spending 10x the money.  I dream of the South Pacific bungalow-over-water thing, but apparently not enough to actually spend the money to do it.

OTOH, probably the single-most-expensive trip I've ever been on was a safari in Botswana (the picture kind, not the shooting kind).  My dad brought the entire family for a significant birthday; I don't know exactly how much it cost, but let's just say I'm not expecting any kind of inheritance on that side of the family.  ;-)  But the "luxury" was in the being there, and being with knowledgeable guides, and having a crew to set up and break down the tents and provide really ridiculously good meals given the lack of any normal cooking equipment.  The luxury touches I remember were things like getting into my cot at night and realizing someone had put a hot water bottle there.  Or having a hot shower at the end of the day (for about 3 minutes -- two buckets don't last long!).  Or the last place we stayed, where I walked into the bathroom* and found an actual regular flush toilet there, like you'd find at any Home Depot. 

If you have that kind of money, that trip was absolutely worth it, and I'd be more than happy to do something like that again. 

*Basically an open-air enclosure attached to the back of my tent.

[wenchsenior]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

LOL! Heading to Sedona, AZ soon - see you there :)

Arizona is spectacular (used to live there). One note... be careful of going into narrow canyons and washes in the afternoon during monsoon. If you want to do that, get up crack of dawn and be out by early afternoon before the thunderstorms start.

[spartana]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

LOL! Heading to Sedona, AZ soon - see you there :)

Arizona is spectacular (used to live there). One note... be careful of going into narrow canyons and washes in the afternoon during monsoon. If you want to do that, get up crack of dawn and be out by early afternoon before the thunderstorms start.

Well since this is the 5-star gluttony thread no one will actually be able to fit thru a slot canyon after a few gourmet meals - or a few pounds of chocolate ;-).

[sonofsven]

I agree with the OP, it just feels wrong. I've never stayed in a fancy resort, but I go to Maui quite a bit and stay in my mom's basic condo.
This feels incredibly lucky to me, that we are able to do this. There's even a car there to use, a 1995 Ford Escort hatchback, although it always takes some work to get it running.
We drive the "Maui Cruiser" (aka junker) to Big Beach every day and pass some incredible looking resorts in Wailea, and there's a beach path where you walk right in front of them; they look incredible, but all I can see is a big waste of money.
We bring food from home and buy some necessities there. We don't go out to fancy restaurants often, but get take out poke from Foodland, or buy a hunk of Ahi and make our own.
That's pretty much all we do there, go to the beach, make really good food, and go to the Maui swap meet for gifts, and the local farmers market to buy direct from the producers.
All that resort luxury would be wasted on me.

[wenchsenior]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

LOL! Heading to Sedona, AZ soon - see you there :)

Arizona is spectacular (used to live there). One note... be careful of going into narrow canyons and washes in the afternoon during monsoon. If you want to do that, get up crack of dawn and be out by early afternoon before the thunderstorms start.

Well since this is the 5-star gluttony thread no one will actually be able to fit thru a slot canyon after a few gourmet meals - or a few pounds of chocolate ;-).

Oh, good one!

[Dave1442397]

I can't say I've stayed at many fancy resorts, but a few of the nice hotels were memorable. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had dinner in our room while watching the seaplanes come and go. The Chateau Lake Louise was just beautiful, as was the Jasper Lodge. It's definitely more about the scenery than the luxury for me.

I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, so I really don't care to pay for expensive meals. I have been known to map out all the chocolate shops I could find in Manhattan and spend a day visiting them :)

My favorite vacations involve hiking and cycling, especially in places like Tahoe, where I could just sit on a rock and stare at the lake for hours.

LET'S HANG :)

LOL! Heading to Sedona, AZ soon - see you there :)

Arizona is spectacular (used to live there). One note... be careful of going into narrow canyons and washes in the afternoon during monsoon. If you want to do that, get up crack of dawn and be out by early afternoon before the thunderstorms start.

Well since this is the 5-star gluttony thread no one will actually be able to fit thru a slot canyon after a few gourmet meals - or a few pounds of chocolate ;-).

Oh, good one!

Yeah, right? We plan on stopping at Costco on the way out of Phoenix and stocking up on baked goodies for the trip :) There's an In-N-Out Burger in the same location, and that's my idea of a gourmet meal (with apologies to the foodies who just recoiled in horror). I haven't been to an In-N-Out since I was in Reno in 2016.

I do plan on being up early for hiking. I prefer to get there whenever the trails open for the day and get a jump on people. My wife's not into any kind of difficult hiking, so I'll do the tougher trails by myself. If anyone has any trail recommendations, let me know!

[iris lily]

I don’t go to resorts for vacation so no, I’ve never stayed at a high-end resort.

The few high-end 4-5  star hotels I’ve stayed in though we’re wonderful. I love them. We stayed in a Scottish castle that was very expensive. It was sublime.

[twinstudy]

I am surprised the resort didn't have the option for a continental breakfast which should be light and refreshing.

Anyway, some hotels/resorts I have been to have seemed overdone to me, and not worth the price. But a few expensive resorts have been well worth it. I remember going to one where there were only 8 guest rooms on a massive property. I spent the whole weekend without seeing a single other guest. There was a gorgeous swimming pool and no one using it. Fresh fruit placed around the premises, free to eat. Huge gardens with no one there but a robot mower and friendly groundskeeper, and a path to the beach and sea. And we had a big cabin. It was well worth it for the comfort and serenity.

I've been looking at luxury safari lodges too and I think they're worth it for the amenities - staying within the game reserve, having a private safari guide and vehicle, being able to do night-time tours, etc.

None of that seems to me to be excessive. Money can buy ostentation for its own sake, or it can buy privacy and comfort.

[Fru-Gal]

That sounds like the premise for a horror movie, @twinstudy ! No one there but a robot mower?!

I can’t speak to the resorts as I’ve never been but the last 2 years of FIRE + empty nest has me pushing my limits in terms of how many weeks traveling/not at home. Last year was 2 months total, this year might be 5 weeks. Honestly on my thru-hike that I just got back from I missed my dogs and chickens and garden SOOOO much.

Now that I’m home I’ve done a massive declutter and deep cleaning and redecorating the bedroom. I love it!!! I love being home so so much. Some travel is nice to make you appreciate home more, but constant travel, no thanks.

[middo]

We have stayed in a couple of top end hotels, but really the location is normally more important to us than the hotel or resort.  One memorable recent stay was actually fairly cheap at less than 90 euro's per night, but we stayed in a museum, which was inside the stone walls of a castle.  We just explored and enjoyed the moment.

[twinstudy]

That sounds like the premise for a horror movie, @twinstudy ! No one there but a robot mower?!

I can’t speak to the resorts as I’ve never been but the last 2 years of FIRE + empty nest has me pushing my limits in terms of how many weeks traveling/not at home. Last year was 2 months total, this year might be 5 weeks. Honestly on my thru-hike that I just got back from I missed my dogs and chickens and garden SOOOO much.

Now that I’m home I’ve done a massive declutter and deep cleaning and redecorating the bedroom. I love it!!! I love being home so so much. Some travel is nice to make you appreciate home more, but constant travel, no thanks.

Hehe. It was in a sleepy beach-side town. In a different setting it might have been a bit creepy! Especially if the groundsman hadn't been as nice as he was.

[spartana]

I don’t go to resorts for vacation so no, I’ve never stayed at a high-end resort.

The few high-end 4-5  star hotels I’ve stayed in though we’re wonderful. I love them. We stayed in a Scottish castle that was very expensive. It was sublime.

I stayed at quite a few castles but they probably weren't rated 5 star ;-)
https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/inspiration/discover-youth-hostels-in-castles-and-stately-homes/youth-hostels-in-castles/

I 've stayed at a few high end resorts as a guest of someone else but have never been to excited by the experience although they were beautiful places and grounds in beautiful locations.

[GilesMM]

As a frugal person, I am more comfortable with 5-star abroad when it is "affordable", like $200/night or so at an outstanding Ritz Carlton.  5-star in the US runs $700-1000/night and up which strikes me as ridiculous.

[Sandi_k]

As a frugal person, I am more comfortable with 5-star abroad when it is "affordable", like $200/night or so at an outstanding Ritz Carlton.  5-star in the US runs $700-1000/night and up which strikes me as ridiculous.

I wholeheartedly agree.

We've traveled more the past 15 years, especially for our anniversary. And our typical move is to buy a more private experience.

We once stayed at a lovely hotel in MX, and DH discovered that other guests were there - who had won a stay as a bonus from their industry for top sales leaders. They were obnoxious as heck - football in the pool, splashing loudly, drunk at the pool bar, etc.

While the hotel and room and beach was fabulous (and affordable!), DH now vastly, heartily asks that we stay at historic inns and small boutique hotels - generally, places with fewer than 100 rooms.

[iris lily]

As a frugal person, I am more comfortable with 5-star abroad when it is "affordable", like $200/night or so at an outstanding Ritz Carlton.  5-star in the US runs $700-1000/night and up which strikes me as ridiculous.

I wholeheartedly agree.

We've traveled more the past 15 years, especially for our anniversary. And our typical move is to buy a more private experience.

We once stayed at a lovely hotel in MX, and DH discovered that other guests were there - who had won a stay as a bonus from their industry for top sales leaders. They were obnoxious as heck - football in the pool, splashing loudly, drunk at the pool bar, etc.

While the hotel and room and beach was fabulous (and affordable!), DH now vastly, heartily asks that we stay at historic inns and small boutique hotels - generally, places with fewer than 100 rooms.

Boutique hotels are cool.

When in Europe  I go for beautiful old architecture in the city center. It doesn’t have to be a big hotel since I do not use their “amenities.” I do no like the shiney and new. So, I tend to get the smallish rooms of old hotels.  I am fine with that.

The way twinstudy described that resort…Now THAT would be nice! Lovely, private grounds. Sign me up.

[Sandi_k]

Boutique hotels are cool.

When in Europe  I go for beautiful old architecture in the city center. It doesn’t have to be a big hotel since I do not use their “amenities.” I do no like the shiney and new. So, I tend to get the smallish rooms of old hotels.  I am fine with that.

The way twinstudy described that resort…Now THAT would be nice! Lovely, private grounds. Sign me up.

Yes! For one anniversary, we splurged on a lovely resort called Biras Creek - our first international trip since our honeymoon, which was nearly 10 years before.

That resort was world class - 25 little bungalows, on a private piece of property in the British Virgin Islands.

And when I say it was fancy, let me just note that Richard Branson had reserved most of the resort for his annual Managing Directors' (he owns Necker Island, right next door), and he came to dinner at our resort one night.

Unfortunately that resort no longer exists. But I would go back in a heartbeat if it did.

[Zikoris]

I've never stayed at a resort as I just don't find the offerings valuable at all. When we travel we're mostly out doing stuff, and prefer to eat at cool hole-in-the-wall local restaurants with really interesting dishes and a funky atmosphere as opposed to more generic resort-style food. I don't usually like swimming pools much due to the chlorine drying out my skin and fucking up my hair - I prefer to go swim at a nice beach on a lake or in the ocean, or better yet natural hot springs, and if that's not an option I'd rather do something else.

I have zero appreciation for fancy food plating, or anything along those lines. I just don't care at all. I also don't even like housekeeping - I feel weird about people touching my stuff while I'm out.

[wenchsenior]

I am surprised the resort didn't have the option for a continental breakfast which should be light and refreshing.

Anyway, some hotels/resorts I have been to have seemed overdone to me, and not worth the price. But a few expensive resorts have been well worth it. I remember going to one where there were only 8 guest rooms on a massive property. I spent the whole weekend without seeing a single other guest. There was a gorgeous swimming pool and no one using it. Fresh fruit placed around the premises, free to eat. Huge gardens with no one there but a robot mower and friendly groundskeeper, and a path to the beach and sea. And we had a big cabin. It was well worth it for the comfort and serenity.

I've been looking at luxury safari lodges too and I think they're worth it for the amenities - staying within the game reserve, having a private safari guide and vehicle, being able to do night-time tours, etc.

None of that seems to me to be excessive. Money can buy ostentation for its own sake, or it can buy privacy and comfort.

Yeah, sometimes my version of 'luxury' is not the same as five star in terms of amenities. So a safari lodge certainly might qualify as luxurious to me even if there was no hot water. It would depend on other amenities and the overall vibe.

E.g., for about 15 consecutive years, I used to stay for free at this place every year for 2-4 weeks as part of a work gig (https://www.guana.com/).

The resort itself (meaning the cottages [of which I've stayed in about two-thirds of the options available], clubhouse/facilities, etc.) is very modest apart from 'fort henry' (a big house that can be rented separately...I've only ever been in it during a big party one time); so technically it wouldn't be considered 'luxury' I don't think. But it is expensive, and the surroundings and the all inclusive nature of staying there makes it seem luxury in many senses.

I certainly would consider it luxury personally so I enjoyed all my years there partly for that reason.

However, I've also stayed at places like scientific research stations in California, or at Sirena Station in Cocovado NP, Costa Rica. While superficially kind of similar (modest accommodations with scientists and tourists coming and staying for various time frames, expansive undisturbed natural area, meals prepared, requires boat or air travel to reach it), Sirena isn't a hotel and the vibe is much different, much more 'roughing it'.  There's only minimal staff on hand to 'tend' the place or the residents. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sirena+corcovado&form=HDRSC3&first=1

So I definitely wouldn't categorize that as luxury, despite it being practically speaking only a little different.

[iris lily]

I don’t go to resorts for vacation so no, I’ve never stayed at a high-end resort.

The few high-end 4-5  star hotels I’ve stayed in though we’re wonderful. I love them. We stayed in a Scottish castle that was very expensive. It was sublime.

I stayed at quite a few castles but they probably weren't rated 5 star ;-)
https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/inspiration/discover-youth-hostels-in-castles-and-stately-homes/youth-hostels-in-castles/

I 've stayed at a few high end resorts as a guest of someone else but have never been to excited by the experience although they were beautiful places and grounds in beautiful locations.

Those hostel-castles are cool!

[wenchsenior]

I don’t go to resorts for vacation so no, I’ve never stayed at a high-end resort.

The few high-end 4-5  star hotels I’ve stayed in though we’re wonderful. I love them. We stayed in a Scottish castle that was very expensive. It was sublime.

I stayed at quite a few castles but they probably weren't rated 5 star ;-)
https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/inspiration/discover-youth-hostels-in-castles-and-stately-homes/youth-hostels-in-castles/

I 've stayed at a few high end resorts as a guest of someone else but have never been to excited by the experience although they were beautiful places and grounds in beautiful locations.

Those hostel-castles are cool!

Those look so cool!

[Sandi_k]

Yeah, sometimes my version of 'luxury' is not the same as five star in terms of amenities. So a safari lodge certainly might qualify as luxurious to me even if there was no hot water. It would depend on other amenities and the overall vibe.

E.g., for about 15 consecutive years, I used to stay for free at this place every year for 2-4 weeks as part of a work gig (https://www.guana.com/).

The resort itself (meaning the cottages [of which I've stayed in about two-thirds of the options available], clubhouse/facilities, etc.) is very modest apart from 'fort henry' (a big house that can be rented separately...I've only ever been in it during a big party one time); so technically it wouldn't be considered 'luxury' I don't think. But it is expensive, and the surroundings and the all inclusive nature of staying there makes it seem luxury in many senses.

I certainly would consider it luxury personally so I enjoyed all my years there partly for that reason.

The BVIs are my favorite place on earth. Thanks for posting this up - it's on my list for further exploration.

[spartana]

I don’t go to resorts for vacation so no, I’ve never stayed at a high-end resort.

The few high-end 4-5  star hotels I’ve stayed in though we’re wonderful. I love them. We stayed in a Scottish castle that was very expensive. It was sublime.

I stayed at quite a few castles but they probably weren't rated 5 star ;-)
https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/inspiration/discover-youth-hostels-in-castles-and-stately-homes/youth-hostels-in-castles/

I 've stayed at a few high end resorts as a guest of someone else but have never been to excited by the experience although they were beautiful places and grounds in beautiful locations.

Those hostel-castles are cool!

Most are dorm style but many hostels now have private rooms or family rooms. I've stayed in a lot of super cool hostels from boats to castle and everything inbetween and, at least "back in the day" it was really fun and interesting. Now that I've turned into a germ/bedbug/hotel cleanliness/skankiness - phobe I don't like sharing rooms or even sleeping where others have been - even at luxury accommodations! Ya all are gross ;-). I tent camp now or do longer term monthly Airbnbs so I can clean first and only sleep in my skankiness after that. 

The last hostels I stayed at (April 2023) were on a month long trip to Ireland and were all pretty cool.l and interesting and many included a full Irish breakfast.  At that time of year I was the only one there so that was nice. Most places were pretty empty.

[wenchsenior]

Yeah, sometimes my version of 'luxury' is not the same as five star in terms of amenities. So a safari lodge certainly might qualify as luxurious to me even if there was no hot water. It would depend on other amenities and the overall vibe.

E.g., for about 15 consecutive years, I used to stay for free at this place every year for 2-4 weeks as part of a work gig (https://www.guana.com/).

The resort itself (meaning the cottages [of which I've stayed in about two-thirds of the options available], clubhouse/facilities, etc.) is very modest apart from 'fort henry' (a big house that can be rented separately...I've only ever been in it during a big party one time); so technically it wouldn't be considered 'luxury' I don't think. But it is expensive, and the surroundings and the all inclusive nature of staying there makes it seem luxury in many senses.

I certainly would consider it luxury personally so I enjoyed all my years there partly for that reason.

The BVIs are my favorite place on earth. Thanks for posting this up - it's on my list for further exploration.

No problem.

If you are wanting one of the slightly lower end cottages (as opposed to one of the midgrade ones with their own little plunge pools and in-room AC), IMO the best one is the highest elevation room on the island. It's only good for 1-2 people, so no families (if you are trying to fit more than a couple people, I can advise you on that, too).

I can't remember the official name of the room, but if you ask for the 'Swallow's Nest' suite with the rooftop patio, the staff will know which one you mean. Only downside is it requires stair climbing/going further up and down the hill for meals, but totally worth it. Also, not good during hurricanes but presumably you likely wouldn't be there then.

You can see it in this pic (it's got the triangular protrusion sticking up from the roof, far lefthand on the top of the hill). Views are amazing all over; but nothing beats that room. 2 full-sized patios (regular and rooftop) + a little front porch on the other side.

[mspym]

Once we took the boys to the UAE where their grandfather lived. He was an architect and wanted to splurge on taking us to various places he’s worked at and to make it a bit lux. After staying at the Emirates palace in Abu Dhabi, our 8 year old’s review was “… that might have been… Too Fancy?” and that the next place we stayed in was more our speed. Also, we amused ourselves by reading the 1-star reviews of these super-luxe places we were staying at. A cleaner hadn’t smiled at someone, an insufficient number of birthday greetings given etc.

[Fomerly known as something]

I attended a conference at the Hilton Waikoloa on the big island of Hawaii (4 star) and I thought it was head-spinningly ludicrous. It was definitely entertaining for few days to gawk at everything, but nothing like anything I would choose for my own relaxation nor entertainment if I were spending my own dollars. I mean, they had their own dolphin lagoon, fercrissakes.

I stayed there last year on points and enjoyed it.  Of course I was mostly looking for a hotel room on that side of the island to explore for a few days of my trip.  I spend more time at the Marriott in Hilo where I went to Volcanos national park.

[Sandi_k]

Thank you, @wenchsenior - it would only be myself and DH.

Yeah, sometimes my version of 'luxury' is not the same as five star in terms of amenities. So a safari lodge certainly might qualify as luxurious to me even if there was no hot water. It would depend on other amenities and the overall vibe.

E.g., for about 15 consecutive years, I used to stay for free at this place every year for 2-4 weeks as part of a work gig (https://www.guana.com/).

The resort itself (meaning the cottages [of which I've stayed in about two-thirds of the options available], clubhouse/facilities, etc.) is very modest apart from 'fort henry' (a big house that can be rented separately...I've only ever been in it during a big party one time); so technically it wouldn't be considered 'luxury' I don't think. But it is expensive, and the surroundings and the all inclusive nature of staying there makes it seem luxury in many senses.

I certainly would consider it luxury personally so I enjoyed all my years there partly for that reason.

The BVIs are my favorite place on earth. Thanks for posting this up - it's on my list for further exploration.

No problem.

If you are wanting one of the slightly lower end cottages (as opposed to one of the midgrade ones with their own little plunge pools and in-room AC), IMO the best one is the highest elevation room on the island. It's only good for 1-2 people, so no families (if you are trying to fit more than a couple people, I can advise you on that, too).

I can't remember the official name of the room, but if you ask for the 'Swallow's Nest' suite with the rooftop patio, the staff will know which one you mean. Only downside is it requires stair climbing/going further up and down the hill for meals, but totally worth it. Also, not good during hurricanes but presumably you likely wouldn't be there then.

You can see it in this pic (it's got the triangular protrusion sticking up from the roof, far lefthand on the top of the hill). Views are amazing all over; but nothing beats that room. 2 full-sized patios (regular and rooftop) + a little front porch on the other side.

[spartana]

Big luxury hotels are often big polluters too. Often illegally dumping toxic materials and waste in large quantities. I use to work in the environmental compliance field on the enforcement side of things and have been part of some big "busts" of polluters - including the Ritz Carlton chain in a multistate investigation. Of course they got a slap on the wrist fine-wise and told they were were being very very bad people.  But it's still a thing with large uxury hotels and resorts so vetting them before you book - or booking  smaller simpler accomadation - can help. Now I'm done nagging so enjoy your vacation ;-).

[J.P. MoreGains]

I think fancy resorts are similar to fancy desserts:  that first bite may be the best thing you've ever tasted, but if you make a meal out of only that, you're going to start feeling nauseated sooner rather than later.

Clever point here I like it.

[BOP Mustache]

We take our oats and chia seeds with us if we don't think we will be able to get an equivalent. And I am surprised a world class breakfast buffet wouldn't have oats or a similar rice dish.

Does your resort or the area not have any activities? I have zero interest in sitting in a beach chair for more than an hour, but could snorkel all day.

We do have activities and now we are at a different resort down the road since the wedding is done. We only have the breakfast option now opposed to free meals so eating our own snacks and dinner down the road at local cheap and cheerful Thai restaurant with lots of fresh vegetables so feeling much better balance here in terms of flash/over the top vs the laid back low key life we live.

[BOP Mustache]

Fancy resorts and especially cruises turn my stomach as well due to their massive excess. Fortunately travelling doesn't mean you have to chose lavious over-the-top luxury. Stay at a local hostel or airbnb in town instead of a fancy resort. Eat street food or cook your own. Walk or rent a bike to get around. Do the things the locals do the way the locals do them. It's much more rewarding imho and of course much less expensive.

We’ve started doing this at the cheaper resort close by as wedding done now. We are walking and catching local bus which the kids are enjoying as well as us. Balancing it out now.

[BOP Mustache]

I think fancy resorts are similar to fancy desserts:  that first bite may be the best thing you've ever tasted, but if you make a meal out of only that, you're going to start feeling nauseated sooner rather than later.

For me, cruises/all-inclusives don't tend to make me happy, because I like a variety, period.  Keeping on the food theme, yes, I love having a wonderful, special meal at an expensive restaurant.  But I also love the taco cart down the street, which makes some pretty freaking awesome tacos for like $7.  A steady diet of fancy meals is still just doing the same thing over and over.  (Not to mention that I've never had a single resort/cruise meal that was anwhere near the quality of a great non-resort restaurant -- they're usually monotonous and mediocre.  And the one thing I do not appreciate is mediocre -- particularly when it comes with a hefty price tag).

Maybe for that same reason I don't tend to really click with other guests at these places.  I mean, yeah socially awkward introvert, so it's not like I'm making fast friends everywhere I go.  ;-)  But our vacation choices do reflect at least some of our values/priorities, so I think when I'm at one of those fancy places, I probably don't share the same values/priorities as someone who sees that as the most amazing vacation option ever (I mean, really, a Mustachian and a jet-setter aren't really going to have much in common to bond over, will they?).  Conversely, when we travel on our own, we meet a number of people, some of whom became friends for years -- probably because we both share the same interest in whatever little geeky thing we chose to do that day.

I think you summed it up perfectly here with the rich dessert analogy the first day it blows your mind… wow look at this, wow this is so flash etc but then you become accustomed to it somehow. It only takes 2-3 days. Hedonic adaptation for sure!

[iris lily]

Last week I went down a rabbit hole of travel videos, where the videographer stays in high-end luxury hotels like the Savoy and Claridge’s in London, and the Plaza in New York City.

The Plaza did not fare well in its review. Did you know you cannot get a cup of coffee at 6 AM at the Plaza hotel? Good God, what is the world coming to?

[GilesMM]

Last week I went down a rabbit hole of travel videos, where the videographer stays in high-end luxury hotels like the Savoy and Claridge’s in London, and the Plaza in New York City.

The Plaza did not fare well in its review. Did you know you cannot get a cup of coffee at 6 AM at the Plaza hotel? Good God, what is the world coming to?

Isn't the Plaza a Trump property?

[Dave1442397]

Last week I went down a rabbit hole of travel videos, where the videographer stays in high-end luxury hotels like the Savoy and Claridge’s in London, and the Plaza in New York City.

The Plaza did not fare well in its review. Did you know you cannot get a cup of coffee at 6 AM at the Plaza hotel? Good God, what is the world coming to?

Isn't the Plaza a Trump property?

From wiki: "Since 2018, the hotel has been owned by the Qatari firm Katara Hospitality."

[Blackeagle]

I hesitate to admit it, given some of the opinions in this thread, but expensive hotel rooms are a guilty pleasure for me.

During a trip this summer, I stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the Jackson Lake Lodge. These were some of the most expensive hotel rooms I've booked in my life.  They aren't necessarily super luxurious, but they're quite unique, and the locations can't be beat.

As far as more luxurious accommodations go, I live in southwestern Utah and often fly from the Las Vegas airport or travel there for other reasons.  I'll sometimes tack a day or two in one of the nicer places on the Strip to the start or end of a trip.  I don't really do any of the traditional Vegas activities (no gambling or going to shows), but I enjoy walking around and taking in the spectacle of it all.

For me, the key is staying for no more than a day or two.  That's enough to enjoy the luxury experience without hedonic adaptation setting in.  Like @Laura33 said, a bite or two of a rich dessert, not a whole meal of it.

[Laura33]

I hesitate to admit it, given some of the opinions in this thread, but expensive hotel rooms are a guilty pleasure for me.

During a trip this summer, I stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the Jackson Lake Lodge. These were some of the most expensive hotel rooms I've booked in my life.  They aren't necessarily super luxurious, but they're quite unique, and the locations can't be beat.

FWIW, this is exactly the kind of room I would splurge on, too.  I am a complete sucker for a view; one of my favorite travel/vacation activities is sitting on a balcony with a view and reading a book or just zoning out in the beauty.*  One of my most memorable vacations was one where we somehow lucked into the "caretaker's" room, which had a large balcony directly over the Caribbean.  We were there to dive, and I managed to give myself a reverse block and couldn't dive for a few days, so I just sat out on that deck, reading and staring at the water.  I remember those days with crystal clarity -- moreso than I even remember the dives.

But IMO it also goes along with the larger point.  There's a difference in periodically splurging on something because of a specific "thing" -- location, view, pool for the kids, etc. -- and just expecting every day and every vacation to be 5-star luxury.  You need a baseline of "normal" to be able to remember the splurges as "special."

*I swear I must have been a wildcat in a previous life, because there is just nothing as deeply satisfying as being tucked away above everything, watching the world play out below.

[wenchsenior]

I hesitate to admit it, given some of the opinions in this thread, but expensive hotel rooms are a guilty pleasure for me.

During a trip this summer, I stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the Jackson Lake Lodge. These were some of the most expensive hotel rooms I've booked in my life.  They aren't necessarily super luxurious, but they're quite unique, and the locations can't be beat.

Staying at the Old Faithful Inn during winter is one of my few remaining bucket list items. Not sure I'll actually do it, but I sure want to. Apart from that, I always enjoyed just 'hanging out' at the OFI on my trips to Yellowstone b/c the vibe is so unique, as you say.

[bacchi]

I've stayed at fancy hotels but, like above, it was about the location and view (I've never paid for any -- thank you, credit card issuers). I'm also a sucker for unique architecture, like the Banff Springs castle. In contrast, the Park Hyatt (Manhattan) was meh.

I've stayed in a former 5 star resort during a conference. Looking at the signs of its former glory was fascinating.

[footwear]

this is probably my biggest shortcoming when it comes to the frugal life. i like these resorts, i like vegas, i like the excess for a few days as it is usually a big departure from our normal day to day frugal lifestyle.

we just got back from a 3 night vegas trip earlier this month and i'm already wanting to go back! we don't gamble much at all, just enjoy the pools, shows, and all the great food. obviously the outrageous price of everything is a turn off, but there is so much fun to be had!

[Fomerly known as something]

In general I don’t consider most hotels in Vegas to be 5 stars.  They are nicer in many ways but most of that nice is more lipstick on a pig. 

[GilesMM]

In general I don’t consider most hotels in Vegas to be 5 stars.  They are nicer in many ways but most of that nice is more lipstick on a pig.

We stayed at the Bellagio at couple years after it opened and it felt like 4-star at the time, even with the billion dollar art gallery, etc - the service was not that personalized.  We did love the buffet.


Returned a couple years ago and the place was a wreck.  There were quite a few tattooed people in board shorts, cigarettes hanging out of their mouth, dragging Styrofoam coolers through the lobby.  Rooms were run down.  No thanks.


Some of the smaller Nevada towns can be more interesting to me.  I was in Winnemucca for a night last month at a fabulous little motel and casino with amazing food (had breakfast, lunch and dinner!) and $5 blackjack.  The casino was not too smoky, thank goodness.