The 5 Star Experience You Have to Try
“Right this way. Your butler will show you to your room. You’ll be in suite 402. Welcome back. It’s nice to see you again.”
Five star service has garnered its reputation for good reason! You expect high standards of service and excellence, and therefore, you can trust that you will be taken care of and have a good experience.
We recently came across some intriguing presentations on several of the world’s most elite hotels. It was fascinating to be given a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of these highly acclaimed properties and learn how they deliver superior service and craft luxurious experiences that keep guests returning again and again. Though these offerings command a high price, the quality and consistency of what they produce makes their clientele willing to make significant investments for this kind of treatment.
That got us thinking, how can we incorporate these same practices into our work and relationships to achieve standout results?
Here are five ways to bring five-star excellence into your work and relationships
Handwritten notes of welcome, appreciation & support
At one of the properties, every morning, the general manager invested several moments of his day writing personalized, hand-written welcome notes to each of the guests with a brief comment that had to do with their specific reason for staying.
Who can you write a handwritten note of thanks, recognition, or greeting to? Whether it’s a friend, client, or family member, in our increasingly digital world, this gesture stands out and means a lot.Make it personalized
One of the points that makes luxury hotels a standout is their ability to make each guest feel recognized and cared for. Five star properties do whatever they can to cater to the individual needs of their guests, and they will often add personalized touches such as a framed photo of the guest in their room, embroidered initials on the linens, arranging the suite furniture in a particular way, or by having a special welcome gift upon arrival for a returning guest or special celebration.
What are ways that you can personalize your client interactions at work to ensure each person feels like they are valued and getting a bespoke experience?Create memorable experiences
Leaders in the hospitality industry recognize that they are actually in the memory-making business. People who return again and again to a certain property do so because they love the memories that have been made there, and they want to continue building on that experience. Whether it is luxurious private dining, customized menus for a special evening of celebration, or planning personalized itineraries for the family, the memories made will far outlast their stay and encourage repeat business.
How can you create standout experiences and lasting memories that will communicate how much you value those around you?Utilize the power of personal contact
The managers of several of these five star hotels make a point to know which guests are checking in daily and personally greet many of them upon arrival. They also made trips throughout the year to the travel agent partners around the world who were responsible for sending them much of their business, explaining that while meeting virtually is available, it doesn’t compare to personal contact.
How can you make a point to meet face to face with important clients or set aside uninterrupted, quality time with those you care about?
Attention to detail
These five star hotels make a point to think of and attend to their guests’ every need. From ensuring the flowers are fresh and no dust is in sight, to having the concierge ready to answer their every question and fully stocked rooms outfitted with the finest custom furnishings complete with monograms to delight any and every visitor, it’s worth repeating that little things can make a big difference. Excellence is often found in the details. You don’t have to have all the answers, just know where to find them! Instead of saying “I don’t know,” these five star concierge staff members made it a point to tell the clients, “I’d be happy to find out for you” and then return with a researched response.
What little details can you polish up to make you and your work a cut above?
Which attributes of excellence do you want to incorporate into your work and relationships?