Wednesday, April 20, 2011

How to: Get a five-star stay on a budget

My Collection: Travel Guides & MapsImage by Kaushal Karkhanis via Flickr
Things to know from industry insiders


Shane O'Flaherty, president and CEO of Forbes Travel Guide: Besides the great physical aspect of a property, a five-star hotel experience is one you get when employee service is passionate, confident and intuitive. The employees are also very genuine in helping consumers. They make you feel at home the moment you step in, are able to anticipate the needs of each and every guest - and they do this in a seamless way, across the different departments.

This, coupled with the consistency of being able to deliver this on a daily basis, is the "wow" factor that truly differentiates a five-star hotel.

While staying in a five-star hotel isn't always cheap, there are certain factors you can take note of when you're on a budget, such as destination. In the United States, you'll find five-star properties in second-tier cities at reasonable rates. Also, during off-peak seasons, the rates differ and you are able to get better value for money.

An example would be ski resorts during the summer where they transform into hiking resorts - the rates are much cheaper but you still get an amazing experience.

My advice is to always do your research before a trip. Find out if the hotel is suitable for you, your needs and your inclinations, and what kind of offers it may have.

To me, location is key in a five-star hotel experience. Picking the right hotel to make the most out of your experiences abroad is ultimately more worthy of your money than paying less and risk ending up in an unsuitable hotel that mars your holiday.



Forbes Travel Guide Singapore was launched on Tuesday, making it the fourth country to get the guide after the United States, Canada and China.

The list of Forbes Travel Guide rated four- and three-star hotels in Singapore is available on www.forbestravelguide.com. The list of winners in Singapore will also be published in the May issue of Forbes Asia.


Taken from TODAYOnline.com; source article is below:
How to: Get a five-star stay on a budget

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