How much would you be willing to pay to stay at a fancy hotel? A couple hundred dollars? A couple thousand? How about $20,o00? Luxury hotels are not as inviting as they used to be to the average person, as they have begun to cater to the desires of financial elites from Russia, China, Brazil or the Middle East, who are willing to pay $20,000 a night for the best of the best when it comes to hotel suites and hotel service.
Throughout the worst parts of the economic recession that the United States has been enduring for the past couple of years, numerous resorts cut off “resort and spa” from their names to appeal to the more “Average Joe”-type of companies and people who did not want to appear too lavish or extravagant. However, times have apparently changed, and luxury, wealth, and excess are now back to being desired by customers.
Now hotels like the Four Seasons are promoting their more luxurious accommodations, such as a six-bedroom suite in Vail, Colorado that features three living rooms, a movie room, and an assistant that can help provide you with any extra services you need at any hour of the night. This suite costs $15,000 a night.
In November, Four Seasons added the phrase “and residences” to its mountain resorts in Vail, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Whistler, Canada. It’s pursuing families seeking a residential experience with the pampering of a hotel staff. The six-bedroom suite in Vail fetches $15,000 a night. You get three living rooms and a movie room. The suite includes a dedicated assistant who can arrange airport transfers, private ski lessons and after-hours shopping.
In reaction to the increase of more expensive, luxury hotel rooms, many middle-class families are staying in “limited service” lodgings while they vacation, where you receive free Wi-Fi and breakfast but do not get the services of the bellman, concierge, or any of the hotel’s restaurants. You can find these “limited service” deals at hotels like the Marriott’s Fairfield Inn, Hyatt Place, and Holiday Inn Express.
In addition to these “limited services” locations, individuals are also attempting to save money through the use of sites like Airbnb, which arrange for people to rent rooms or apartments and offer over 500,000 different possible places at which to stay. Users of Airbnb have appeared incredibly satisfied with their accommodations, paying as low as $200 a night for a large group of people and as low as $59 for two. As Airbnb begins to take away hotel business, hotels are continuing to pander to the ultra-wealthy with extra services.
Ultimately, however, whether you’re paying $200 or $20,000, people will always need the hotel industry. It’s just about finding the right deal for your wallet. Hopefully customers and hotels can find a happy medium.
Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
