luxury hotels are cutting back on services, to the extent that it impacts star ratings, to conserve cash. occupancy rates in luxury hotels have dropped from 71% to 57% in the past year as business travel budgets have shrunk and vacations have been pared back. amenities that may disappear from your favorite five star hotel include: eliminating the welcome gift, the complimentary newspaper, fresh flowers in your room or 24 hour room service. it has been noted that reducing the amount of food served at the buffet or reducing the temperature of the pool by a few degrees could provide significant savings over time. of course you won’t know that a hotel has cut back until on site as hotel owners have declined to release which hotels have selected to downgrade. but the owner of the ritz carlton in st. louis, lewis wolff, notes, “If a five-star hotel was downgraded to a four star, most people would be just as happy.” i must admit, i’m loathe to disagree. when making a reservation at a luxury hotel, i am anticipating more than a certain level of service but a particular experience. an experience where no detail is left overlooked and desires are anticipated. not only will customers notice but they will also remember.
