Luxury Accommodation Styles – Pros and Cons from Travel Experts

When planning a trip after deciding on a destination and looking at how you are getting there, accommodation is the next big decision. Especially if you are booking that once in a lifetime trip, planning a special celebration for a special someone. Or just want to indulge in a luxurious holiday? Whether it’s a weekend, a week or more, we’ve got some travel experts together to help. Find out not only their thoughts on the type of accommodation, but also the pros and cons of different luxury accommodation styles, to help you decide, which is best for you.

I am not going to lie for us, the biggest PRO to luxury accommodation styles are, they are extremely spacious with many inclusions and lavish décor, whilst the biggest CON in many cases is the cost. That said we value our comfort and love the added inclusions. Which is why we always plan and budget to include one of the luxury accommodation styles mention below every chance we get.

Alternatively, belonging to a Hotel rewards program such as ALL Accor Live Limitless, Hilton Honors or the IHG group can help you enjoy more for less. You have access to all the hotels within each group, are notified of specials in advance and in many cases, get offers specifically for members. Upon reaching the higher tiers of the rewards programs even more benefits at the hotels are included. One such benefit is upgrades to suites and above. Using the points or paying system when travelling your little piece of luxury doesn’t need to cost nearly so much.

*Disclosure: We may have affiliate links with one or more of these companies mentioned & may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosures for further information.

Preview – Luxury Accommodation Styles the Pros and Cons

Our preview briefly highlights the 6 different luxury accommodation styles that were reviewed.  Each review includes a pros and cons section, for all the luxury accommodation styles. 

4. Historically Significant Building – one of the luxury accommodation styles, that lets you step back in time and soak up some history.
5. Glamping – having the best of both worlds, out amongst nature with all the benefits of a 5+Star luxury accommodation.
6. Unique Luxury Accommodation – these luxury accommodation styles, go to the next level, be it an Ice Hotel, Underwater Resort or inside a Cave Hotel.

Luxury Hotel

One of the luxury accommodation styles that set’s itself apart from regular hotels, offering luxurious environments, accommodations, and experiences. With specialty facilities on-site in addition to restaurants or bars for the guests’ convenience.

Suite

Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Luxury hotels are just one of the luxury accommodation styles, frequently situated downtown in busy cities offering views of the city skyline. Alternatively, they can be found at popular scenic destinations, often on a beach, overlooking a valley or mountain, and remote locations. These are for the wanderer that desires that little bit more to their stay, extra space to settle in or entertain, scenic views and luxurious surroundings. Equipped with quality furnishings, luxurious bedding, high-end amenities, and indulgent treats are regularly available in the room.

A luxury hotel is a perfect fit for matching these luxurious requirements and cater to differing budgets. There are various sized suites, apartments, and penthouse suites are available, to meet differing size and amenity requests. Many of these luxury hotels provide extra personal in-house services such as, personal butlers, select ‘club’ access, spas, beauty, or hairdressers/barbers. In addition to housing award winning restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, and saunas as some facilities, often available. Enjoy the comfortable surrounds to experience the facilities or venture out and enjoy the surrounding areas.

Cons

• club access, whilst an exceptional experience can reduce the culinary diversity of the destination
• some inclusions not always covered in room cost e.g. valet parking

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have. You can also add any luxury accommodation style you like to the see & do notes.

Checklists for:

• Your destination DO List
• before you travel
• see and do notes
• carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
• checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

Luxury Resort

More than just a hotel, this is one of the luxury accommodation styles that goes beyond. More an exclusively designer development at a popular destination. Alternatively, it is often the main attraction for going to a destination, offering a broad selection of activities, comforts, and conveniences. Whether it’s on a white/red/black sandy beach, in the alps, fjords or rainforest of a distant country.

Suite – All inclusive

Daniella Schoeman – Our Soulful Travels

For travellers with a taste for the finer things in life. Staying in a luxury resort suite on an all-inclusive package is the ultimate treat, of these luxury accommodation styles. All-inclusive luxury resorts tend to be in strategic locations such as the best beach on the island destination and this is why they are so sought after. Many luxury resorts have different room tiers and suites are generally higher up on the list usually just under the Honeymoon Suite or a Presidential Suite, making them the more exclusive choice. However, travellers can expect a significant price tag for this high-end experience. As with everything in life – there are pros and cons to consider:

Main Amenities

• An all-inclusive luxury resort has more amenities than most travellers can even make use of during one stay. The main amenities found in a luxury resort suite are:
• Super King size beds & Egyptian cotton bedding.
• Double volume spaces with a separate bedroom, lounge, bathroom, and entrance space.
• Private terrace or balcony.
• A well-stocked (complimentary) mini fridge & drinks cart.
• Automatic blackout curtains.
• Luxuriously soft robes and slippers.
• Exclusive high-end toiletries.
• VIP room facilities.
• Housekeeping, turndown & room service.
• Personal butler

Cons

• pricier than regular resort hotel rooms.
• can limit your cultural experience and immersion in the local culture since everything is already provided for you at the resort.

Villa/Apartment

Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Resort villas are one of the luxury accommodation styles available that offer lavish comforts in your separate secluded paradise. These sumptuous abodes offer an extremely generous space, typically the size of a small one bedroom villa, many only lacking a kitchen. Additionally, you are surrounded with opulent environs and exclusive inclusions, many with private pools and gardens. In addition to regular services, private butler and housekeeper services are also available on call.  Dependent on the destination additional features are often found in the private villas. In the tropics you will frequently find outdoor showers and bathing areas. Whilst, in colder climate destinations, the inclusion of saunas and heated spas are regular inclusions to a private resort villa.

Though this style is often found separate from the main resort area, and its inclusions, many resorts offer a transport service directly to the door. All resort facilities such as private club, restaurants, bars, personal services, select resort areas and activities are available for the villa occupants use.

Cons

• distance from main resort area can be substantial
• can limit experiences at a destination, as a result of the resort having numerous inclusions

Luxury House Stay

Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Staying in a luxurious house at your ultimate destinations can be an exceptional experience and more so when it can be shared with you special someone, family or friends. 

This can be a truly opulent affair, whether it’s a special occasion trip, once a year or once in a lifetime holiday. Whether you require an apartment, villa, house, or chalet, choose whether you are all together or close by. Delight in being able to be surrounded by those that you hold near and dear, in the privacy of a luxuriously home or complex. Magnificent décor, separate sleeping areas, with rooms large enough to be classed as separate living areas. Lavish fittings and inclusions both in and around the house, a private courtyard, pool, spa, or shower area. With many offering personalised experiences, with butlers, housekeeping, chefs etc.

Whilst it’s not all about the destination, the ultimate destination or experience, at a luxury house stay can be breath-taking. Stepping out the door to be greeted by sand, surf go and diving offshore could be your ultimate place. Surrounded by opulence in a rainforest region a waterfall in the background, spectacular views in a desert setting or inland setting. Magnificent nature features are as far as the eye can see, included makes the one of the luxury accommodation styles that must be done, at least once.

Cons

• Can be in remote areas
• Areas sometimes limiting in culinary choices
• May be required to cook some meals

Historically significant building

Ever considered whilst visiting a historically significant area how the past inhabitants lived. These are exceptional examples of luxury accommodation styles, from stately homes, mansions, plantations castles even some of the smaller cottages. Offering a glimpse of a past culture with magnificent inclusions in both décor and furnishings.

House

Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

For the wanderers that wish to immerse themselves in the local history of the area they are visiting. Staying in a historically significant home can enhance this experience substantially. Explore the various public rooms seeing how each has a distinct feeling about them by way of décor. So, you can investigate the common rooms and those that were exclusively for the past ladies or gentlemen of the house. Some will have remnants of old communication and serving devices. Those unmistakable bells near the old servant’s area or a dumb waiter used for serving upstairs areas.

Enquire about the history, house and significance from staff or current owners. You may be lucky enough to discover an old accounting in the main library (they all have a main library). Numerous estates have outbuildings, gardens and parkland to explore during your stay, with many still hosting garden festivals on a local and national scale. Additionally, you will find many of the establishment’s furnishings are often made up of an eclectic collection of antiques. Though, the inclusion of modern plumbing is  blessing. This is truly a fascinating look at luxury accommodation styles at there best.

Cons

• often found in remote areas 
• distinct restrictions to dining times e.g. no lunch sitting

Castles/Burg/Castello/Castillo/Chateau

Have you ever thought or dreamed about a luxurious holiday staying in a Castle (Burg, Castello, Castillo or Château)? This is one of the truly exceptional luxury accommodation styles, a must for any DO list. Whether it’s in a Burg (castle) overlooking the Rhine River. A Castle in Scotland, Ireland, or England, possibly a Castello in Italy or Castillo or Palace in Spain. Alternatively, slip in to Switzerland or France and visit a Château.

These luxury accommodation styles are steeped in history and not only the original building.  Any and all of the additions that may have been added over the years, would have their own story to tell. The historical account of the people that occupied them, any changes in occupants and the daily activities. Surrounded by antiquities and lavish decor, exploring the grounds and surrounding villages or towns, would be well worth staying for more than a night.

Cons

• large rooms hard to regulate temperature
• many are stairs only inside and outside
• some in remote locations 
• may have areas of disrepair

Glamping

A luxury accommodation style that offers you the benefits of being in the great outdoors, whilst having the comfort of a luxurious hotel.

Tent

Karlie Cummins – Bali Buddies

While camping is not everyone’s cup of tea, glamping can still give you a lot of the fun of camping, but while still enjoying a comfortable bed and bathroom facilities. The term glamping can vary widely from a tent with a bed and electricity, to a staying in what looks like a tent from the outside, but inside more so resembles a hotel! There are many famous glamping spots right throughout the world, including Australia, Bali and New Zealand.
Glamping can be an easy way to try out camping without getting too far out of your comfort zone, or risking losing too much sleep!

Cons

• all glamping sites are not created equally

• most glamping sites are still made of canvas 

• sound can travel easily

• not as secure as a traditional building

• you’ll need to be careful with your valuables. 

Dome

Tom Couglin – Luna Lodge  (site info edited by Jeanine De Diana)

Domes offer another glamping option of luxury accommodation styles. The geodesic eco-dome designed for a unique luxurious stay with the full comforts of a luxury hotel. Often situated in remote areas, offering private and unique settings. Many with handcrafted furnishings as is the case with Luna Lodge, an expansive deck and luxury farmstay. Catering packs or camp style kitchens are available, depending on location.

Domes are one of glamping’s luxury accommodation styles that are available across the globe. Whether you are planning a visit north to Iceland or south Tasmania, a dome glamping experience is a must to add to you ‘DO’ list.

Cons

• the domes has very thin walls, whilst insulated there is still significant heat loss in winter
• on summer days, the dome also heats up which needs to be accounted for
• the thin walls also allow for noise transfer
• with multiple domes there is a need for them to be spread out.

Unique Luxury Accommodation Styles

Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Have you ever had the desire to go a little outside the box with your choice of accommodation? These next luxury accommodation styles will take you there. All the opulence and lavish inclusions of what’s typical of luxury accommodation styles, with a little twist to them.

Luxury Cave Hotels

Luxurious cave hotels can be found in numerous countries, including Turkey, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Tunisia, New Mexico and even Australia. Many coming from humble beginnings, whether they were findings of historic ruins, old monk cells, or created where temperatures made living above ground unbearable.

This is one of the luxury accommodation styles that would create a truly remarkable once in a life experience. Offering in many cases a rare look into the past, some surrounded by museum pieces, whilst others offer glimpses from medieval times with private Turkish baths.

Luxurious Igloo Hotels

Another of the luxury accommodation styles that has a unique aspect are the Luxurious Ice Hotels. These hotels traditionally made from ice are generally found in the most northern area of Scandinavia and Finland. However, an Alpeniglu Igloo Village situated in the Kitzbuhel Alps in Thale, Austria offers overnight suites. With the Hotel de Glace in Quebec, Canada constructed of snow and ice for the winter months of Jan-March.

If visiting one of these Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden to gaze upon the Northern Lights is on your DO list. One of these luxury accommodation styles would make an exceptional experience. Additionally, this is also possible from glass igloos (domes), which offer either partial or full glass walls for viewing. Many offering suites that include several living and sleeping areas and the inclusion of a personal hot tub to some.

Luxurious Underwater Resorts

If having a truly inclusive underwater experience is on your DO list, this is one of the luxury accommodation styles you have to include. These underwater resorts and hotels included have different options depending on the total experience you wish to have. With some having areas that encompass above and below options, where the main areas are on the waters surface and separate suites are below. Alternatively, you can experience not only underwater suites but also includes an underwater restaurant. The Sentosa Island resort and Suites in Dubai offer unique experiences, with viewing windows that allow you to be the fish in the glass bowl.

Cons

• typically in remote areas that make access challenging (some may say this is a pro)
• some have limited seasons and availability

Other related articles to help with planning, budgeting and gifting…

I hope you enjoyed this article and thank you for reading. Here are some articles that can help in your planning,  budgeting and gifting of travel experiences.

Travel insurance – Do YOU really need it?

The Points or Pay system when travelling??

6 steps to Create YOUR Perfect itinerary

9 Tips for YOUR Perfect Travel Plan and Budget

7 Essentials to Pack for Cold Climate Destinations

I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments.