Joey Hadden, a travel reporter for Business Insider, has five years of experience staying at luxury hotels worldwide. She highlights common mistakes guests make to help travelers avoid them.

Bringing your own personal care products

This habit is unnecessary when enjoying a high-end stay. Instead of packing numerous bottles from home, guests should indulge in the premium products provided by the hotel. Joey often finds luxury brands such as Le Labo, Byredo, or Floris in hotel bathrooms. These expensive hair and body care sets, which many might not typically purchase, are considered special gifts for guests.

Amenities in 5-star hotels are premium. Photo: Joey Hadden

Amenities in 5-star hotels are premium. Photo: Joey Hadden

Using 5-star hotel laundry service

In 1/2025, upon arriving at the Grand America Hotel, one of Salt Lake City's few 5-star establishments, Joey's clothes were wet from a long train ride and covered in snow. Consequently, she opted to use the hotel's laundry service. The next day, three shirts, two pairs of pants, one hoodie, one blazer, and one vest were returned clean and hung on hangers. Six undergarments were carefully packaged like a gift.

"It was the most luxurious laundry service I have ever experienced, and also the most expensive. 14 items cost USD 115, enough to buy a new outfit. Doing laundry is the most costly mistake when staying at a luxury hotel," she stated. While the price might not concern some wealthy guests, Joey found it an unwarranted extravagance.

Only ordering room service

Guests miss out on distinctive culinary experiences by solely ordering food to their room, even though in-room service offers a "VIP" feel. Restaurants at 5-star hotels often feature significant investments in architecture and unique menus. Joey has regretted passing on meals at renowned restaurants, some even listed in the Michelin Guide. She advises guests to visit the restaurants to fully immerse themselves in the luxurious atmosphere.

In spring 2024, at the Grand America Hotel, Joey chose in-room breakfast and missed the European ambiance of the Laurel Brasserie & Bar. She made a similar choice upon waking at the Versace Mansion in 2021, skipping breakfast on the terrace beside the gilded pool. At the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec in 2022, she did not even see the rooftop restaurant. Last May, she booked one night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and ordered dinner in her room instead of reserving a table at the Michelin Guide-listed Botanist restaurant.

"Next time I am at a 5-star hotel, I will dine at the hotel's restaurant," she affirmed.

Joey regrets only eating in her room. Photo: Joey Hadden

Joey regrets only eating in her room. Photo: Joey Hadden

Not packing swimwear for fall and winter trips

Many travelers often omit swimwear from their luggage for winter trips, yet 5-star hotels consistently offer heated indoor pools or outdoor hot tubs. In Salt Lake City, Joey regretfully observed a beautiful, deserted Mediterranean-style pool because she lacked appropriate attire.

"When I visited Jackson Hole in fall 2024, I wished I had packed swimwear to use the heated outdoor pool at the Four Seasons. In the future, I will pack swimwear, regardless of the weather," she said.

Declining turndown service

Turndown service was an unfamiliar experience for Joey before her 5-star hotel stays. Typically, early in the evening, staff visit to prepare the room: making the bed, adjusting curtains and lighting, and sometimes leaving small gifts. "A few times, when I was in my room in the evening, I said 'no, thank you.'"

However, Joey stopped declining this service after a stay at the Bulgari Hotel & Spa in Milan in 2022. On her bedside table, she discovered a list of pillow options (lavender scent, aloe vera scent, and more). When a staff member visited, she requested two pillows and received them promptly within 5 minutes.

"Since that stay, I have found that complimentary pillow menus and essential oils are common offerings at 5-star hotels. They elevate an already luxurious stay to an even higher level," she noted.

Booking only one night

Joey consistently finds it difficult to say goodbye after just one night at a 5-star hotel. She departs yearning for a longer soak in the bathtub, a more extended sleep in the king-size bed, and additional time to enjoy unused premium amenities such as the gym, group fitness classes, spa, pool, or pickleball courts.

With a standard check-in time of 4 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m., one night is simply not enough to fully experience all the luxuries a 5-star hotel offers. "Therefore, if you plan to book a 5-star hotel, do not make the same mistake I did," she advised.