Luxury travel in the age of COVID-19 not what it used to be

LPSEACT on 08/06/2020 - 19:04
Last edited 08/06/2020 - 20:12

Recently visited a 5 star hotel following reopening after COVID-19.

I can't see how staff can possibly provide 5 star service given all the things they need to do now to keep everyone safe.

The hotel I went to had people lining all the way through the foyer because it just takes them so long to process customers now. They are asking for a lot of personal details for check-in as well, which won't sit too well with those who like their privacy. This included car rego!

The breakfast buffet had been substituted for very limited a la carte range that was putting service staff under a lot of pressure and were barely coping having to wear masks and sanitize everything.

It didn't feel like a 5 star experience at all, and as I say, not the staffs fault at all. They have so much to do now it would be impossible to provide the relaxing environment they used to.

Here's an article on Singapore Airlines having to cut back on business class luxuries:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/spore-airli…

I really think the days of luxury travel are over for now, until some solution is found for COVID. I think my spending will change to just stay at mid-level hotels and not go for high end, because that extra service just can't be provided now.

Travel

Comments

  • GaryG on 08/06/2020 - 19:18
    +4

    Yeah it will take time to settle but car rego was always something you were asked for.

  • fantombloo on 08/06/2020 - 19:22
    +2

    They are asking for a lot of personal details for check-in

    I got asked yesterday for my details when sitting down at a fast food place.

    • PSEACT on 08/06/2020 - 19:23
      -6

      Was she hot?

      But seriously, bloody police state.

      • fantombloo on 08/06/2020 - 19:34
        +6

        Was she hot?

        With all this corona hullabaloo I'm pretty sure people in food service have been told to not come in if they are even warm.

      • Ryanek on 08/06/2020 - 20:50

        Police state? If there is an outbreak, authorities need to get in touch with all those that have been in contact. Your attitude to the lack of 5 star treatment during this time of uncertainty just reeks of entitlement.

        • PSEACT on 08/06/2020 - 20:53
          -7

          Nah you're just too emotional to grasp the message buddy.

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 08/06/2020 - 19:28

      Yeah, all the McDonalds' have a sign now stating that requirement but I don't think anyone but the managers in my area know about it. The girl behind the counter certainly didn't.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 08/06/2020 - 20:50
    +1

    The breakfast buffet had been substituted for very limited a la carte range

    Family members who are heavily involved in the hospitality industry believe that the buffet is gone for the foreseeable future.

  • dizzle on 08/06/2020 - 22:04
    +1

    I think my spending will change to just stay at mid-level hotels and not go for high end, because that extra service just can't be provided now.

    You may also find the mid level service will drop too. As they have new work for their staff to do, with the same (or less) amount of staff. It's more likely the high end hotels can afford extra staff, but mid and low make do with what they have.

    So it may be you pay high and get mid level service, pay mid level and get low end.

    Personally I've had to stay in a couple of hotels recently and found there were fewer low and mid priced available, and those that were open had similar prices to normal. The high end ones that were open were able to drop their prices, by limiting services - no restaurant (room service only), no bar, no pool/spa/sauna access.

    • PSEACT on 08/06/2020 - 22:11

      Yeah interesting. Might see a bit of a shake out of the smaller operations.

      I was wondering if the mid and low levels would have to put those really rigorous processes in place that the multinational 5 stars have to protect reputation? The one I went to had those body temp cameras for example.

      • dizzle on 09/06/2020 - 08:41

        I wouldn't expect that in many places, however it may become more common as international travel opens up again.

        The smaller operations will revolve around more regular cleaning (and closing off) of the more communal areas, etc

        All of which will require extra staff, or staff being pulled away from normal duties to do.

        I also don't think these processes will result in small/mid businesses closing down, although the lack of traffic and tourism will certainly see some/many go out of business. While they have a duty of care for their staff and customers, I don't think it's their job to police this, and I would hate to be turned away for having a cough (I have asthma and in the mornings I tend to cough a bit more. I've been nervous during my travel because of this)

  • kyle on 08/06/2020 - 22:48

    Crown?

  • capslock on 09/06/2020 - 05:32
    +2

    Stayed at a couple of motels the last few days and didn't get asked any of that. I booked online and all I did at check in was collect the keys.

    • dizzle on 09/06/2020 - 08:46
      +2

      Many hotels have done this for a while. to promote their services. They keep track of customers so they can send offers or welcome them back.

      I've had a couple that after I've signed in and gone to my room, found a handwritten note welcoming me back for my 5th stay with some chocolates or cookies. They weren't even high end hotels (some I wouldn't even consider mid level).

      Car rego, is often to know who's parking there to stop outside parking.

      If you booked online, they probably have most questions asked anyway (except maybe rego), so they can just hand the keys over.

  • try2bhelpful on 09/06/2020 - 14:25

    Probably a lot of “high end” places can’t provide their services because things like pools, spas, gyms, breakfast buffets will be closed down. They will, also, have higher security and the need for contact information. “Privacy” will take a back seat to contactability in case of confirmed cases. Restaurants are taking names and phone numbers for the same reason. If we keep tapering off then this should be a temporary measure. If you are lucky enough to be still staying at hotels I wouldn’t think this is too onerous, there are others doing it much tougher. Please be respectful to the staff, they are only doing their job and it must be stressful for them.

    • PSEACT on 09/06/2020 - 14:48

      I think a lot of your latter points were addressed in the original post.

      • try2bhelpful on 09/06/2020 - 17:37

        The comment about being respectful for everyone in general.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 09/06/2020 - 14:42
    +1

    We have been staying in 5* hotels around 40-80 nights every year for the past 12 or so years.

    We expect service standards to be deceased for the short term (think in 2020 only) but we will not accept a downgrade in service on a permanent basis or as they say, whatever the new-new looks like.

    As guests we not only pay for an exceptional hard product but also a bespoke personal service. To be looked after and taken care of from the moment the booking is made and well past our hotel/resort stay.

    • PSEACT on 09/06/2020 - 14:47

      I like this. I can see these corporations trying to use this opportunity to provide less for the same or higher costs to customers on an ongoing basis. Definitely need to keep them in check.

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