I’ve been to over a dozen 5-star hotels. Here are the 6 mistakes I see first-timers make.

With a typical 4 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out, one night in any hotel isn’t very long to explore — especially when you’re splurging on the accommodation.

I made this mistake while staying at my first five-star hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada’s Banff National Park.

My friend and I checked into the glorious property just as the sun was setting. We explored the hotel’s dining scene and joined a free s’mores and bonfire event. The next day, we set our alarms early to enjoy why we were at Lake Louise in the first place — the nature.

We didn’t have nearly long enough. We were rushing to get up early, hike around the lake, and make it back in time to check out of the lodge. We enjoyed our stay, but it wasn’t the relaxing trip we had hoped for.

Since then, I’ve talked to dozens of other guests who shared similar sentiments.

At a five-star hotel in Sydney, guests told me they couldn’t decide how to split time between exploring the city and the hotel’s amenities. At a luxe spot on the island of Zanzibar, guests raced around the property to enjoy every detail during a short stay.

While booking a luxury hotel might already be a splurge, finding a place that allows you more than one night helps maximize the entire experience.

Some five-star hotels are in the heart of a city, offering easy access to museums, shopping, and nightlife.

Other luxury hotels are in the middle of nowhere. A stay here means that your vacation is limited to the resort itself.

I’ve spoken to travelers who weren’t aware of how remote the accommodations were, leaving them frustrated that activities were far away, dining outside the hotel was inaccessible, and entire days had to be spent at the property.

Researching where you’re heading is key to making the most of a luxe hotel stay. Whether that’s speaking to a hotel representative, a travel agent, or Googling, research will give you a better sense of how you’ll be spending your precious vacation days.

A concierge at a five-star hotel is a major perk of sleeping in luxury.

They can secure hard-to-get dining reservations, share lesser-known property amenities, and make personal recommendations for the area you’re visiting.

I’ve watched travelers miss out on restaurant visits because they didn’t know the concierge might be able to help. I’ve also seen people fail to use water kayaks and paddleboards in fear that they cost money — a simple question for the concierge.

The concierge is also there in case an emergency arises. They can provide information on the nearest doctor, call transportation services, and help you find anything you may have forgotten to pack.

They’re a resource, so failing to use them is a big mistake.

Since every hotel works differently, knowing what’s included and what’s not when you arrive is important.

I’ve visited hotels where the spa is accessible regardless of whether you book a service. Other hotels keep the spa off-limits unless you arrive for a massage or facial.

In casual conversations with guests, I’ve raved about a visit to a private beach and watched as they were shocked to learn that access to a second beach was included in their stay. I’ve also highlighted the free minibar — another perk people have said they were unaware of.

The high costs of visiting a five-star hotel tend to include much more than just your hotel room, so take advantage of those perks.

Finding an award-winning chef stationed at a luxury hotel shouldn’t come as a surprise.

On a recent visit to the Four Seasons Tamarindo, I dined on meals influenced and created by well-known chefs. At Coyul, a restaurant on the property, the menu was created in partnership with Elena Reygadas, who was named the best female chef in the world in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The meal of risotto and soft shell crab was a highlight of a weeklong trip to Costalegre, Mexico.

I’m always shocked when I chat with guests and learn they haven’t had a single meal at the hotel. While I’m all for exploring a range of restaurants on a trip, guests might miss out by skipping the hotel’s dining scene.

I still laugh when I think about packing for my first five-star vacation to a tropical destination.

I sat staring at my suitcase, debating how I could save space. Removing a beach towel was my solution, and thank goodness I did. When I arrived, beach towels were piled high at every corner of the pool.

If you’re heading to a luxury spot, there are a handful of things you can skip packing. There’s no need for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or body wash. Robes and slippers are a guarantee. I’ve always found a hair dryer.

While some of those are expected, I’ve also watched guests waste precious space packing extra tote bags and umbrellas, which will typically be available at a five-star hotel.

Again, a quick conversation with the hotel can help save precious space in a carry-on.