Let’s be real: staying at a 5-star hotel feels like stepping into a different universe. Marble floors. Pillows that feel like they were hand-stuffed by angels. A lobby that smells like wealth. But even in this world of polished luxury, travelers still manage to make common mistakes at 5-star hotels without even realizing it.
These mistakes don’t just cost comfort – sometimes they cost real money. And internationally, guests often assume “luxury” means “everything is included,” which is so far from the truth it should be printed on the room key.
Below are the most accurate, real-world mistakes travelers make – based directly on hospitality insights shared in Business Insider – rewritten for international readers so you can actually avoid them on your next trip.
Top Common Mistakes at 5-star Hotels that You Might Have Experienced
1. Packing Toiletries You’ll Never Need
Let’s start with the most universal of all the common mistakes at 5-star hotels: bringing half your bathroom cabinet with you.
Most travelers think they need to bring the usual suspects – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, even toothbrushes. But 5-star hotels already provide upgraded toiletries that beat most store-bought brands. Many properties collaborate with luxury labels (think Hermes, Le Labo, Byredo, or high-end organic collections). You’re paying for a premium experience – trust the amenities.
Why it’s a mistake:
Wastes luggage space
Duplicates what’s already provided
Increases the chance of liquids exploding mid-flight
You miss out on trying luxury bath products that may be better than what you buy at home
Better approach:
Pack lightly. Bring only personal medical necessities or unique products your skin truly depends on. Everything else? The hotel’s got you.
2. Using the Hotel Laundry Service Without Checking Prices
This is one of the most expensive common mistakes at 5-star hotels, and it hits travelers hard.
Hotel laundry is not the same as dropping clothes at a street-side laundry shop. It’s premium, often same-day, and handled by specialists – and the price reflects that. Many guests casually hand over clothes thinking, “It’s just laundry.” Then checkout arrives, and suddenly washing six T-shirts costs more than buying new ones.
Why it’s a mistake:
Laundry at 5-star hotels can cost 5–10x the local rate
Ironing alone can be as expensive as getting coffee for two
Dry cleaning is even higher
Prices are often listed per item, not per kg
Better approach:
Check the laundry price list before handing anything over
Only send delicate, important, or formal items
For everyday clothes, Google “local laundry service near me” and walk 3–5 minutes outside
A little awareness goes a long way here.
3. Eating Only Room Service and Skipping the Hotel’s Best Restaurants
Room service feels luxurious, yes – eating pasta in a fluffy robe while watching cable TV is elite behavior. But relying only on room service is one of the most overlooked common mistakes at 5-star hotels.
High-end hotels often have award-winning restaurants, sometimes Michelin-recommended, with brilliant atmosphere, curated wine lists, and chefs who know exactly what they’re doing. When guests hide in their room and avoid the dining rooms entirely, they miss half the experience they’re paying for.
Why it’s a mistake:
You miss out on signature dishes created by acclaimed chefs
The ambience of the restaurant is part of the luxury
Room service menus are limited
Many dishes taste better when freshly plated, not delivered in a covered tray
Better approach:
Try both. Order room service for comfort nights, but make at least one reservation at the hotel restaurant. This is where the hotel truly shines – not in the hallway outside your door.
4. Not Bringing Swimwear Just Because It’s Cold Season
This mistake sounds harmless, but it’s surprisingly common. Travelers assume that if the weather is cold, they don’t need swimwear. But many high-end hotels have indoor heated pools, spa thermal areas, hot whirlpools, or outdoor heated pools with stunning views.
Skipping swimwear turns into one of the dumbfounding common mistakes at 5-star hotels, because you end up watching everyone else enjoy facilities you paid for but can’t use.
Why it’s a mistake:
You miss the pool – a highlight of most luxury hotels
Indoor and heated pools are common in Asia and Europe
Spa hydrotherapy areas usually require swimwear
Buying swimwear at the hotel boutique can cost a fortune
Better approach:
Always pack one swimsuit. It takes zero space and unlocks 50% of the wellness facilities.
5. Declining Turndown Service (Because You Don’t Know What It Is)
Many international travelers hear “turndown service” and think, “I don’t need someone touching my pillows, thanks.” But refusing this is one of the surprising common mistakes at 5-star hotels – mostly because guests don’t know what they’re saying no to.
Turndown service is a pampering ritual where staff prepare your room for a perfect night’s rest. Depending on the hotel, it can include:
Setting lighting to a warm, relaxing level
Refreshing towels
Closing curtains
Replenishing water
Providing herbal tea
Setting aromatherapy
Arranging pillows
Leaving chocolates or small gifts
Why it’s a mistake:
You’re missing an experience that elevates your stay from “hotel room” to “personal sanctuary.” And most importantly – it’s usually complimentary.
Better approach:
Accept the service. You may be surprised by how calming it feels.
6. Booking Only One Night at a 5-Star Hotel
Many travelers book a single night “just to try it,” but this might be the biggest of all common mistakes at 5-star hotels.
One night is simply not enough to enjoy the amenities you’re paying for. Luxury properties are designed for experiences – not quick sleepovers. By the time you check in, explore the room, swim, dine, sleep, have breakfast, and check out… you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Why it’s a mistake:
You don’t get to try the spa
You’re too rushed to enjoy the pool
You don’t experience the restaurants
You barely have time to relax in the room
You miss the signature activities or hotel-exclusive perks
Better approach:
Book at least two nights. Luxury only feels luxurious when you have time to enjoy it.
7. Not Asking the Hotel Staff for Information or Recommendations
Another subtle but widespread common mistake at 5-star hotels is not using the staff as a resource. Travelers often rely on Google instead of asking people who know the property best.
Concierges, guest relation managers, and butlers (where available) can recommend:
Best pool hours
Hidden amenities like saunas or lounges
Local restaurants that aren’t tourist traps
Transport suggestions
Weather-related tips
Quiet corners of the hotel perfect for relaxing
Why it’s a mistake:
You miss out on personalized advice that improves your stay significantly.
Better approach:
Ask questions. Staff are trained to help guests get the most out of the experience – use their expertise.
How to Get the Best Experience at a 5-Star Hotel
Avoiding these common mistakes at 5-star hotels is the fastest way to upgrade your experience without paying extra. Here’s the cheat sheet:
Bring less. Use the hotel’s amenities.
Avoid overpriced laundry unless needed.
Try the restaurants – not just room service.
Pack swimwear even in winter.
Accept turndown service.
Stay more than one night.
Ask staff for help.
Double-check what’s included.
And if you’re visiting Vietnam specifically, working with a trusted vietnam tour company helps you choose the right hotels, understand local hospitality culture, and avoid costly misunderstandings.
Final Thoughts
Luxury travel isn’t just about money – it’s about knowing how to enjoy the experience properly. Most people make the common mistakes at 5-star hotels simply because they don’t understand what the stay includes or how things work behind the scenes.
Once you learn these small details, your next luxury hotel stay won’t just be comfortable – it’ll feel intentional, effortless, and fully worth the splurge.
