5 Star HOTELS: HOW it Works, WHAT to WEAR, What to TIP & more

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Hey y'all - have a Luxury Resort ETIQUETTE question or comment? JUST ASK! This is a NO-JUDGEY EYES zone ;-)

[@erikamucia3274]

I really like this topic, please keep them coming. Your experience will help younger audience just starting and navigating tru this

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Thank you so much, Erika. That is my EXACT intention - so thank you for validating ;-) xoxo

[@maddisondavis6138]

Hello! I was wondering how you hand them a tip when tipping. Like how do you hand it to the individual? Is there a specific way?? How much do tip the driver if you get airport transfer and how about use of the house car driver??

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Hi Maddison! Excellent questions. When tipping cash in person (like to the bellhop of valet) have the bill ready in hand - and after he or she says thank you or it’s obvious that the service is coming to an end, just hand him the bill as you smile and say “thank you.” No over-thinking needed - they’re usually expecting a tip anyway, so it’s no biggie. For car service (like to and from the airport or to an event) - it’s most always included in the price, for your convenience. Just ask when you book “is gratuity included?” For house cars - we usually give $5-$10, although not every time. Just if we particularly liked the driver. For house cars - it isn’t really expected 😉, so just for a little if you feel like it. Otherwise just enjoy the ride. 💕

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Also - it’s usually 15-20% gratuity that a service will add for the car service driver.

[@carak4356]

When I was young my friend was a valet at a luxury hotel. He got about 5-20$ per car in the late 90s. 5-10$ being average. He said one thing nice people NEVER do is make fun of a rental. “You never know what your valet drives…” was his comment on that.

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

I'm convinced that having service oriented jobs at some point, is so vital to remaining kind & thoughtful. I worked as an Admin right out of school, fetching coffee, filing papers, even picking up dry cleaning. I've never ever forgotten how much I appreciated the people who took the time to smile, and acknowledge that I was a human being - not just the 'coffee girl' ;-/

[@glamourandmoore]

I am so grateful for this video! And perfect timing for my husband and I. We are in our early 30s and about to tip our toes in the luxury resort world. Quick question, what would your reply be to the front desk if it is your first time staying with them? Is there a classy way to respond, like your property vs hotel tip? Thank you!

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Hi Tracy - how exciting! Warning: You’ll never want anything less once you’ve experienced the “good stuff” 😉 In terms of your question, when asked “Is this your 1st time staying with us?” Keep it simple & in words that you’d normally use (otherwise it sounds forced): I always smile & say: “It is, and we’re happy to be here 🙂” OR “We enjoy your London & NYC properties but this is our first visit with you.” Either way, I keep it light, simple and friendly. 🥰

[@jerrycarolnezat6064]

Thank you. This removes all the guess work for me. I need to try more often so i get comfortable. Teehee

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

try over and over and over

[@carak4356]

Shelly, unrelated but that KP scrub you recommended in the clean beauty video a bit ago has been game changing! 2 weeks of use and skin is sooooo improved. Thank you❤

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Omg - wow Cara! I'm so stoked for you! There's nothing quite like finding a product that really DOES live up to the hype - thank you for letting me know ;-)

[@second.kingdom]

So useful! You never know how much to tip and when. Thanks!

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Yay! So happy that this was helpful for you ;-)

[@neenadordevic1324]

Thanks for This very informative video. There aren’t many online on this topic of luxury hotels and etiquette. However nobody talks about the SPA. Is it common to walk in a robe through the hotel and to the SPA. any other tips regarding using the SPA (saunas, pools, time spent etc) Thanks again

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Hi Neena - you are so welcome. I'm happy that you enjoyed ;-) Regarding the spa, I have a video specifically on Spa Etiquette here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laW7lmOLZZV7oLM At most every luxury property, the Spa is most always accessed via the elevator, and does not require walking through the lobby or main common areas. And yes, it's perfectly fine to take the elevator to & from your service, in a spa robe if you are comfortable doing so. It would not, however, be acceptable to waltz through the lobby or main common areas (like shops, restaurants etc) in a spa robe. That's a no no ;-). Hope this helps!

[@nitab5629]

Going to Italy with a tour group in the spring. #bunch of ladies. First time doing international travel. Any and all advice is so appreciated. Nita B.

[@BruceWayne-nf9jz]

Hey Annie thank you for applying I live in the Miami what are some stores you recommend to buy men clothing to dress up for 5 star clothing.

[@TopNbest10]

Very knowledgeable video, thanks 👍

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

thank you!

[@KemberlyBrooks-f3p]

any recommendations on last min places to visit in the US that have a beach and not PACKED with people??? Think Quiet hut on the beach with a spa??

[@anuragtewari6377]

You mentioned the USA has a much more tipping culture. I have just moved to the US and will be staying at a few places..any comments on how much to tip in the US

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Sure - thank you for the comment. (and welcome!) In typical service industry type places like restaurants, bars, hair salons etc - the standard is 20% of the bill before taxes. At a luxury hotel - assume $5 minimum for the valet each interaction, $5-10 per bag for the bellhop (minimum). Housekeeping $10-$15/day depending on the size of your room. I know - it does add up quickly. Even self-serve places (like self-serve frozen yogurt) have started prompting customers for a tip when inserting your credit card. I personally draw the line there - but it's up to you. hope this helps!

[@annamarbellaofficial]

Totally off subject, but what blush are you wearing? It’s gorgeous on you!

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Thank you Anna! It's MAC 'totally synced'. It's my absolute favorite, plus it's got a faint touch of shimmer which I love. Here is the link rstyle.me/+lXUFQB65AD5hFK2mcDVS9w

[@annamarbellaofficial]

@@AnnieParkerConfidential Thank you! Immediately in cart and purchased. I will always be a MAC girl!

[@linnetmariscal2311]

Love your content ❤

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

thank you Linnet! Welcome to the community - happy to have you here ;-)

[@Note.O]

Thank you so much!

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

You're welcome!

[@martacasablanca]

Great, I'll know how to behave at a luxury resort as soon as I get rich enough to go to one 😉

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Lol - Marta you deserve to treat yourself, if even for a night or 2 :-)

[@laurieriley6193]

I think white nice jeans and heels are fine as long as your wearing a nice dressy blouse

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Sure!

[@BruceWayne-nf9jz]

What about men what should men wear.

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

Hi Bruce - thank you for asking. Depending on the weather and season, Gentlemen will want to wear slacks, nice shorts, polos or button down shirts, sports jacket etc. If dining in the nice restaurant, it’s usually a suit & tie (in cold weather of course). At a warm weather resort, think lightweight slacks (linen, high quality cotton), and button down. Basically you’ll want to steer clear of jeans (especially if they’re ripped or distressed) t-shirts, cargo shorts, flip flops. Essentially if you wore it in college - you won’t want to wear it at a luxury resort 😉

[@Sprainley]

What about at tropical locations? Still no t shirts or flip flops? … My husband is not very stylish and hates being told to dress up. I think I’m doomed to never stay in luxury resorts!

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

@@Sprainley 🤣My husband's the SAME WAY!! 🤣 Ok in all seriousness - Resort Wear just means elevating the look. So instead of flip flops, opt for a pair of slides (if going to the pool or sandy beach). Instead of a t-shirt, a short-sleeve relaxed button-up in a breathable, casual machine-wash fabric. It's equally comfortable, just a little more appropriate for a luxury resort..... IF he'll listen to you ;-)

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

@@Sprainley 🤣Gretchen my husband is the SAME WAY! 🤣 But in all seriousness - Resort Wear doesn't mean dressing up - it just means an ELEVATED look, and a few simple swaps. For example - instead of Flip Flops, opt for pool slides (for pool or the beach). Instead of a T-shirt, try a relaxed / loose fitting short-sleeve button-up in a breathable, machine-wash fabric. It's equally comfortable & casual, just kicked up a notch and more appropriate for a luxury resort... IF he'll listen to you ;-)

[@teenindustry]

People who don’t say thank you should be banned. Wearing the wrong outfit is a rookie mistake that anyone can make but bad manners are a sign of character

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

agree ;-)

[@kristaclifton512]

It's sad that people have to be told to use manners and to treat people the way you want to be treated.

[@AnnieParkerConfidential]

True, but I look at it more - as some didn’t have exposure to things like this growing up, whether through role models and/or environment and the fact that they reach out and seek information speaks to their desire to grow 😉💕