"Five Star Rating", "Luxury Hotels", "Superior Deluxe" are all terms that allow hotel guests and visitors to set expectations about the quality and variety of the services provided. Although at present, there are no global standards for rating hotel accommodations; one can still gain some insight into the quality of the service by the number of stars or diamonds displayed in travel guides. Several of the major factors that play a part in these hotel ratings center on the room itself. En suite bathrooms complete with Jacuzzis and heated floors influence the rating on many three, four and five star hotels. However, extra factors in comfort, service and convenience make the overall difference in the final classifications.
Two of Auckland's hotels are especially notable. Not only do they each have five stars after the name, but they each have extra qualities that make the traveler's stay there even more memorable. Langham Hotel on Symonds Street in Auckland, for example, has all the expected features of the Langham brand, but has a unique way of combining them that is distinctively New Zealand.
The Stamford Plaza in Auckland is one of 98 hotels worldwide that have received the Official Hotel Guides "Superior Deluxe" classification. The Langham is part of the Leading Hotels of the World classification system and features a luxury hotel within a luxury hotel. Personalized service and access to the business center are part of the Langham Hotel Club extra amenities.
The Langham in Auckland, New Zealand has a total of 410 rooms for guests and 15 rooms for business or entertainment functions, while the Stamford has 313 rooms, 19 suites and can provide conference rooms with catering up for up to four hundred guests.
Location
Each facility is conveniently located from the Auckland airport. Also, both hotels are convenient to other points of interest such as the waterfront, High Street, the Domain and the Auckland Museum. The Stamford is situated just above the central business district (or CBD) with only a short walk to the waterfront or America's Cup Village. It is also near the Auckland Railway Station, Hobson Street and the Convention Center. In both cases, transportation to and from the hotels and other points of interest in and around the city is available.
Services
These two luxury hotels vie with each other and with others in the vicinity to provide services that are unique and different and that will attract more guests to reserve rooms for lodging and for entertainment or business functions. Both hotels provide the capability to obtain a baby sitter, concierge, butler, and valet and laundry services. The Langham has secretarial and business services available and a doctor and dentist on call. Twenty-four hour room service is provided in both hotels.
Room Facilities
Within the guest rooms, the most modern technology is available to visitors. This includes broadband or high-speed internet access, and wireless access in the public areas. Guests have analog, two line telephones, video, flat-screen televisions, with an in room safe and business desk in the Stamford rooms.
Hotel Facilities
In both five star hotels guests have access to swimming pools, sauna, and exercise rooms with state-of-the-art gym equipment. Golf courses, tennis courts and squash facilities are also at arms length to hotel guests. In addition, guests can take advantage of the safety deposit box facility and the foreign currency exchange service at the Langham.
Strict attention is paid to every possible need or desire of guests at these Auckland luxury hotels. Nothing is spared in terms of the guest's convenience. Facilities accessible to handicapped individuals are readily available. Comfort, convenience and enjoyment are the first priority for guests of these world-class luxury hotels.
As with most luxury accommodations, award winning restaurants are associated with the hotels. The Langham has three bars on site, including a champagne and oyster bar and a cigar bar. The Stamford has two world-class restaurants on site and one located nearby.
Other Luxury Hotels
The Langham and the Stamford are the only five star hotels in Auckland. There are many other hotels in the city that are rated with four stars or three stars, and there are also many fine accommodations for the traveler on a tight budget. Whether the visitor to Auckland is on vacation or is on a business trip, choosing a luxury hotel will make the trip even more enjoyable, and Auckland has two of the best hotels in the world.
Attempting to list America's top ten luxury hotels will always be difficult, since there are many criteria by which to judge hotels ? whether they are best for business travellers, holidaymakers, families and so on. That said, here is a list of hotels that should meet the demands of the most discerning luxury traveller.
Four Seasons ? Los Angeles
Billed as European grace combined with Beverly Hills style, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles features a landscaped, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi and a luxurious full-service spa with a steam sauna. The award-winning Gardens Restaurant offers California-Mediterranean cuisine. In every room there is a high-speed Internet connection, and the hotel is ten minutes by car from downtown Hollywood.
Grand America Hotel ? Salt Lake City, Utah
In downtown Salt Lake City, the 24-storey Grand America Hotel has 775 luxurious rooms and suites that feature European-style furnishings, with stunning views to the Rocky Mountains. There is a world-class spa and the fitness centre leads to indoor and outdoor pools. The in-house audio-visual systems are state-of-the-art and the popular Garden Caf? features American seasonal cuisine.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn ? Scottsdale, AZ
This well-known Scottsdale resort, set on 125 acres of landscaped desert, includes a 36-hole championship golf course, two heated swimming pools, a luxury spa, and a large conference facility. There are 453 spacious, Pueblo-style ?casitas?, including 27 suites, some with private pools. Resort restaurants include Golf Grill, Hoppin' Jacks, and Sprouts.
Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown ? Washington, D.C.
Located in Washington DC's fashionable Georgetown district, with 86 guest rooms and suites, the Ritz-Carlton merges contemporary and historic architecture. Within walking distance of many shopping districts, fine dining choices, trendy nightclubs, and the waterfront, the hotel is also only minutes from the Kennedy Centre. There are meeting facilities for up to 90 people, and a fourteen-screen movie theatre.
Ritz-Carlton ? Central Park South, New York
With expansive views of Central Park and extraordinary, personal service, this 261-room and 48-suite hotel is much in demand by celebrities and royalty. Elegant rooms and suites are lavish, with fine furnishings and all amenities. French cuisine is served at the Atelier restaurant, and beauty treatments are available at La Prairie salon.
The American Club ? Kohler, Wisconsin
The American Club is less than an hour's drive north of Milwaukee. Luxuriously appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards and include the latest audio-visual and communications facilities. The award-winning golf courses, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, give preference to hotel guests. The spa packages include rejuvenating services, and their annual cooking and wine demonstrations attract wine and food enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel ? Seattle, Washington
Listed on the National Register, The Fairmont has been Seattle's top luxury hotel since it opened in 1924. Located in the heart of Seattle, The Olympic combines impeccable service with 450 beautifully appointed rooms, and its two award-winning restaurants have a top reputation for fine cuisine. Nearby attractions include the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle, plus many theatres, restaurants, and shops.
The Greenbrier? White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Since 1835, a succession of U.S. Presidents has spent their summers here. Accommodation includes estate houses and 803 individual rooms. All accommodations have top-line entertainment systems, refreshment bars, lighted vanity mirrors, individual heating/air conditioning, and access to high-speed, wireless Internet.
The Phoenician ? Scottsdale, Arizona
Exceptional service and breathtaking scenery make The Phoenician a top luxury resort. Guests enjoy an $8 million dollar art collection, spa treatments and the Southwest's most spectacular golf course. The gilded lobby has valley views, and large well-appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards. Guests can also receive massage therapies, skin and body treatments and expert hair and nail services.
Walden Country Inn & Stables ? Aurora, Ohio
The Walden, set on 32 acres around a 175-year-old barn and silo, has 25 luxuriously appointed suites that include full audio and televisual facilities. In-room services include massage and a maid service. Popular for relaxing getaways, weddings and executive retreats, visitors enjoy world-class dining, inconspicuous service and a wealth of activities such as an equestrian centre, a spa and a theatre.
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