Luxury hotels can often focus so much on prestige and tradition that they accidentally exclude people from different walks of life.
In the past luxury was associated with the rich. Because of this, certain services and expectations have been upheld for decades - particularly in cities like London, which is steeped in history.
However, sometimes these expectations or traditions can have the opposite effect. Luxury is defined as a “state of great comfort” but too often, five-star hotels can make people feel uncomfortable if they don’t fit in with the usual clientele.
This can be as simple as having a dress code - no trainers or dinner jackets only, for example. And while a century ago this wouldn’t be an issue, given that only the very wealthy would be able to experience these properties - times have changed.
Society has evolved and luxury has become more accessible. Some of the richest people on the planet regularly wear tracksuits, whilst those with less money are being given opportunities to experience luxury through various means, including corporate incentives.
But staying in a luxury hotel doesn’t feel like a reward if you feel judged from the moment you enter. And so it’s important that hotel choices are made with inclusivity in mind.
However, this doesn’t mean traditional luxury properties should no longer be considered. In fact, Black Book’s CEO, Joe O’Connell, talked of this very subject when he was a guest on the Flock Together podcast last year and spoke highly of The Savoy Hotel in London.
Joe says: “The Savoy London has always been a personal favourite of mine, the team there are amazing and how I always understand their ethos to be is: what does luxury mean to you?
“So if you turn up in a three-piece suit, or you turn up in a tracksuit, or shorts and a t-shirt they are still going to treat you the same way - regardless of what you look like and how you talk.
“Especially for someone like me and how I talk - from South East London - I’ve always found it a lot more comfortable than going to other traditional five-star luxury hotels in London”
We at Black Book recognise that every client, event and delegate is unique and therefore appreciate that the management of any experience - be it conference or incentive - should be as inclusive as possible. We prioritise a company’s strategic goals in tandem with the delegate experience to ensure that stakeholders and attendees feel comfortable and rewarded.
Using our extensive knowledge of global destinations, venues and hotels as well as a vast international network of partners that can help on-the-ground, we are confident we can help you to plan strategic large-scale gatherings and continue to reward your employees with inclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.