As a travel advisor, my job includes assisting my guests with finding the perfect destination and resort for their vacation.
I am a “vacation matchmaker” as each destination and resort has its own vibe, inclusions, and offerings. I use my personal knowledge and experience to match my guests’ preferences to the resort amenities to ensure that it is “love at first sight!”
Once we select a resort the matchmaking is not complete! I then work with my guests to find the perfect room category to fit their needs.
- Room with an ocean view?
- Ground level with a walkout to the beach?
- Close to the main resort amenities?
- Swim up right to your patio?
- Suite with multiple bedrooms?
Some resorts have so many room categories it can be overwhelming to travelers and that’s where I come in!
A few questions I often receive through the planning process is “What is club level” and “Is it worth it?”
I will explain the benefits and perks of upgrading to a club level room.
- Private Check In
Instead of checking in with the general public at the front desk, as a club level guest, you will be whisked away to a private lounge complete with comfortable chairs, drinks, and snacks.
This may not seem like a big deal, but after a long day of travel, the opportunity to sit down, relax and complete the check in process in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the main lobby is worth its weight in gold.
Plus, you will feel like a true VIP when staff members say, “Let me escort you to our club lounge and get you a cold drink while you wait.”
On a recent trip to Royalton Saint Lucia, I arrived at the resort exhausted after a long day of travel. Before I knew it, I was escorted away from the busy lobby to the Diamond Club Lounge where I completed the check in process with snacks, air conditioning, and a lovely welcome drink.
It was such a perfect way to start my vacation in a quiet, stress free environment.
- Club Lounge
Speaking of the Club Lounge, your access to this VIP utopia does not end after check-in. It is open daily and amenities differ by resort but typically include small bites throughout the day, bar service, business center, comfortable seating, and lounge area. You will find concierge service in the lounge throughout your stay should you need anything at all.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando allowed my family and I to not only have an amazing view from our “club level” high floor location, but we had access to the club lounge during the day which served continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day as well as cold and hot dishes, dessert, and beer and wine during the evening hours. We utilized the lounge for meals and snacks often during our visit saving money on theme park dining!
- Concierge/Butler Service
Club Level guests receive a higher level of luxury, individual attention, and service with dedicated concierge service or butler service.
Upon arrival you will meet your concierge team that will be available for anything that you need during your stay. From setting up special dinner reservations, preparing a bubble bath, or reserving a beach chair in the perfect location, your butler or concierge can do it all!
On my last stay at Breathless Punta Cana, I had the most amazing butler, Emelio.
He knew that my husband and I were celebrating our anniversary so he went above and beyond to make it special. Emelio reserved a cabana on the beach, decorated our room with rose petals and champagne, and even set up a special anniversary dinner.
If that were not enough, he was available by cell phone for requests and checked on us throughout the day to see if there was anything that he could do to make our stay even more perfect.
*Note: Some resort brands, such as Sandals Resorts, have a separate “butler level category.”
- Best Room Location
How do I get a room close to the beach? I want a room with a great view! I hear you… me too!
If room location is important to you, I highly recommend considering a club level room. The most desired room locations are typically reserved for club level guests. Although the club level room may be the same size and style as a regular room the locations of the room locations can’t be beat! On many occasions, the preferred location in itself is worth the minimal cost of the upgrade!
- Exclusive Areas of the Resort
Many resorts offer access to exclusive areas of the resort only to club level guests. Some of these areas may include upgraded restaurants, club level pools and exclusive beach areas.
One of my very favorite club level perks is access to the rooftop infinity pool and bar at Secrets the Vine in Cancun. Not only does this pool offer amazing views, it is quiet and relaxing and the pool concierge will be waiting with your favorite drink.
- Extra Perks and Amenities
It’s sometimes the littlest touches that make the biggest impacts. Upgraded bath amenities, mini bar including liquors, pillow menus, and sometimes even access to the hydrotherapy section of the spa.
The hydrotherapy circuit is a nice club level perk at Excellence Playa Mujeres! This area of the spa is typically reserved for spa clients, but some resorts offer access to the relaxation benefits of the hydrotherapy circuit as an added complimentary perk for their club level guests.
*Note: Speaking of special perks, some resort brands, including Sandals Resorts only provide room service for guests staying in club level or butler level rooms. If breakfast in bed or late-night bedtime snacks are your thing you will want to ask your travel advisor if room service is included in your vacation package or if only available for upgraded room categories.
Now can you envision the value that these extra perks will bring to your vacation? For most vacation packages, the upgrade cost is minimal, so be sure to ask your travel advisor if club level rooms are available at your preferred resorts. You are already investing in a vacation, but that extra level of luxury is truly amazing.
So, should you upgrade to a club level room on your next vacation?
My advice is… go for it!
Disclaimer: Club Level inclusions differ by resort. Not all resorts will include all of the amenities listed above. Be sure to visit the resort website or ask your travel agent for more details.
If you’re ready to book your next travel adventure, please go here.
Andrea Cassidy is an agent with Embrace the Travel specializing in group travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, family vacations, and multi-generational trips. Read more about her here!