After a decade in luxury hospitality, I’ve seen it all. From private jets landing at odd hours to guests making unique requests—like having their pillows fluffed exactly seven times. But what truly caught my attention was how everyday people navigated a world not designed for them.
A family once checked into the resort where I worked. You could tell they had saved for this trip. The dad snapped photos nonstop, the mom clutched her purse tightly, and the teens looked mortified whenever their parents spoke to the staff. By day three, they had become the talk of the break room—not because we were mean, but because some behaviors just stand out.
Through my years serving wealthy families and living in Thailand, I discovered something crucial: there’s a big difference between having money and understanding wealth culture. This difference is especially clear in luxury resorts.
Here are some observations I gathered over the years:
Buffet Behavior
Some guests treat the buffet like a last supper. They pile food high and leave half of it untouched. Meanwhile, guests who are genuinely wealthy tend to take small portions, often going back for seconds. Ironically, those who feel stretched financially often feel the need to get their money’s worth and that leads to waste.
Negotiating Prices
Seeing guests haggle over spa prices or try to bargain for room upgrades made me cringe. These venues often don’t have room for negotiation. Wealthy clients know this; they pay without fuss or politely ask for upgrades without pushing.
Bringing Own Food
Imagine a beautiful poolside with luxurious service, and then someone pulls out a grocery bag of snacks. It’s jarring. Resort prices might be high, but sneaking in outside food is often frowned upon—even if it’s a money-saving move.
Over-Explaining Presence
Guests often feel the need to justify their stay, sharing details like “We got such a good deal!” or “This is our first luxury trip!” The staff, however, typically doesn’t care how they paid. Wealthy guests arrive and simply enjoy their time without explanations.
Tipping Trends
There’s a real art to tipping. I noticed that some guests either tipped overly generous amounts for little things or completely avoided tipping altogether. Wealthy clients, on the other hand, tended to give consistent and appropriate tips. They understood the importance of acknowledging good service.
Interactions with Staff
Many guests either treat staff like servants or try too hard to befriend them. A balance is key. The truly wealthy guests I encountered were respectful, understanding that staff are professionals, not personal assistants.
Complaining for Compensation
Some guests came with a complaint strategy, hoping to secure free upgrades. Staff members take note of complaints, and people can usually see through the antics. Genuine complaints, especially from wealthy guests, tend to be more reasonable and quietly addressed.
Inappropriate Dress Codes
Dress codes exist for a reason, yet I often saw guests wear flip-flops in fine dining or swimsuits in inappropriate settings. Ignoring these guidelines can show a lack of respect for the experience, which is counterproductive to enjoying luxury.
Social Media Snapshots
Constantly documenting vacations for social media has become a trend. Some guests spend more time taking pictures than enjoying their meals, while the wallet of the truly wealthy guest goes unshared. They live their moments rather than perform for a feed.
Through these experiences, I learned that true wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about moving through spaces with confidence and respect. Those who genuinely understood this didn’t feel the need to prove their worth, haggled over costs, or justify their presence. They simply enjoyed their time.
After spending time in Thailand, I realized that connection and enjoyment matter far more than showing off wealth. What’s important is how you treat others and the memories you create. Do that, and you’re wealthier than most.
For deeper insights on luxury experiences and behavior, you might want to check out resources from the [American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute](https://www.ahlei.org/) which offers guidance on hospitality best practices.
