As someone obsessed with the perfect stay, I highly recommend Inside Claridge’s, a three-part BBC documentary on what goes behind the scenes in the most iconic five-star hotel in Mayfair, London.
As I watched, a few luxury hotels came to mind: first, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, which has the world’s best Thai food in my opinion. I would fly there just to eat, but I’m afraid of weight gain.
At the time of our stay, some very, very importants guests would come in and out of its doors, with Presidents, heads of state, royalty, bodyguards and security everywhere.

Jeroen and I were pampered in our loft accommodation.

However, I had to close my eyes every time I used the shower. There was darkened grout or sealant where the glass partition met the bathtub. It was pretty disgusting, I had to cover the area with a towel and hurry up. For this alone I would be wary of going back to the Oriental.

I had the same experience in one of Makati’s “best” hotels. I was really disappointed (or grossed out) with the condition of its bathrooms which appeared to have been built in the ’80s and never renovated.
Such a thing would never happen at the Claridge’s.

On the other hand, I feel like I’ve experienced heaven at the Peninsula Tokyo.
The minute you come in you have the feeling of quiet luxury.

Everything is spic and span. Even the bathrooms are immaculate.

When I was really sick for a month last December, I had some time to think about my life because I thought I was dying. And I told my friends Ginggay and Penny, one of the things I thought about was how lucky I was to have stayed at the Peninsula Tokyo because it was close to heaven, LOL. We all laughed.
In fact, the Peninsula Tokyo is, I feel much better than the Claridge’s in London.

I have not stayed at the Claridge’s. But while the Claridge’s is tons more expensive with a staff that pays attention to every single detail, I would rather pay less money for more modern interiors—especially the bathrooms. I was quite horrified how some Claridge’s bathrooms look like they’re from the ’70s.

That said, there’s a lot to be learned from Inside Claridge’s, which teaches you about impeccable service and attention to detail.
They have painters on the payroll just to go over stains as soon as the guest checks out.
They check bathroom fixtures and even installed a jacuzzi for a very special guest.
They take pictures and keep files of how regular guests want their rooms done for their next visit.
They’re used to the likes of Madonna, U2, the Japanese Britney Spears, the President of Malawi, Joan Collins, and Prince Andrew either staying or popping in.

How lucky we are that this was just uploaded on YouTube—no need to find torrents.
Now watch the 3-part series and find out what makes Claridge’s one of the best luxury hotels in the world.

• Tweet