Daily life at a private resort might not be exactly what you think it is or what you see on TV. Sure, there’s glitz and glamor to be found left, right, and center once you unpack your suitcases. But there are plenty of pitfalls and challenges, too. Especially when you're the staff, not the guest.
In a fascinating AMA thread, internet user u/the_great_abandoneer urged everyone to ask her about what working at a private resort “for the rich and famous” is truly like. We’ve picked out the most interesting questions and answers to give you a glimpse into the reality of ultra luxury. Keep scrolling to take a peek behind the fancy curtain and to satisfy your curiosity.
#1
Who was the most well know celebrity you have ever encountered?
do they tip well?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: CarlesPuyol5
#2
Celebrities tend to request certain item in their rooms, did you experience that? What types of things were requested?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Live_Ferret_4721
#3
Any nightmare guests? Trashing rooms, unreasonable demands, etc?
the_great_abandoneer:In 5 years, we only had two that stood out. One was a very popular country music singer. He called our bartender a butterface in front of her. He also ordered an expensive drink just to pour it out on the carpet and brag about how he had enough money to do whatever he wanted. He did not have enough money to buy his membership back after we banned him for his behavior. Another group came and were just rude, nasty, and inconsiderate the whole time they were there. They rented out one of our lodging facilities and started throwing shoes at the taxidermy to get them stuck on the horns, I guess? Drove a golf cart into the lake. Broke into the bar and stole liquor (even though we had 24 24-hour catering service, including alcohol). Over 20k in damages after they left.
Image credits: Accomplished-Pay-236
McKinsey & Company points out that luxury hospitality needs stellar service and devoted staff, not just a beautifully designed hotel and signature property. As the luxury part of the hotel industry continues to grow, there’s bound to be more and more competition between high-class businesses.
“Affluent customers increasingly value unique experiences—not just the tangible product—and vibrant atmospheres over opulent formality. Data on consumer spending substantiates the notion that interest in recreational experiences is generally rising while interest in nonessential goods is generally subsiding.”
#4
How was the pay?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Dirty_Questions69
#5
Ever meet Donald Trump?
the_great_abandoneer:
#6
Did any of the patrons get to know you by name or keep in touch with you after their stay?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: White_eagle32rep
Statista reports that the global hotel market is projected to reach $443.07 billion by 2025 and $511.91 billion by 2029. Increasingly, hotel customers are yearning for unique and personalized experiences. “They are looking for accommodations that offer more than just a place to stay, but also provide memorable experiences and exceptional services. This trend has led to a rise in demand for boutique hotels, eco-friendly establishments, and themed accommodations.”
For instance, in the Asian hotel market, there’s a marked influence of the region’s cultures, diversity, and traditions. So, there’s a focus on authenticity and incorporating local elements into everything, from the design and the cuisine to the overall guest experience. Meanwhile, in Europe, there are noticeable trends that focus on wellness tourism, sustainability, and eco-friendly and eco-conscious decisions.
#7
See anything weird? I think you know what I mean...
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Gaijindrip
#8
You said it was a resort for the rich AND famous. Does that mean it was an exclusive invite only kind of resort just for famous people?
Or could an unknown rich person visit? .
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: yousernameunknown
#9
Have you worked in hospitality for the general public? If so, would you say wealthy people are more polite/respectful than average? Reddit wants people to think that anyone rich is a s*****g piece of s**t with no regard for other people, but in my (albeit little) experience wealthy people are much more pleasant.
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: iwncuf82
According to the author of the thread, she has worked at a private resort for a whopping 5 years. Throughout that time, she “often got to see people at their best and worst, got to learn very specific things about them, and overheard many things I probably shouldn’t have.” A ton of internet users were intrigued. The thread got over 1.1k comments.
Have you ever been guests at a luxury resort, dear Pandas? Meanwhile, have you ever worked at a place like this? We’d love to hear all about your upscale hotel experiences. And we’re sure all the other readers would be happy to get your perspective, too. If you have a moment, share your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of this post.
#10
1. Who was the least down to earth person you met?
2. Who was the loudest and most boisterous person you met?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: ParticularQuick7104
#11
Do they act like normal people are do a lot of them let their egos an other superficial things get in the way when dealing with people?
the_great_abandoneer:
#12
What is the poorest thing you have seen someone that was wealthy do?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: anon
#13
What country/climate do you work in?
I did ski town - Whistler at a luxury hotel and then a few luxury hotels in Manhattan.
The New York stuff was fun because celebs would pass through our banquet space, and musicians like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Lady Gaga would perform. World leaders would do speeches and fundraiser events - like NYPD, Secret Service, FBI & Homeland Security with TSA X-ray screenings before every shift stuff during the UN General Assembly.
The Whistler stuff was fun for things like Gene Simmons’ show and the L Word filmed there. You see what’s real vs what gets portrayed on tv. Also for seeing celebrities in their ski gear clomping around like everyone else.
the_great_abandoneer:I worked in the South East US. We are very much out of the way and a “getaway” location for a lot of people.
Image credits: eldonte
#14
Did your job change how you think about wealthy people? Did it change how you personally value wealth or materialism?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: INTP243
#15
What was the best perk of the job?
the_great_abandoneer:
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#16
the_great_abandoneer:
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#17
Do you envy their life? Are there negative aspects general people wouldn’t know about?
the_great_abandoneer:
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#18
What’s the Juiciest thing you shouldn’t have over heard?
the_great_abandoneer:
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#19
Do they seem to understand that unless they get their s**t together soon, the rest of us are going to eat them?
the_great_abandoneer:
#20
Was everyone doing [illegal substances]?
the_great_abandoneer:
#21
Do celebrities eat bananas?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Jmazoso
#22
Did you get to have a life/vacation? Or is it a demanding job during peak season?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Remote-Surprise
#23
Did you saw famous ppl, that you had no idea were famous?
I also worked 5 years in a Resort! (But not in north America)
It was funny when a whole sport team was there for a pre-season intensive training thing and a lot of the staff were excited and wanted to work their private meals, while me - a not at all sports fan - worked with them for the first few days.
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: BWinCan
#24
Outside of their money, how our rich and famous people different from the rest of us, if at all?
the_great_abandoneer:
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#25
the_great_abandoneer:
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#26
Who was the biggest [jerk]?
the_great_abandoneer:
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#27
How did you find this gig?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: KhalMinos
#28
Did any celebs get star struck by other celebs? Any unusual friendships between people you wouldn’t think would have much in common?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: simbawasking
#29
How much of the shenanigans you witness would seem of the occult or culty/secret society type?
Do you think these people run the world or are these just the associates having fun?
the_great_abandoneer:
#30
Was there private medical staff to revive hungover guests and deal with true emergencies?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: anon
#31
You were there when my daughter attended a bachelorette party there. What an event! She felt like a princess for the weekend and she wasn’t the bride. The bride’s aunt is a member and paid for everything.
#32
How was your day to day like? What were the benefits for you? What did you do on your off day? Was it a seasonal resort?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Schick_Mir_Ein_Engel
#33
I’ve heard stories from others who worked in Hollyweird about seeing massive meltdowns over the simplest things (like clothes not fitting right) by some celebrities. Have you ever seen anything like that?
the_great_abandoneer:
#34
In conclusion what is your overall assessment of rich people and famous people
And how does the reality differ from the presumptions the general public has ?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: TheGing3rBreadMan
#35
Did you try any really expensive food/drink/whatever and think it was actually worth it?
the_great_abandoneer:
#36
Did y'all source SWers, or did the patrons book their own?
the_great_abandoneer:
#37
Why’d you stop working there?
the_great_abandoneer:
#38
Who was the best tipper?
the_great_abandoneer:
#39
So from your observations and from the guest actions. Are morals just something the elite use to control us or are they more or less real.
the_great_abandoneer:
#40
Did the amount of security ever surprise you? Im not sure if that's something a resort like yours would provide or if the guests would bring, but I've always wondered how that worked exactly with rich/famous folk, I imagine there's a lot of paranoia for them.
the_great_abandoneer:
#41
This is so interesting i said this on another AmA lol but seriously is thought what was the hotel like was it the nicest hotel you’ve ever been or is it just like your typical beach hotel?
the_great_abandoneer:
#42
On average, how much did you make in a year?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Ctu_King
#43
What was the funniest thing you ever heard?
the_great_abandoneer:
Image credits: Accomplished_Trip_
#44
Were there any nice non narcissistic people there.
the_great_abandoneer:
#45
What was the most alarming thing you over heard.
the_great_abandoneer:
#46
Somehow, I get the sense you're a gal (?)
Either way, did anyone ever proposition you?
the_great_abandoneer:
#47
What was the most outrageous request you received?
the_great_abandoneer:
#48
Do the kitchen staff lick the toast or puke in the soup of horrible guests?
the_great_abandoneer:
#49
Did you have to pass a background check?
the_great_abandoneer:
#50
Can you give an example of a similar resort?
the_great_abandoneer:
