Etiquette guide for your 5-star holiday in the dolomites

For some time now, luxury holidays in stylish settings have ceased to be the prerogative of wealthy travellers. They are now accessible to many more people, especially those who simply want a relaxing break, with an emphasis on well-being and some extra special pampering. Excellent services, large rooms, a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments, and top quality culinary specialities: this is what guests can expect at high-end hotels in the Dolomites, where "luxury" consists in pampering the customer in every way, and turning your stay into an unforgettable experience.

It will come as no surprise that 5-star hotels offer valet parking and a porter service for your luggage. Guests can park in front of the reception area and leave their luggage with the porter, who will take it to their room. Of course, you can choose to park your car yourself and carry your own luggage to your room. The well-trained concierge will be sensitive to your wishes, and allow you to decide whether to use the service or not.

There are no set rules regarding the dress code at high-end hotels. However, there are certain accepted practices that apply to most hotels of this type. You should never enter the hotel lobby in a bikini or a bathing suit. To dissuade guests from doing this, bathrobes and swimming towels are provided for free in the hotel bedrooms. Other unwritten rules concern the dress code in the dining-room and bar. Guests should not enter with wet hair, exposed midriffs or wearing slippers. You don't need to wear a smart suit or an elegant evening dress, a decent casual outfit is quite good enough.

The cuisine and service in 5-star hotels always meet the highest quality standards. This should be reflected in the good manners of the guests at table. For example, it is unseemly to behave as you would at an "All You Can Eat" buffet. It is much better (including for your waistline) to visit the buffet several times, and only help yourself to what you will actually eat. There is also no need to make sandwiches to take away - indeed, in most cases it is inappropriate and unnecessary, because many 5-star hotels provide an afternoon buffet, with a great variety of sweet and savoury snacks. If you are planning a trip you can ask for a packed lunch, and the kitchen will prepare you a tasty and generous variety of items to take out. The good manners of the guest should also include punctuality. If you would like to have a late breakfast, or a late dinner, just tell the reception desk.

A good question: how much is reasonable in a 5-star hotel? Should you tip more generously than you normally would in a mid-range hotel? Tipping is not mandatory, however it is one of those things that is normally done. As a general rule, a tip of about 5-10% of the original cost is quite acceptable. If the service has been excellent, you can even give even more, handing the money to the member of staff concerned. In some cases, e.g. for the cleaning staff, you should leave the tip in your room, but make sure it does not look like money you left behind by mistake.