It stings when you pay hundreds or thousands for a nice vacation only to receive subpar service while on your trip. While the level of service and hospitality you receive differs from business to business, some cities have a better customer service culture than others.
If you want the royal treatment on your next vacation, these are the cities to visit.
1. New York City, USA
Unsurprisingly, NYC makes the list. This city is tricky because in one restaurant, you might get cursed at for sitting at your table an extra five minutes, but down the block, you’ll receive impeccable customer service. It’s all about knowing where to go and what businesses to patronize. And the answer is the expensive ones.
Places like The Central Park Ritz-Carlton and Motto by Hilton offer unparalleled customer service. The staff will anticipate your needs and exceed your expectations. If you want to experience the incredible hospitality in NYC, it’ll cost you buku bucks.
2. Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is a special destination on this list because it’s not just their customer service that’s great; the locals are also fabulously friendly and hospitable. The Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Dairy Private Hotel, and Stoneridge Estate are some of the best high-end hotels in the city.
The customer service here is delightful because it feels very authentic. The people are kind and helpful because they’re kind and helpful, not because they’re being paid to be. Or, at least, that’s how it feels.
3. Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas offers some of the most luxurious hospitality in the world. If you’re on the Strip, in a casino, or at The Grand Canal Shoppes, customer service staff will be gracious and prompt. We can’t make any promises about the customer service in other areas of the city, but the street with all the bright lights and big signs will treat you like gold.
Of course, the finest places to stay are usually the high-end casinos, like The Bellagio, The Venetian, The Mirage, and Caesars Palace. These hotels are typically immaculate and welcoming, especially if you have money to lose in their casinos.
4. London, UK
Luxury hospitality in London is unique because it feels old-fashioned and formal. You won’t find the easygoing Kiwi vibes that you do in New Zealand. Instead, customer service staff are often traditional in their ways. They won’t be too familiar or casual with guests or customers. For some Americans, this might feel odd, but it’s the type of high-end hospitality they offer.
You’ll find this attitude at hotels like The Chesterfield Mayfair, Covent Garden, and St. Ermin’s Hotel. Outside of luxury places, people in London can be friendly and helpful, such as bartenders, taxi drivers, and servers.
5. Paris, France
Similar to New York, the luxury hospitality in Paris is exceptional. Hotels like the Four Seasons Geroge V, Ritz Paris, Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin, and InterContinental Paris Le Grand will treat you like royalty. In the same vein, the nicest restaurants and shops in the city offer remarkable service, ensuring you have everything you need at all times.
Like so many major cities, the hospitality is sensational if you have the money to pay for it. High-end customer service staff in Paris go above and beyond to provide a perfect experience. But once you leave those high-end spots, don’t expect a ton of friendliness or helpfulness, especially if you're American.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Some people describe the customer service in Bangkok as “over the top” because customer service staff in Thailand can be unbelievably accommodating and courteous. In luxury settings, they’ll happily go out of their way to help you or satisfy your needs.
Top hotels include the Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Outside of high-end hotels, restaurants, and stores, the customer service is more curt. This is typically because those workers are paid very little, and the service aligns with that. But in the nicer locations, the staff are supremely wonderful and pleasant.
7. Charlotte, USA
Charlotte in North Carolina is a city that frequently ranks high on customer service lists. Perhaps it’s that good ole’ Southern hospitality. Upscale hotels in the city include the JW Marriott Charlotte, Omni Charlotte Hotel, and Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel.
All of these hotels give guests a dream experience, as do many of the restaurants in the vicinity. However, the amazing customer service in Charlotte is in part due to the friendliness of customers and guests. Most people in Charlotte are easygoing and sweet, making it easy for customer service staff to do their jobs well.
8. Shanghai, China
Once again, the spectacular customer service in this city is usually reserved for people with full wallets. Nevertheless, customer service staff from high-end businesses in Shanghai offer unparalleled service. They eagerly go the extra mile for guests and do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure guests never have to worry about anything.
Staff will often do their best to disappear into the shadows, providing a top-notch experience without making guests look behind the curtain. Expect this kind of service at hotels like the Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund and The Peninsula Shanghai.
9. Aqaba, Jordan
The hospitality in Jordan is extraordinary, but few people are aware of this. The country is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to customer service experiences. The most desirable hotels in the area include Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Al Manara, and the Lavanda Boutique Suites Tala Bay.
Tourism is an important industry in Jordan, so customer service staff are sure to treat tourists well and help them enjoy their trip to the fullest. It’s crucial to note that the more you follow the country’s customs, such as dress code, the better the service will be.
10. Miami, USA
Miami is easily one of the most popular destinations in this Southern state. While places like Tampa and Orlando can also be cool spots to visit, Miami is where you’ll find upscale dining, shopping, and hotel experiences.
Hotels like the St. Regis Bal Harbour and Faena Hotel Miami Beach will gladly take care of your every whim and do everything they can to make your time in Miami blissful. However, unlike some other spots on this list, you’ll find exceptional customer service outside the luxury spots. People here are typically kind and fun, and you can expect a welcoming attitude from nearly everyone.
11. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo offers some of the most impressive customer service and hospitality in the entire world. It’s not just about bringing in money or getting good reviews either. In Japan, customer service and hospitality are integral to their culture, and they pride themselves on it.
“Omotenashi” is the Japanese concept of excellent customer service, and its pillars are anticipation, selflessness, and sincerity. And you’ll see all these if you visit. You won’t get this level of service everywhere, but you will in most mid to high-end businesses. This is especially true at hotels like Aman Tokyo and The Tokyo Station Hotel.
12. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans is a fabulous vacation destination, with mouthwatering food, warm weather, stunning architecture, and friendly faces. Parts of NOLA can certainly be rough, but even many hyper-casual restaurants offer superb service.
Tourism is huge here, and many locals are elated to welcome people to their home city and help them enjoy the area. Stay at places like The Windsor Court, The Chloe, or The Celestine for an exquisite and hospitable experience. If NOLA residents are good at anything, it’s making people feel welcome (and making jambalaya).
A Home Away From Home
The luxury hotel amenities, Michelin-starred food, and designer stores are nothing without their customer service. It’s not exclusively about making a sale. Hospitality is about giving someone a home away from home and earnestly welcoming them into the city.
When you get excellent customer service, your vacation stress can melt away and you can genuinely bask in your vacation. And these cities offer the kind of service that allows guests to drop all their worries.
