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
Ever meet Donald Trump?
the_great_abandoneer:
No, he was not one of our members or guests and the owner of our resort told him to f*ck off at one point over a squabble about private jets once. He was on the “never ever” list, along with the Clintons.
No, he was not one of our members or guests and the owner of our resort told him to f*ck off at one point over a squabble about private jets once. He was on the “never ever” list, along with the Clintons.
Report
35points
#2
Who was the most well know celebrity you have ever encountered?
do they tip well?
do they tip well?
the_great_abandoneer:
Michael Jordan himself. He was absolutely lovely and took very good care of the staff!
Michael Jordan himself. He was absolutely lovely and took very good care of the staff!
Report
34points
#3
Celebrities tend to request certain item in their rooms, did you experience that? What types of things were requested?
the_great_abandoneer:
Specific beverage machines like slushy makers and espresso machines. Lots of requests for specific alcohols and beer. We had a whole elk helicoptered in that the guest wanted to have all of their meals made from for the week. I don’t think they realized how big an elk is, so the staff had awesome family meals when they left it behind.
Specific beverage machines like slushy makers and espresso machines. Lots of requests for specific alcohols and beer. We had a whole elk helicoptered in that the guest wanted to have all of their meals made from for the week. I don’t think they realized how big an elk is, so the staff had awesome family meals when they left it behind.
Many of our requests were food and beverage related.
Report
27points
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 h**h-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
Did any of the patrons get to know you by name or keep in touch with you after their stay?
the_great_abandoneer:
Plenty! We had several local regulars. I can’t say anyone famous learned my name and retained it. One couple did stay an entire summer nearby. They decided they wanted to access the resort but stay off property for their extended stay, but they still came to eat every day. I had just gotten the job and moved there, so they offered to take me to lunch on my day off and give me a tour of the small historical town they were staying in, and they were absolutely delightful. Over the next five years I made sure we had grilled cheese with Brie and fig jam for them every time they were due to come in
Plenty! We had several local regulars. I can’t say anyone famous learned my name and retained it. One couple did stay an entire summer nearby. They decided they wanted to access the resort but stay off property for their extended stay, but they still came to eat every day. I had just gotten the job and moved there, so they offered to take me to lunch on my day off and give me a tour of the small historical town they were staying in, and they were absolutely delightful. Over the next five years I made sure we had grilled cheese with Brie and fig jam for them every time they were due to come in
Report
27points
#5
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:
Normal people. I never once heard “Do you know who I am?” or anything like that. We always started off very formal with “thank you for joining us Mr./Ms./Mrs.” And most of them would be like “ew no, we are on a first name basis.” Some of the older folks kept with the formality though, but they were like 70+ years old and appreciated the respect. I never once felt like I was looked down on or mistreated by a member.
Normal people. I never once heard “Do you know who I am?” or anything like that. We always started off very formal with “thank you for joining us Mr./Ms./Mrs.” And most of them would be like “ew no, we are on a first name basis.” Some of the older folks kept with the formality though, but they were like 70+ years old and appreciated the respect. I never once felt like I was looked down on or mistreated by a member.
Actually, one time, a guest of a member interrupted me while I was talking (he was very intoxicated), and another member stopped him, told him to wait, had me continue, and then asked the guest to apologize to me. All in a very respectful way! I learned a lot about de-escalating situations just by watching these people and how they dealt with others.
Report
27points
#6
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.
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.
Report
26points
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
How was the pay?
the_great_abandoneer:
The base rate was garbage, but the tips absolutely made up for it. We also got a yearly Christmas bonus that was usually around $5k per person depending on your seniority that was donated to every year by the members of the resort.
If you were a full time server, in tips, you could easily make close to 80k a year, if not more.
The base rate was garbage, but the tips absolutely made up for it. We also got a yearly Christmas bonus that was usually around $5k per person depending on your seniority that was donated to every year by the members of the resort.
If you were a full time server, in tips, you could easily make close to 80k a year, if not more.
Report
21points
#8
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:
I worked for the general public for years, and there is a stark difference between the way someone will treat you in an average restaurant versus at a private resort like I worked at. I’m not sure if it’s so much the people as it is the place. But I can tell you some horror stories from my time in restaurants that would out do any experience I had working at the resort. I found the resort clientele much more tolerable and patient, personally.
I worked for the general public for years, and there is a stark difference between the way someone will treat you in an average restaurant versus at a private resort like I worked at. I’m not sure if it’s so much the people as it is the place. But I can tell you some horror stories from my time in restaurants that would out do any experience I had working at the resort. I found the resort clientele much more tolerable and patient, personally.
Report
20points
#9
1. Who was the least down to earth person you met?
2. Who was the loudest and most boisterous person you met?
2. Who was the loudest and most boisterous person you met?
the_great_abandoneer:
1. A local lady who really thought she was something else. She called and asked for a reservation one night and said “well I have lots of money to spend, so why can’t I get a reservation?” She did not have enough money to buy Dan Marino and Jon Congemi out of their table. She also would call the day after dining to dispute her bill. “I can go to New York and get a double old fashioned for cheaper than that.” Ok, go to New York then. She would also request to be seated outside in October and then complain about the cool weather even though we had a heated patio.
1. A local lady who really thought she was something else. She called and asked for a reservation one night and said “well I have lots of money to spend, so why can’t I get a reservation?” She did not have enough money to buy Dan Marino and Jon Congemi out of their table. She also would call the day after dining to dispute her bill. “I can go to New York and get a double old fashioned for cheaper than that.” Ok, go to New York then. She would also request to be seated outside in October and then complain about the cool weather even though we had a heated patio.
2. The loudest and most boisterous was a local guy as well. He and his buddy own a lot of the local businesses and every time they came in it was a good time. You knew when they were on property because it just turned into a massive party. His wife and I shared a birthday, and every year they threw a huge cookout type party at their house to celebrate, and year three he handed me an invitation and told me to bring all of my friends and nothing else. Super cool and down to earth people just looking for a good time all of the time.
20points
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
What’s the Juiciest thing you shouldn’t have over heard?
the_great_abandoneer:
“Who cares if it was insider trading? I made over 40 million dollars off that deal, sue me!”
“Who cares if it was insider trading? I made over 40 million dollars off that deal, sue me!”
Report
19points
#11
What was the best perk of the job?
the_great_abandoneer:
The food!!! We ate whatever we wanted for free.
The food!!! We ate whatever we wanted for free.
Also, when guests would leave behind alcohol, it was already paid for and so the housekeeping staff would give it out to others for their birthdays/holidays/etc.
The food was fancy, and we had two amazing executive chefs in my time there who did amazing things with the menu. I’m going to be so stoked when they’re finally recognized in the culinary world for their talent and dedication!
Report
19points
#12
What is the poorest thing you have seen someone that was wealthy do?
the_great_abandoneer:
Argue over a two dollar up charge because they wanted to add cheese to their fries.
Argue over a two dollar up charge because they wanted to add cheese to their fries.
Report
19points
#13
Do you envy their life? Are there negative aspects general people wouldn’t know about?
the_great_abandoneer:
The rich people, yeah, I envy their lives because having been poor my entire life, it’s painful to see what some of these people do with their money, but I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. I feel like my constant budgeting and money management would make me a successful rich person if I had enough money to manage and budget that could be profitable on its own with a solid investment.
The rich people, yeah, I envy their lives because having been poor my entire life, it’s painful to see what some of these people do with their money, but I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. I feel like my constant budgeting and money management would make me a successful rich person if I had enough money to manage and budget that could be profitable on its own with a solid investment.
Downsides? Famous people are really paranoid of everything and have a lot of trust issues. It’s noticeable when they have their guard down, and it’s very sad. Many of them came to the resort alone to get away as well, and we even had regulars that would be in every few months for at least a weekend to just relax.
Report
18points
#14
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? .
Or could an unknown rich person visit? .
the_great_abandoneer:
Exclusive invite only. Yearly membership dues and a vetting process as well. You could come if you were accompanied by a member, but there were heavy restrictions on what you could and could not do as a non member.
Exclusive invite only. Yearly membership dues and a vetting process as well. You could come if you were accompanied by a member, but there were heavy restrictions on what you could and could not do as a non member.
Non members couldn’t be on property by themselves without a member at all. No access to member locker rooms. Higher fees for activities. Couldn’t use the carts unless playing with a member. Members could go basically anywhere on property they wanted, even the kitchen, and non members were not.
Report
18points
#15
Who was the best tipper?
the_great_abandoneer:
Some young guy from New York. I cannot remember his name for the life of me, but he only came down once a year with his group of guys and they were amazingly sweet and wholesome. Talked up their wives constantly! They planned matching outfits for their tournament, too, and they were the best example of “boys being boys”. I probably made at least 200 espresso martinis over the five years I was there for them, and probably more green smoothies.
Tor Peterson!
Some young guy from New York. I cannot remember his name for the life of me, but he only came down once a year with his group of guys and they were amazingly sweet and wholesome. Talked up their wives constantly! They planned matching outfits for their tournament, too, and they were the best example of “boys being boys”. I probably made at least 200 espresso martinis over the five years I was there for them, and probably more green smoothies.
Tor Peterson!
18points
#16
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.
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.
Report
16points
#17
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:
Not at all.
Not at all.
Report
16points
#18
See anything weird? I think you know what I mean...
the_great_abandoneer:
Nothing particularly out of the ordinary, though I felt like I was definitely a part of an illuminati conspiracy at times. The owners do have a very odd clearing in the middle of the woods near their house, but it remains a mystery to me.
Nothing particularly out of the ordinary, though I felt like I was definitely a part of an illuminati conspiracy at times. The owners do have a very odd clearing in the middle of the woods near their house, but it remains a mystery to me.
Report
15points
#19
Did your job change how you think about wealthy people? Did it change how you personally value wealth or materialism?
the_great_abandoneer:
Some people are successful when they are born with wealth and others are not. Just because you’re born with it doesn’t mean you’re going to be good at it.
Some people are successful when they are born with wealth and others are not. Just because you’re born with it doesn’t mean you’re going to be good at it.
Personally, I learned to take life a lot less seriously, and stopped worrying about my own finances as much as I do. I may be wealthy one day, but I know I’m never gonna be THAT wealthy.
Report
15points
#20
My husband worked at one for years as a valet. Bill Cosby would come frequently and immediately go to the drive and ask for " girls and bl*w." True story. 🤣 Shaq tips well.
the_great_abandoneer:
We hosted Shaq! He’s awesome!
We hosted Shaq! He’s awesome!
Report
14points