Part 1: A Seven-Star Experience

My lady and I were planning a trip to Brunei when she asked, “How would you like to stay in a 7-star hotel?” She asked this to a guy who specializes in staying at hostels and cheap lodging. Of course, my natural response was, “How much does it cost?” When she told me the price, I was surprised by how affordable it was. Although it was more than I was used to paying, I figured I might as well experience it once in a lifetime while the opportunity was within range.

What’s A 7-Star Hotel

I have stayed at some pretty nice and exotic properties, but nothing close to 5-stars, let alone 7. After searching online, I learned that there’s no official classification for the 7-star level; however, these hotels offer luxury and services not commonly found in 5-star properties. That explanation sounded good, but I’d never stayed at a luxury hotel.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at The Empire Brunei. After checking in, I asked the representative at the concierge desk, “What makes this a 7-star hotel?” He smiled and said, “Look around. By the time you leave here, you’ll have an idea.”

We stayed a couple of nights and checked out, and here’s my take. This is a two-part post. In this first post, I’ll discuss my experience staying at this luxury resort, and what I believe makes a hotel 5 (+) stars. In the second post, I’ll explain how you can afford the experience.

Service

First, let me get the obvious stuff out of the way. It was a beautiful and lavish resort with 6 buildings (if I remember correctly) with a 600 guest capacity. This doesn’t include the 3 villas that are owned by the royal family. Doors will be opened for you everywhere you go. The staff will always smile and address you as Sir or Madam. In restaurants, you’ll be escorted to seats and they will always choose the perfect spot to seat you (not too close to anyone else and with a perfect view of the ocean).

Now I’ll shared something that amazed me!

I was sitting upright on an outdoor chaise lounge chair, reading a book in front of the pool. There was a 2 foot distance between my chair and the pool. Another guest began to utilize this space as she stood in front of my chair to take a picture of her posing friend. I didn’t think anything of it. Immediately, a staff member came over and politely escorted the photographer a couple feet over because she was in my space.

Country Club

Inside the Country Club, you’ll find recreational activities and amenities including: a bowling alley, basketball court, squash court, badminton courts, ping pong room, pool tables, a pool, 3 gyms (one for women, another for men and the last for both), snack bar, and spa rooms.

Moreover, the backyard of the Country Club is a golf course. You’ll find golf courses all over the resort. If needed, you can purchase gear from the golf shop, which is also inside of the Club.

We spent a lot of time at the Country Club – swimming, shooting pool, playing basketball and ping pong. We paid for bowling, but the other activities were free.

Also for entertainment, there was a movie theater on the property but this was not located at the Club. 

Outdoor Activities

There was also a lot to do outdoors. There were a number of beaches; one even had soccer goals on it. There were a number of outdoor pools and jacuzzis scattered all over the resort. The property also had designated locations where guests could go for the best views of the sunrise as well as sunset.

Additionally, there was a concierge desk that offered tour services. The packages included rainforest excursions, water village tours, tours of the capital, cruises and other activities. The tour prices were listed in the brochures. 

The Buggy

My favorite part of resort was the free buggy service. They’re like golf carts, and drivers will take you anywhere you want to go on the property. You can request them at the lobby of any of the buildings. If the driver sees you walking, he or she will offer a ride. Also, there are telephone booths all over the property that you can use to call them and they’ll come pick you up. 

Food Accommodations

There are two restaurants on the property. Additionally, the main building has not only multiple souvenir shops, but also a bakery and several dining halls. There were snack bars at the Country Club and the main pool area. Lastly, our room had menus and a hotel delivery service. 

Honestly, we didn’t eat at the restaurants. We ordered most our food from the bakery which had a kitchen in the back. The bakery sold cakes, savory meat pies, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Moreover, we paid for the hotel’s breakfast which was an all you can eat buffet. The wide selection of buffet options could’ve been considered breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

Tea Time

Each afternoon, there are designated hours for tea time. This event takes place in an open lounge near the main lobby. For about $15, the waiter will bring you a variety of small sandwiches, scones, desserts and tea (or coffee). The best part is that it’s all you can eat.

Conclusion

This resort was Disneyland, minus Mickey Mouse and the rides. When I started this blog, I didn’t expect to do a post that resembled a review without being compensated. However, I didn’t expect to stay at a 7-star hotel, either. I wouldn’t share the experience without providing my readers advice on how you can stay at this type of property. In the next post, you’ll get advice on how you too can enjoy a luxurious experience.