Why is this so hard for some to understand? Some people aren't comfortable when they visit friends who have new white carpet and upholstery and clearly put napkins down whenever they move a glass.

Some people aren't comfortable in a restaurant where there is a host seating you, a captain, a wine steward, and a couple of additional waiters. It's just too fussy for them and they would be far more comfortable just dealing with one person -- or even doing a buffet or cafeteria where they don't have to interchange with anyone.

Some people want to go to their hotel room, sit in their underwear, prop their feet up on a coffee table, plunk a bottle of water down on a table, and just relax, and some people do not feel comfortable doing that on fine upholstery and with elegant antique furniture.

Some people refuse turn down service, thinking it's a total invasion of their space.

Some people aren't comfortable in a hotel where you are greeted by three people on your way to your room who constantly ask if they can do anything for you. Some people love that attention, others find it obtrusive.

I even know a couple who stayed at a small three star Paris hotel who HATED the fact that they greeted them by name whenever they entered. They felt their privacy was being invaded and the staff was being too familiar.

We all have different "comfort levels". And while some people can't understand why everyone wouldn't prefer that level of opulence or service, it really ISN'T always about money!

Some people love room service, maybe even breakfast in bed. I despise that and find nothing more depressing than food wheeled to my room and eating there -- even it is is the Presidential Suite.

I really do understand. While I do still enjoy a 5 star hotel from time to time -- it would not always be my choice -- even if free! And if I had all the money in the world, I still wouldn't feel comfortable driving around in a Rolls Royce. Nor having a butler or valet hanging around me all the time.
Or even a chef coming in to do all my cooking. I'd HATE those things.

As a $100-$150 per night traveler, I can tell you that 5* hotels are not even on my radar. But I can relate to those who say they wouldn't feel comfortable staying at one. I'm guessing it's the same reason why I don't like eating at fancy restaurants. I feel like I'm a) playing a role that doesn't fit me b) spending my money, even if I have it, recklessly and c) trapped in a weird parody of being a grown-up who goes to fancy restaurants--I find it hard to take it all seriously. I suppose I'm revealing more about my own psychology here than anything about high-end dining or hotels, but that's that. Give me my oeuf et crudite baguette in Luxembourg Gardens and I'm just as happy as anyone at Jules Verne. Same with my cozy room at the Hotel Familia.

I am a 37 year old woman. I most often travel alone and I have stayed every where from hostels to 5 star places. For me, it depends on the purpose of the trip. As an example, last November I spent 2 weeks in Rome. For the first part of the trip, I stayed at Hotel Columbus near the Vatican. I was very busy sight-seeing not enjoying the hotel. (Although the hotel was fine. I wouldn't call it luxurious or somewhere I wanted to spend hours hanging out.) I spent two nights in Naples and then returned to Rome. I spent 2 nights at the Hassler. I found a great deal on it on the internet. For this part of the trip, I wanted to enjoy the hotel, shop, relax.

Finally, I find that in a truly luxe place, the service is never intrusive. It is friendly and adjusts to your individual needs. I have had much snooty service from mid-level places with pretensions of grandeur than at any truly 5 star place I have stayed.

In my starving student days I stayed in all manner of hostels and spent more than a few nights for free outdoors. (Does anyone else remember the free Olympic field in Rome?)

Now we are staying at 5 stars, mostly thru points acquired thru corp. travel. I can't say whether I had a better time traveling with a backpack and no reservations, or going first class now. Travel is always what you make of it.

I genuinely love luxurious bedding, bathrooms, and the tranquility of the 5 stars after a day of shlepping around sightseeing, however. To not enjoy, and appreciate, our hard earned money seems silly. Sort of like being offered a gondola in Venice and saying, "Oh no thank you. I'd rather swim".

If the above opinion allies me with the Ancien Regime so be it. You can start the tumbrel rolling, and get out the guillotine, just give me one more night at Shutters on the Beach!

Just realized my reply didn't answer your question: Who stays at 5 star hotels?

There are a fair number of guests who travel internationally on business. The preponderance of these jobs appear to be in sales. Large corporations often have deals with certain hotels and get rooms at a reduced rate. It also makes sense for corporate travellers to have reliable internet access, FAX machines, etc. 5 stars also have ballrooms and meeting rooms available. These hotels can cater to a single traveller or a convention.

I've also noticed an increasing number of wedding parties at 5 stars. So I assume event planning is a career with access to 5 star perks.

Truthfully, the guests seem to run the gambit. Old & young, families, couples. The only thing I've noticed they all have in common, is very nice shoes.

I hope you get to stay at the Hotel Splendido in Portofino one day I always say, "If you dream, dream BIG". Go for it!