People who work in 'luxury' industries (5-star hotels, fine dining, high-end brands), what is a complete rip-off that rich people happily pay for?
Ever wonder why a $350 dinner feels like a small fortune, while a latte at the corner café is just a “just one more cup” expense? Welcome to the world of luxury where a chef’s kiss is literally a high‑five and a pillow selection is a life‑changing decision. Below is a deep dive into the extravagant side of hospitality—complete with a 17‑course New Orleans feast and a luxury train that offers you a pillow menu after your coffee.
The Commander's Palace Conundrum
Imagine stepping into a place that looks like it was designed by a committee of interior designers, pastry chefs, and a guy who thinks “yellow wallpaper” should be a mood. You’re nervous, you’re on a $350 bill, and you’re about to be served a meal that will either make your taste buds weep or your bank account cry.
Plot twist: You’re not just eating. You’re on a 17‑course chef’s choice journey that includes foie gras, raw rainbow trout thin enough to double as a window, and lobster bisque paired with South African sparkling wine. The wait staff moves like a well‑tuned orchestra—serving, removing, timing every plate like a choreographer rehearsing for Broadway.
At the end, the chef—apparently a man who has seen too many Michelin stars—comes out to greet you with a signed menu and a free dessert that’s basically a strawberry experiment. The strawberries were about to go out of season, so they’re now the “dessert of the gods.”
Takeaway: The staff loves that you’re genuinely excited, not just going through the motions. They’ll notice your enthusiasm and reward you with a dessert that could have been a national treasure. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re part of the restaurant’s secret society—minus the secret handshake.
Luxury Train: The 65‑Step Service
Now, let’s hop on a luxury train where the service is so detailed that you might need a map to navigate the “pillow menu.” The train’s staff has 65 steps to ensure that every guest is perfectly comfortable. One passenger might mention they woke up with a sore neck, and a few minutes later, a personalized pillow selection appears in their carriage.
It’s the difference between a standard coffee and a latte that remembers your favorite sugar level. The crew’s mission? Make sure that every single detail—from the napkin fold to the pillow firmness—delivers an experience that feels like a “trip of a lifetime.”
The Bourdain‑Hagerty Connection
A side note: the last paragraph of this story reminded someone of a tale featuring Anthony Bourdain and Marilyn Hagerty—two folks who prove that appreciating the human side of hospitality can make even an Olive Garden feel like a five‑star restaurant. The moral? When staff genuinely cares about you, the experience transcends the price tag.
Comments (Re‑imagined)
The last paragraph reminds me of story with Anthony Bourdain and Marilyn Hagerty, who wrote a positive review for the local Olive Garden.
Hagerty’s piece is an epic example of being appreciative of the real human side of hospitality.
A friend of mine works on a luxury train and this is very similar to what he says - he's either serving billionaires and celebrities or people who have saved up their entire lives for their trip. He's got 65 required service steps for every guest every morning, and passes the information along as needed - so if the guest in room 6 mentions that they woke up with a sore neck when he's asking how they slept as he pours their coffee, they'll find a pillow menu in their room later that day so they can choose a new pillow for that night.
Hospitality at the highest level is about care and attention to detail. Sure, the people who are used to it don't really notice it happening, but the people who saved up for that trip? They notice it all, they feel special, and they get the trip of their lives because everybody helping them feels responsible for giving them the experience they dreamt of.
TL;DR
Rich folks pay big bucks for a dinner that feels like a choreographed dance and a train that offers them a pillow menu. When the staff genuinely cares, you’re not just served—you’re celebrated.
🥂🍽️🚂