So, is it a luxury room or not?

Recently I upgraded guests who had booked one of our Standard rooms to a room which I consider a Superior room. I was doing them a favour by giving them a free upgrade to our Room 1. Apparently the guest walked into the room and exclaimed in disbelief that surely this could not be considered a luxury room.

Yet, the last TripAdvisor review was from a guest who stayed in Room 1 and reads: "My husband and I stayed at Philda and Desmond Benkenstein's wonderful Bed and Breakfast for three nights. What a find! Breakfasts were outstanding, room more than comfortable and the hosting fantastic! There was an equal measure of privacy and excellent company which made us feel very much at home. Desmond's garden has been lovingly cared for and attracts a variety of bird-life. The attention to detail in the house is meticulous: I loved the silver coffee pots, decorative antique books and modern bathroom; my husband enjoyed attention from Juno the dog. We can't recommend this establishment enough ... and look forward to another visit in the not-too-distant future!"

Mohair blankets, top quality bedding and mattress, flat screen Samsung television, DVD player, coffee/tea making facility, microwave,safe, heaters, ceiling fan, ironing board and iron, heated towel rail,original art, Oriental carpets... The question remains - does all of that plus a fireplace entitle the guest house owner to call it a "Luxury" room? Luxury is relative I suppose. Desmond and I have stayed in some pretty luxurious hotel rooms - but then not at Bed and breakfast rates. We have also stayed at Guest Houses where we have experienced luxuries far greater than those offered by most 5 star hotels.

Just lately I have had negative review regarding another of our luxury rooms - the furniture was considered 'substandard', the extra length queen sized bed too small...You be the judge:

Lesson: learn and improve from constructive criticism, but at all times try to stay objective to negative criticism.