Cleia Junqueira, coffee consultant at The Coffee Connoisseur Collective, believes that coffee is more than a drink in luxury hotels; it’s an experience. Here, she outlines the importance of specialty brews and unique coffee environments.

Coffee has the power to break the ice in conversations and catalyze the start of a new day. Beyond its intrinsic sensory qualities, coffee also serves as a perfect facilitator for human social interaction. Furthermore, we often consider it a ritual. While sipping a cup of coffee, we are sometimes, in essence, tasting the very ritual itself in each sip.

Realizing the importance of five-star coffee

Luxury hotel guests seek a superior coffee experience that meets their standards for flavor, comfort and excellence, whether in their room or a special coffee corner. The significance of this experience lies in the hotel’s ability to provide exceptional coffee that meets each guest’s individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, hotels offering five-star coffee prioritize the quality of their beans and the expertise of their baristas to maintain high standards. Selecting coffee beans based on flavor is essential, as it enhances the overall experience, ensuring a memorable coffee moment for guests.

The art of creating the perfect cup of coffee

It is absolutely crucial for all hotel employees aiming to deliver top-notch service to be skilled in serving espresso with crema and a perfectly foamed cappuccino. This skill should not be overlooked, as it is vital in the coffee preparation process at any hotel. In fact, mastering this skill is the first and most important lesson for anyone aspiring to be a barista. Unfortunately, not all five-star hotels prioritize the espresso bar as much as their wine selection, and many fail to invest in a high-quality coffee lounge. Moreover, serving quality coffee communicates a non-verbal message of warmth and hospitality to the guest. It quietly says: “Welcome to our hotel. We are thrilled to have you here.”

While home-brewed coffee, made with love and care, may seem like a lot of work, it becomes easy once mastered. However, hotel coffee comes with higher expectations that must be met. Cleanliness is particularly important. Guests need to feel confident that their cup and saucer are spotless. Additionally, those seeking a more luxurious experience often look for fresh, cold milk, sugar and sweeteners, though exceptional specialty coffee typically requires no additions. Lastly, the ambience plays a significant role. Moreover, a comfortable, welcoming space filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greatly enhances a guest’s overall experience.

Elevating the coffee experience in luxury hospitality

Luxury hotels are enhancing the coffee experience for guests by serving specialty coffees and creating unique coffee environments, such as in-house micro-roasteries. Consequently, guests enjoy freshly roasted, carefully crafted coffee prepared by skilled baristas. Additionally, hotels are offering interactive coffee tastings and workshops, immersing guests in coffee culture. This reflects a trend to prioritize coffee rituals that enhance the overall guest experience.

The significance of the coffee ritual is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced society. Most hotel rooms offer single-serve coffee, for example. However, when staying at a hotel, a five-star coffee is typically associated with top-notch service. Therefore, by elevating their coffee offerings, luxury hotels can create memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after their stay.