There’s something deeply satisfying about arriving at a hotel and feeling like they’ve been expecting you. Not in a “name-on-a-whiteboard” kind of way. We mean the chilled bottle already in your suite, the late checkout confirmed without a raised eyebrow, or the fact that your room seems suspiciously larger than what you booked.

These are the things that don’t show up when you book online.

At Swords Travel, we design luxury trips that go far beyond logistics — because the real difference lies in how you arrive, how you’re treated, and the subtle details that transform a hotel stay into something quietly unforgettable.

Thanks to our exclusive affiliations (one of which is with a private club called Little Emperors — think less fanfare, more finesse), we’re able to offer our clients added perks at some of the world’s most iconic hotels — from Rosewood and Belmond to the rarified elegance of the Oetker Collection. These aren’t one-size-fits-all ‘extras’, but thoughtful privileges that align with how, when and why our clients travel.

Think: upgrades at check-in (often guaranteed upon booking), daily breakfast, ideally somewhere with a view, spa or resort credits, for when the sun gets too much (or not enough), flexible check-in/check-out, because flights rarely consult with hotel policies, priority access to the rooms, tables, and treatments that tend to book out.

So whether you’re eyeing up a Belmond train through the Andes, a last hurrah at Eden Rock, or something wildly off-grid but flawlessly run, know this: you could book it yourself, but it won’t be quite the same. Ready for inspiration? Discover a few of the hotels we love — and how we make them even better.