I stayed in 5-star hotels for the first time after years of booking cheap Airbnbs. Here are 15 things that surprised me.

I stayed in 5-star hotels for the first time after years of booking cheap Airbnbs. Here are 15 things that surprised me.

The author in front of the five-star St. Regis Aspen Resort in 2022.Monica Humphries/Business Insider In one year, I stayed in six five-star hotels in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It was my first time experiencing luxury hotels. Before, I stuck to Airbnbs and affordable hotels. Staying in luxury hotels came with surprising perks like free minibars, town cars, and hiking gear. Whether exploring Banff National Park to see some of th…