10 of the coolest secret hotel amenities
Maurice Savage/Alamy Stock Photo
When booking a trip, many travelers like to research the perks and bonuses that come along with their hotel stay. Luxury accommodations come with the expectation of top-notch service, stunning lobbies, decadent spa treatments, and well-appointed suites, but some offer amenities that go beyond the chocolate on your pillow at night or even complimentary car service.
Typically, above par offerings are advertised as a way of luring guests for an overnight, but most people don’t know that some hotels offer “secret” amenities. These features are so furtive that even seasoned travelers wouldn’t know about them unless seen first hand. The bonuses range in type from one-of-a-kind experiences to amazing take-home goodies and often reflect the local culture in a unique way. Think things like beekeeping, hidden menu items, surprise gifts, or the opportunity to hold a rare item that only few in the world will ever be able to touch.
To find out about these special experiences or gifts, guests would have to rely solely on word of mouth, be considered a VIP, or just be surprised upon arrival. Many of the secrets are so exclusive that even the concierge would be confused if you called and asked about them.
Luckily, Travel + Leisure has been able to dig up a few of these amenities to give you an edge when booking your next trip or simply feel like you’re part of some exclusive club.
VIP shopping at Bulgari
Maurice Savage/Alamy Stock PhotoBulgari Hotel in London offers tons of lavish amenities for their guests, but they really kick it up a notch for VIPs. Important guests are chauffeured to one of London’s Bulgari stores, which will open early or close late ensuring a private shopping experience.
Hold the World Series Trophy
Rob TringaliGuests in the new Fenway Park Suite at Hotel Commonwealth can have the World Series trophy delivered to the room and take selfies with it through the hotel’s partnership with Fenway Park. The suite starts at $1,000 per night and is full of priceless Red Sox memorabilia. You can also see into the stadium right outside on your private balcony.
Enjoy a soap concierge
Courtesy of The Viceroy Riviera MayaThe Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a signature complimentary amenity called the Soap Concierge where guests arriving at the resort are warmly welcomed with a “Mayan Blessing” and are personally escorted to their villa. Then the Soap Concierge arrives to explain and provide a variety of soaps, each offering a different sensory experience. Once guests make their selections, they receive personalized bars.
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