The Most Over-The-Top Hotel Amenities On The Menu

by Nabewise

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”2833,2831,2830,2836,2827,2826,2825,2823″][vc_column_text]In simpler times, free WiFi and warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in were perfectly acceptable hotel amenities–some even called them perks. But in what can only be described as a veritable arms race of concierges and insert-artisanal-product butlers, amenities at the world’s most luxurious hotelsare exceptionally–and unusually–extravagant.

Hotel shuttle services are usually far from glamorous, unless you’ve booked a stay at the Heidelberg Suites in the Rhine Valley region of Germany. Their VIP shuttle ferries you to and from the hotel in your choice of a Maserati or Porsche, so you always arrive in style quickly.

The Hammam at Royal Mansour in Marrakesh elevates the traditional Moroccan spa experience in a gleaming white marble palace.

 

Business travelers staying at the Heidelberg Suites in Germany commute in style with a VIP shuttle service. The vehicles? A Maserati and Porsche.

 

A Tanning Butler at the Ritz Carlton Miami takes sunbathing to a whole extra level of relaxing.

 

Reminiscent of a gentleman’s club, The Mandarin Barber at Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong is an urban retreat for men in need of a little grooming.

 

Private architecture boat tours are available to guests at The Peninsula in Chicago.

 

The Soap Concierge at the Viceroy Riviera Maya helps guests select the perfect artisanal creation.

 

Checking in at the Burj Al Arab nets you a gold iPad, but only for the duration of your stay.

 

The Benjamin hotel in New York offers a pillow menu–curated by their resident sleep expert–that includes selections for any type of sleeper.

 

The Fitness Centre at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora is not your typical hotel gym. Get your morning workout in with views of the Pacific and a gentle sea breeze at your back.

 

Enjoy an ocean view from your glass-bottomed bathtub at Six Senses Laamu.

 

At the Mardan Palace in Turkey, discerning guests are treated to 24/7 personal butler service.

 

Fragrance butlers at The Carlyle and other Rosewood hotels are available for a spritz of your favorite perfume or cologne.

 

If you’re in search of your Irish heritage, the genealogists at Doonbeg will do the research legwork and even set up visits to the village of your ancestors.

 

At the Hotel Monaco in Portland, a pet psychic will help sort out puppy ennui.

 

Surf Butlers at the St. Regis Monarch Beach teach newcomers how to ride the waves.

 

Schedule a private telescope showing with the resident astronomer at Primland hotel in Virginia.

 

At the 10-room Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Rothschild giraffes greet guests in the mornings and evenings.

 

Revelers are in luck at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans: the hotel provides a Recovery Concierge who administers hangover remedies.

 

At the Four Seasons Maui, schedule a private helicopter tour of the island.

 

For those getting a nip/tuck on the down-low, The Pierre offers a discreet post-plastic surgery package, including room service and use of the in-house doctor.

 

In simpler times, free WiFi and warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in were perfectly acceptable hotel amenities–some even called them perks. But in what can only be described as a veritable arms race of concierges and insert-artisanal-product butlers, amenities at the world’s most luxurious hotelsare exceptionally–and unusually–extravagant.

Hotel shuttle services are usually far from glamorous, unless you’ve booked a stay at the Heidelberg Suites in the Rhine Valley region of Germany. Their VIP shuttle ferries you to and from the hotel in your choice of a Maserati or Porsche, so you always arrive in style quickly.

There are concierges that secure reservations at the most exclusive bistros, and then there are those that help you select soap. At the Viceroy Riviera Maya, a soap concierge offers artisanal selections created by indigenous Mayan communities, with choices including rosemary, peach and chocolate.

Sun worshippers, prepare to take lounging to a whole new level. At the Ritz-Carlton in Miami, Tanning Butlers offer sunglass polishing, magazines, cold towels and sunscreen delivered straight to your chaise.

For the traveler who’s seen every terry bathrobe, scrumptious bubble bath and have had all manner of food-related spa services, there is a final frontier of travel perks, and it’s solid gold. A solid gold iPad, that is. At the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, guests receive a 24-carat iPad at check-in, from which they can order room service and peruse the spa menu. Alas, the Midas-touched iPad is merely a loaner, but take-home versions are available for purchase at the hotel’s boutique.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]