The most ridiculous hotel amenities we've heard of
Hotel services these days are as much a PR ploy as they are designed to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Take a look at the following for some over-the-top examples of quirky hotel guest indulgences.
Fragrance butler – At Vancouver’s tiny Hotel Georgia and a few other of Rosewood’s city hotels, there’s no need to monitor perfume bottles to make sure they’re less than 100mls when you travel because there’s no need to even pack them. A white-gloved fragrance butler bearing 10 fragrances (five for him and five for her) on a silver salver will knock on your door within minutes of you notifying the concierge your wrists need spritzing.
Pet psychologist – They’re said to be man’s best friend, and don’t some places treat them like it. Hotel deLuxe in Portland Oregon offers guests’ dogs acupuncture and even Reiki treatments, and has an in-house pet psychologist for guests to connect with their pets better.
Swimsuit vending machine - If you ever find yourself at the beach without a bathing suit, The Standard Spa Miami Beach has you covered with its poolside swimsuit vending machine. Just hope you get the size right first time.
Vibe manager – Everyone wants to have a good time on vacation, but employing a Vibe Manager solely for the purpose of keeping a pulse on the feeling, atmosphere and energy at the hotel might seem a bit of overkill. Some Hard Rock hotels and The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach have created a role of a connoisseur of vibe, paid to be the social catalyst at the properties by creating playlists and offering services such as both a cigar and mixology expert.
Choice of 20 Fender guitars – Who needs an in-room iPod, when one of 20 Fender guitars is available for free at Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel? You’ll need to leave a deposit but you can keep your chosen axe bedside until such time as you either take your band on the road or check out.
Sleep concierge – After paying all this money for essentially a place to sleep, why not get some guidance on how to do it right. The Benjamin Hotel has been a pioneer in the trend with an in-house sleep consultant who provides advice to adults and children. Kid-size bathrobes and pillows, storybooks and dolls are available. Kids are then rewarded with a certificate for sleeping well.
Pet goldfish – Were you forced to leave Rover behind? Well don’t fret. At Kimpton Hotels in the US, guests can request a stand-in pet. The Kimpton’s in-room goldfish can’t sit or fetch, but they can, if scientific studies are to be believed, calm nerves, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.