Guest Post Courtesy of Lorena Starkey for Interesting and unusual hotel features
Whether traveling for business or vacation, there are certain amenities that people typically expects from the hotels they stay in, perhaps continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi or complimentary shampoo/conditioner. Most travelers also assume that there will be further amenities offered by room service, generally at a fee. However, it is not too often that you encounter these strange and unusual amenities offered by some rather grand hotels.
Giraffes
If you stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, you may be greeted by these long-necked critters. Not only have they been trained to not be afraid of the guests, but also, they have developed the odd habit of sticking their necks through doors and windows to say hello. How’s that for a wake-up call?
Swimsuit Dispenser
Have you ever stayed at a hotel with a swimming pool only to realize you forgot to pack your swimsuit? Well, with the new vending machine at Standard Hotels that dispenses swimsuits, that’s no longer a problem. Just purchase a suit from the machine like you would a soda or candy bar.
Pillow Fight Supplies
Your children will love this amenity offered by the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach. You receive a bag of 30 tiny silk pillows, boxing gloves for kids and milk and cookies – everything your kids will need to have an enjoyable pillow fight, including a snack for afterwards. What kid wouldn’t like that?
Singles Awareness Day
Feeling a bit out of the social loop due to travel away from home, or even feeling down because you didn’t have someone special for Valentine’s Day? Well, here you go. You can enjoy casual Evening Socials at Minot Hyatt House with buffet and great conversation for fellow travelers, or there is even Singles Awareness Day at The Time Hotel in New York. They offer a complete package for throwing yourself a pity party: a table for one and a free double shot of booze, a supply of break-up movies, bottomless ice cream room service, complementary bottles of tequila and a box of Kleenex.
Tea Sommelier
The Lanesborough in London offers a tea sommelier for those who enjoy the afternoon tea service. You can learn all about the tea you are drinking, from the benefits it provides to techniques on how to prepare and enjoy it properly.
Soap Concierge Service
A guest at the Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico offers a variety of cleansing products, all created locally using organic ingredients. Whether you just need something to clean up or would like something more relaxing, you are sure to find a soap to fit your needs.
Pirate Service
For a fee of $45 per child at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, your child can have a pirate tuck him into bed, read him a pirate-themed story and gift him with a treasure chest full of goodies to boot. Arrggg, what fun, me mateys!
Bagpipes
The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California offers dinner music in the form of bagpipes, performed by an in-house piper. The piper performs every evening in front of the outdoor dining terrace.
Tartan Butler
At The Balmoral in Edinburgh, an on-site butler (in kilt) is available to help guests discover to which Scottish clan they or their ancestors belong. He will even work with a local shop to fit guests with kilts made from their families’ tartan.
Borrow a Pet
Staying in Chicago at the Hotel Monaco? While it caters to pets, particularly dogs, it also offers a service to those who are lonely because they had to leave their pets at home. Yes, they will provide a complementary goldfish to keep you company during your stay.
These hotels are going above and beyond to provide a unique experience for their guests. Some of these amenities are sure to create interesting and lasting memories.
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Lorena Starkey works with Minot Hyatt House to bring travel and extended stay hotel rooms to those looking for vacationing in Minot, ND or for temporary lodgings for oil field workers who come to the booming region.
