Buzz
While most hotels provide packages aimed at improving a guest's stay and overall experience, certain resorts take it to the next level with truly lavish offerings. From the unusual to the downright eccentric, these hotels have found that these unique extras are precisely what they need to stand out from the competition.
Surprisingly, guests are eager to pay premium prices for these services. No matter how peculiar or extravagant the offerings might seem, visitors can rest assured they’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience and gather some truly one-of-a-kind stories to share.
10. Happy Guest Lodge
The name truly speaks for itself. At the Happy Guest Hotel in Warrington, UK, the staff is dedicated to ensuring guest satisfaction. They go above and beyond to achieve this, even if it means catering to the needs of a solitary traveler.
The hotel offers a distinctive service—a goldfish as a sleeping companion. For £5, guests can enjoy the company of a goldfish named “Happy,” which is placed in their room during their stay.
According to the hotel’s website, the world-famous goldfish offers companionship for the evening and brings a sense of joy, creating a uniquely pleasant atmosphere. Guests can reserve Happy online in advance to ensure their finned friend is ready and waiting upon arrival.
Why choose a goldfish?
The hotel’s owner believes this small fish offers a sense of comfort, a listening ear, and unconditional affection after a long day. The owner notes that guests might even feel a sense of longing for Happy between visits. But don’t worry—Happy or a substitute will always be available for your next stay.
9. Family Pillow Fight Package
Merging the charm of a slumber party with the luxury of a five-star resort creates an ideal blend. The Ritz-Carlton, renowned for its exceptional service, consistently goes the extra mile to elevate the guest experience.
The Ritz in Palm Beach, Florida, takes it a step further for families with its family pillow fight package. Priced at $60, this package includes a set of satin pillows, a CD, and a book of family-friendly games designed for shared enjoyment.
While the price may appear high, the Ritz emphasizes that this package fosters family bonding through fun and feathers. The included CD features upbeat tracks like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” to energize participants and set the tone for a lively pillow fight.
8. Swimsuit Vending Machines
We’ve all experienced the frustration of packing in a rush and leaving behind essential vacation items, such as a swimsuit. To prevent guests from either swimming in their birthday suit or resorting to the often lackluster options at the hotel gift shop, the Standard Hotel chain has introduced an ingenious solution—a swimsuit vending machine.
The vending machine features well-known brands like Quiksilver, offering stylish options for both men and women. With a variety of sizes and colors, the designs are tailored to reflect the aesthetic of the hotel chain.
The machine even prints the names of local hotspots on the waistband, allowing guests to explore the area after a swim. However, these trunks and bikinis come at a premium, with prices starting at $75 for those who forget their swimwear.
7. Dog Surfing Lessons
The Su’ruff Camp at Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa provides a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing our four-legged companions to catch some waves. Located in San Diego, this surfing camp is tailored exclusively for dogs, giving them the chance to ride the waves instead of chewing their toys. The surf academy’s founder is convinced that every dog has the potential to surf—it just requires a bit of guidance.
The resort hosts an annual dog surfing competition, welcoming all breeds to showcase their skills and vie for the title of top surfing dog. Additional pet-friendly amenities include dog walkers, pet sitters, and a dedicated room service menu featuring a variety of canine treats. At Loews, pets are treated as genuine VIPets.
6. Fragrance Butler
Ensuring guests have the ideal fragrance is a priority for the Rosewood Hotel staff. This is a particularly smart strategy, considering TSA regulations restrict the volume of liquids passengers can carry on flights.
Rosewood Hotels has crafted an exquisite olfactory experience, featuring a fragrance butler who presents an array of premium perfumes and colognes.
Available around the clock, the butler offers luxury brands like Hermes, Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior. Each hotel curates a selection of scents that complement the resort’s ambiance. Guests can simply summon the butler, who arrives with a silver tray to fulfill their fragrance desires.
5. Bird Delivers Engagement Ring
At Ireland’s Ashford Castle, guests planning to propose can deliver the engagement ring in an unforgettable way—via an owl. Dingle, a European eagle owl residing at the castle since 1999, has talons large enough to carry a substantial ring.
The castle is home to many birds, as it hosts a falconry school. Guests can participate in classes to learn about the ancient art of falconry. Among all the birds, Dingle is the most beloved, likely due to his romantic role in proposals.
The hotel’s three-night proposal package features a couples’ massage, champagne, a boat excursion, a candlelit dinner, and the highlight—Dingle flying in to deliver the ring. Priced at approximately $2,000, this unique service is highly sought after, offering one of the most extraordinary ways to propose.
4. V-Day Haters Package
A hotel chain has introduced a clever “I Hate Valentine’s Day Package” for guests who prefer to celebrate the holiday in their own unique, unromantic way.
For those choosing to spend the holiday alone, Night and the Time Hotels in New York offers a specially curated evening. It starts with a solo dining experience at the upscale Serafina restaurant, where guests receive a complimentary double shot of liquor upon arrival. If guests prefer to stay in, the hotel provides 24-hour access to the “adult entertainment” channel for added enjoyment.
The housekeeping team also offers a unique “Love Hurts” turndown service, complete with black candles, a box of tissues, two mini tequila bottles, unlimited ice cream, and a selection of breakup-themed movies. To cap it off, the hotel serves breakfast in bed the next morning along with a few self-help books for reflection.
3. Robot Staff
Technology continues to amaze us with its advancements. At Japan’s Henn-na Hotel, a robotic staff assists guests with every need, from check-ins to carrying luggage and even brewing coffee. These robots, called “actroids,” are a type of humanoid robot.
The actroids are designed to resemble young Japanese women, complete with realistic hand gestures, facial expressions, and speech. They can laugh at guests’ comments and seamlessly switch between languages like Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Developed at Osaka University and produced by Kokoro, the company behind Hello Kitty, these human-like robots have been in development for over a decade. The university continually enhances their capabilities, including software that allows them to detect moods.
2. Personal Oxygen Devices
While Boston’s air quality is better than many major cities worldwide, the Revere Hotel in Boston has introduced personal oxygen devices (PODs) for its guests.
Available for $40 each in all suites, the PODs contain just 2.5 ounces of oxygen, providing approximately 40 breaths. This translates to $1 per breath, making it a premium offering.
The hotel describes the 18-centimeter (7 in) oxygen bottle as sleek and travel-friendly, easily fitting into a handbag. The POD delivers a revitalizing dose of pure, clean air, ideal for rejuvenating weary travelers. It’s designed for one-handed use and requires minimal effort to operate.
1. Best Man For Hire
South Carolina’s Wild Dunes Resort offers a Best Man for Hire service, ensuring the groom isn’t left without a companion on his wedding day. The hotel emphasizes that the groom deserves as much attention and pampering as the bride traditionally receives.
The Best Man for Hire package is designed to provide the ultimate wingman. This stand-in best man excels at everything, from delivering a flawless speech to performing CPR if a guest encounters an emergency.
Couples opting for this service clearly have a sense of humor and a generous budget, as the costs are steep. The groom can expect to pay $150 per hour, $650 for half a day, $1,000 for a full day, or $2,000 for an entire weekend.
