In-room coffee makers, Wi-Fi, a bottle of water and, sometimes, complimentary nationwide phone calls are now among the standard amenities travelers will find included with most hotel rooms.
But to stand out — and in many cases, justify — the sometimes hefty “resort” or “convenience” fees many properties now tag onto bills, hotel guests are being offered more offbeat and intriguing perks.
For example, the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda offers complimentary daily garden and Hamilton Harbor tours. And the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco offers built-in oxygen systems in every room and coca leaf tea to help guests acclimate to the high altitude in Peru.
From hairdo help and loaner athletic gear to culinary classes and cuddle time with chickens, we found a wide variety of unusual amenities being offered to hotel guests.
Hairdo help, sparkling wine and shopping bonuses
Located near Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market and the Puget Sound waterfront, the Thompson Seattle welcomes guests with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Perks build from there with complimentary blow outs and bang trims at a nearby salon; tickets to area attractions and museums (when available) and the Uncovered Seattle program, which secures discounts and/or bonus offers for guests at a dozen downtown boutiques, jewelry stores and spas.
Sparkling wine at Thompson Seattle
Courtesy of Thompson Seattle
“We are passionate about being an authentic part of our neighborhood and community,” said Amanda Parsons, general manager of Thompson Seattle. “That’s why we curated our guest benefit program to be a truly local experience encapsulating the best of our surrounding neighborhood.” (Rates start at $279. Daily “destination fee”: $25.)
Gear shed with hoverboards, cameras and guitars
In Oregon, The Hotel Zags Portland fits into the Rose City’s hipster scene with complimentary perks that include a gear shed filled with everything from bicycles and basketballs to hoverboards, skateboards, guitars, fishing poles and cameras.
Gear shed at The Hotel Zags
Harriet Baskas
An astrology program is a part of a its soon-to-launch lobby events. It also offers art classes in the hotel’s “living wall” courtyard and “forest bathing,” which is a walk in the city’s greenery. Hotel guests also get one $15 mini-bar or hotel sundry shop credit each stay, access to an elaborate game room and passes to a nearby gym. (Rates start at: $199. Guest amenities fee: $24 per day.)
Fairy houses and Whiff Walks
In Vermont, summer and fall guests of the Woodstock Inn & Resort are offered a bounty of free classes and complimentary tours at the resort’s 3.5 acre, certified organic Kelly Way Gardens.
In addition to nibbling tours and aromatherapy Wellness Whiff Walks, guests can try to spot the fairies living in tiny houses made from repurposed gourds.