Amenities are Everything
Tiny bottles of shampoo and a fully stocked min-bar no longer count in the world of hotel amenities. Today’s “must have” amenities vary by traveler and choice hotels are quick to cater to their market. Business travelers can now enjoy 24 hour business centers, dedicated conference rooms, fitness centers and the essential high-speed internet access. Planning to take the whole family on your next vacation? Be sure to find a hotel with child and pet sitting and mother/daughter manicures. Standing out in a sea of hotel options has become so imperative that many hotels have had to truly think outside the box when it comes to that little something extra.Mood Music
The boutique hotel, The Crescent, in Beverly Hills boasts in-room massage services, an outdoor living room for socializing, a library complete with CDs, DVDs, books and magazines and iPod minis loaded with custom playlists for every room. Love the music? The iPods are available for purchase or rental.
Peaceful Sleeping
The Hotel Max in Seattle, Washington, offers an amenity menu that includes the traditional coffees and teas, plush robes and valet parking. Add to that a couple of more unconventional menus – you’ll find a menu of pillow choices and a spiritual menu with inspiration for almost any religious or spiritual belief.
Kids are King
Where else but in Orlando, Florida, will you find one of the most kid friendly hotels in the business? The Nickelodeon Family Suites, owned by the Holiday Inn, is a pre-teen paradise. Kids get pampered with temporary tattoos at the Kid’s Spa before heading out to the Arcade where they can stay and play or rent PS2 video games for the room.
Her Space
The Hotel Fleming in Hong Kong recently launched a floor dedicated entirely to women travelers. In addition to fresh flowers and aromatherapy, the Fleming offers a few unique amenities to its female patrons. Your stay on the “Her Space” floor includes a jewelry box, leg massage machine, facial steamer and yoga mat.
The Kimpton Challenge
You never know what you’ll find at one of the Kimpton properties scattered across North America. Relive childhood pleasures with toys like Etch a Sketch and Silly Putty while you snack on candy necklaces, Pez and Lemon Heads. Your own pet goldfish keeps you company at the Hotel Monaco in Chicago, while the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco sends you home with a monogrammed telescope as a reminder of the beautiful bay views during your stay.
Even toiletries and mini-bars have been revamped in recent years. You’ll now find a virtual mini spa in your bath with brands like L’Occitane, Keihl’s and Crabtree & Evelyn. Planning to raid the mini-bar? Make sure your hotel has Red Bull, M&Ms and Luna Bars. But the best in mini-bars award goes to the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in South Beach, Miami, where you can order themed mini-bar packages for $50 – try the Rock Star, The Sweet Tooth or the Munchie Mania.