Each hotel is being equally honored in no particular order.
When it comes to high-end amenity offerings, luxury hotels have long surpassed 800-thread-count sheets, private transfers, and personal butlers, adding to those mainstays unexpected experiences only accessible to paying guests (or inner-circle regulars). From secret speakeasies to a world-class recording studio (with A-list artists in residence!), these are the best luxury hotel amenities we’ve found from around the world.
Monogrammed Pillows at The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, New York City
The Carlyle practically invented the over-the-top amenity with its monogrammed pillow cases. Guests who book the revered Uptown Manhattan hotel’s top six suites (as well as anyone who has stayed more than 25 times at a Rosewood) are honored for their loyalty by receiving a turndown amenity they’ll surely want to steal: pillowcases beautifully stitched with their initials. Hotel seamstresses must make at least three for every guest (one for using, one for washing, one just in case it gets nicked); they are then stored in a dedicated room for future use. We challenge you not to steal yours.
Private Cinema at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Lucerne, Switzerland
Grab your popcorn and settle into one of the 69 leather armchairs on the second floor of the hotel to watch a first-run film at the Bürgenstock Cinema. The 2,000-square-foot theater was showing Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Napoleon at the same time the blockbusters were released to major movie theater chains, and always puts up first-runs. Because movies these days are so darn long, the hotel has placed a bar just outside the cinema doors so you can grab a Negroni during your viewing.
Refreshing Rooms at The Pulitzer, Amsterdam
Unless you have all the time in the world to spare, chances are you’re taking a redeye from the U.S. to Amsterdam. Equally plausible is that your room won’t be quite ready, as checkout time is a luxurious 12 p.m. But The Pulitzer has a solution: Refreshing Rooms. These four dedicated guest rooms are accessed by a sumptuous Arrival Lounge, and come with living-room-style furnishings, D.S. & Durge toiletries in full-size bathrooms, and WiFi. Freshen up, leave your luggage with the concierge, and explore the Venice of the North.
E-Foiling at Islas Secas, Panama
Part surfing, part gaming, this nascent sport lets you “surf” on even the glassiest of waters — which surround the exclusive Islas Secas archipelago. Guests are invited to try out the resort’s two e-foils at their leisure, though beginners will definitely want to work with the team to learn the ropes, get up on their knees then feet, and eventually soar. There is no time limit, so spend an hour or so a day, and by the end of a week you’ll be fueled by adrenaline (and battery power) and posting on your ‘Gram your newfound ability to fly.
Recording Studio at Deplar Farm, Iceland
Who knew remote northern Iceland claimed one of the world’s state-of-the-art recording studios? Through Music with Eleven, the leading collection of global adventure lodges allows guests at this 13-room retreat on the Troll Peninsula to sit in on a recording session at its on-site Fløki Studio with in-residence musicians (past artists include Portugal. The Man. and Guster), or even work with an executive producer to write and record their own pieces to vinyl. Out of practice? There’s a fully kitted-out stage hanging above the lodge bar where you can perfect your rendition of Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” before donning your headphones in the studio’s vocal isolation booth.
Secret Speakeasy at the Hotel Hassler Roma, Rome
The iconic five-star hotel set atop the Spanish Steps has some serious secrets, but the one kept closest to its vest is the Hassler Bar. The jewelbox of a boîte is tucked behind one of hotel’s restaurants and is done up in moody dark woods, blood-red banquettes, and gold-trimmed mirrors. Order a martini from the lengthy classic cocktail menu, most of whose offerings celebrate la dolce vita.
Art Concierge at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris
The Le Royal Monceau has been a beloved destination for artists since the Roaring Twenties. So it makes sense that the Philippe Starck-designed hotel would hire art concierge Julie Eugène to help guests create a custom cultural program during their stay. She’ll curate whatever artistic experience sets your heart alight, from private museum walk-throughs and curator-guided tours of exhibitions to one-on-one visits to artist’s ateliers, art galleries, or private collections. She can even orchestrate in-room music lessons.
Cover image courtesy of Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris; words by Heidi Mitchell
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