These hotels clearly had the one percent in mind when they designed the decadent services below. Read on for a voyeuristic peek into the lives of the people that the 99% loves to hate. (We'll give you a hint: It sometimes involves butlers whose sole job is rubbing on sunscreen).
WHERE: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City
WHAT: White-glove elevator operator
The economic crisis might have killed many of the extras in some upscale hotels, but the Carlyle in New York keeps the bar high. This historic property pampers its guests from the moment they walk through the door, with bellboys, valets and a special concierge vestibule. However, their most unique amenity is the white-gloved elevator operator that transports you not only to your room, but to New York’s golden days.
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Miami
WHAT: Tanning butler
Relaxing by the pool at the upscale Ritz-Carlton means not even having to rub sunblock lotion on your body — there’s a designated butler for this. The guy’s job might be one of the most envied in South Beach, a place known for sculptural figures and perfect tans.
WHERE: Taj Boston
WHAT: Fireplace butler
While the tanning butler at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach makes your pool experience easy and relaxing, the Fireplace butler at the Taj Boston makes it romantic and cozy. Guests staying in one of the hotel’s gorgeous, stately suites are given a firewood menu to choose from, and find their fireplaces lit when they return to their rooms at the end of the day.
WHERE: Rancho Valencia Resort, Rancho Santa Fe
WHAT: Free Mercedes-Benz test drive
Some hotels have free shuttle service to the airport, others a free house car — but few hotels offer guests the possibility of test driving one of the newest models by Mercedes-Benz. The Rancho Valencia has partnered with the upscale carmaker to offer an exclusive Drive Program, which allows guests to go for a spin on a Mercedes-Benz during their stay. Plus, Mercedes-Benz owners receive extras such as room upgrades during their stay.
WHERE: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
WHAT: Free Fender guitar delivered to room
The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego has teamed up with guitar manufacturer Fender to offer guests the ultimate rock experience during their stay. Guests can choose from a menu of 20 authentic Fender guitars and basses, and ask front desk to have them delivered to their room at no extra charge. The Fender kit includes a Boss Micro BR Amp and Soul by Ludacris headphones. Plus, guests are given an iTunes voucher for a 10-song playlist upon checking in .
WHERE: Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and Caicos
WHAT: 24-hour personal butler
Need strawberries at three a.m.? Help with planning a day trip? The personal butler at the Parrot Cay has your back — if you’re staying in one of the hotel’s two-bedroom beach villas, or a larger unit. This personal assistant, assigned to you before you even get to the property, can do anything for you, from the basic concierge services, such as recommending places to go and activities to do during your stay, to taking care of your kids while you enjoy an evening out.
WHERE: One & Only Palmilla Resort, Los Cabos
WHAT: Private yacht for day excursions and entertaining
When planning a stay in the One & Only Palmilla, you have to be well aware of what that’s going to cost you (say, a fortune), but everything, from the rooms to the restaurants to the amenities, are on par with the most exclusive properties around the world. One of these features is a private yacht for guests to use. You can rent it for the day to visit the nearby beaches, watch the whales, or to surprise your significant other with a luxurious two-person dinner on board.
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.
