Luxe, Luscious Hotel Amenities
It’s summer!; time to come out of hibernation and really indulge yourself; especially if you’re going on vacation. But when you’re comparing hotels for your glam getaway, make sure they have amenities that are perfect for a princess because these days trinkets like shampoo, soft towels and 400-thread count sheets are sooo passé. Here is the real deal in modern-day luxury hotel amenities around the world.
Cars
Lease a $400,000 Maybach 62 or a $325,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom at the Four Seasons in Manhattan. Tokyo’s Conrad hotel has Mercedes Benzs, BMWs or Lincoln Escalades at your disposal. The hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan offers a free luxury sports utility vehicle complete with TV to shuttle guests around town; the Peninsula in Beverly Hills and Mandarin Oriental hotels use Land Rovers and Lexuses to transport guests. But you better believe that these perks are factored in your room rates. All these hotels have rates that start at $550 per night.
Cooking
Hotel Villa San Michele in Florence in Italy dates from the 15th century and its facade was reputedly painted by Michaelangelo. Recognized as one of the most romantic places in the world, this former monastery nestled on a hilltop is surrounded by gardens and overlooks the city of Florence. It also has one of the best cooking schools in the world, Bueno Buonissimo. Known to gourmands all over the world, renown chefs like Attilio di Fabrizio, Corrado Corti and Renato Piccolotto are happy to hold lessons here and as a guest you can work on recipes and meals from beginning to end. The deliberately restricted number of participants ensures that each guest will have individual attention.
Sweet and Unique
Has your little princess been there done and done that? She’s so spoiled that nothing fazes her anymore? Well we think she’ll be dazzled by New York’s Plaza hotel’s ‘Live like Eloise Slumber Party’ package. Up to six young ladies get to enjoy an evening of Eloise-style adventure and be the princesses of the Plaza. The package includes overnight accommodations in a Plaza Suite, $25 gift card to the Eloise shop at the Plaza, Super-Duper sundaes from in-room dining plus a host of other perks. Cost: $3700 per night.
Other cool perks
At the Loews Annapolis Hotel guests can "borrow" the hotel's Labrador Retriever Luke. It’s a great perk for guests who miss their pooches at home or are just in need of a little doggie TLC. You can take Luke for a walk, a jog or even a sailing excursion at no charge.
Check out the Sex & and the City package at the Manhattan Muse Hotel where guests are taken to some of the character's favorite haunts. Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, the hotel is in the center of all things Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.
At the Waldorf Astoria in NYC, frequent travelers can leave a set of personal belongings at the hotel. Every time they return their garments will be freshly laundered or dry cleaned and hanging in the closet of your room.
And certain Ritz Carltons will forward your luggage to your next destination. Hands free flying. Sweet!
