London - When it comes to spending a night in the lap of luxury, the days of complimentary bottles of fizz and monogrammed robes are no longer cutting it. Some guests want more – a lot more – from their hotel’s amenities.
And hotels are willing to do whatever it takes to cater to their guests and outdo the competition. That leaves plenty of room for the bizarre, as you’ll see from CNN’s list of the world’s oddest hotel amenities.
Kidnapping and picnic
Fiji’s Namale Resort & Spa has come up with an unusual way to usher couples to a romantic picnic in paradise.
At some point during each couple’s stay at the resort on stunning Vanua Levu island, they are “kidnapped” and taken to a surprise location for a private four-course picnic.
Ring-delivering owl
Who knew popping the question could be such a hoot?
Ireland’s Ashford Castle is home to Dingle, a resident owl trained to swoop in with an engagement ring around his neck.
Located on the shore of Lough Corrib in the village of Cong, the medieval castle has hosted an array of dignitaries and celebrities, including King George V, former US President Ronald Reagan, members of The Beatles and actor Brad Pitt.
Sunshine butler
The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier, Jersey, is taking poolside pampering to a new level.
A sunshine butler is on hand to polish sunglasses and hand out sunscreen, face and foot misters, iced towels and watermelon as guests relax on poolside loungers.
Wake-up calls from celebrities
If you’re a fan of country music, Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Centre can get you started on the right note.
Guests at the Music City hotel can receive a recorded “rise and shine” wake-up call from some of the genre’s top stars.
Once they’re out of bed, they can watch country music’s biggest names perform next door at the Grand Ole Opry.
Pet goldfish
Kimpton Hotels has a solution for guests who are missing their pets or feeling lonely.
The US chain’s “Guppy Love” programme will put a goldfish in a customer’s room for the duration of their stay.
The amenity could be helpful for those who are on a stressful business trip, as aquariums can supposedly reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.
Sleep concierge
Having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep? If counting sheep isn’t working, why not book a room at The Benjamin?
The Manhattan hotel has an in-house sleep expert, author Rebecca Robbins, whose team offers guidance to guests of all ages under its “Rest & Renew” programme.
Guests can order a specific pillow off a menu, bedtime snacks or a power nap kit.
Dog’s delight
A US hotel chain has gone to the dogs – and cats and other furry creatures. Provence Hotels offers packages that cater to guests’ pets – with everything from in-room massages to reiki treatments included.
The pet-friendly hotels also have in-house pet psychologists, grooming, dog walking and pet acupuncture.
Fragrance butler
Guests who need a little spritzing up are in luck if they’re staying at some Rosewood-owned hotels, including Vancouver’s Hotel Georgia.
A call to the concierge will send up a fragrance butler who carries 10 fragrances (five for women, five for men) on a silver platter. Guests can choose from high-end brands.
'Manta-on-Call'
Guests who want to swim with manta rays and whale sharks only have to sit near the phone at this hotel.
The Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru at Baa Atoll, a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, has a “Manta-on-Call” service that will notify guests of sightings during the peak season.
Once a sighting is confirmed, a speedboat will ferry guests to hotspots. – Daily Mail