US Luxury hotels are working overtime these days to come up with innovative perks in an increasingly competitive market. For example:
- At the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., part of the Kor Hotel Group, there’s a new concierge. He’s called a “game butler.” His job is to assist guests playing the high tech Sony PlayStation games.
- At the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill, two 2006 Lexus LS 430 sedans are available to cart guests around town at no cost.
- The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine, is offering Chocolate Massages and Bath Combos. Afterwards, a professional bath butler runs bubble baths with chocolate scented bath salts.
At Casa Contenta, one of three Miami-based villa properties from Villazzo, guests can luxuriate with the ghost of Al Capone, the gangster who used to live here. Rents: $70,000 a week. - At the cliff-side Chanler in Newport, Rhode Island, guests can choose one of 20 suites modeled after distinct historic eras. The Gothic Suite, for example, has the look and feel of a medieval castle, including an antique confessional booth.
- Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is hiring Bija Bennett to do something a little different during turndown service. The author and yoga teacher is composing complimentary 11-mintue breathing and meditation tapes in place of mints or candies.
- And the European-style Le Meridien Sunny Isles in Miami Beach is offering 250 international daily newspapers.
Report by David Wilkening
