Travel Guest Post: 7 Surprises You May Encounter at a Luxury Hotel

Luxury hotels are known for exceptional service, amazing food, dazzling entertainment, beautiful rooms and breathtaking locations. Most people who often stay at luxury hotels enjoy these features time and time again. Eventually these luxuries can begin to feel commonplace. However, certain luxury hotels also have other, more unique amenities to offer. In many cases these services are not promoted, but if you know they exist, you could find your next hotel stay enhanced by a surprising new experience.

For example, the Alila Luang Prabang hotel in Laos offers its visitors transportation via a vintage Mercedes. This is a one-of-a-kind classic automobile that has been modified to accommodate more passengers, glass stands for drinking champagne, a radio and a television set. It is safe to say that everything but the outside is modern about this old, but beautifully updated vehicle.

Thistle Hotels has invented a “Lazy Sundays” package for those who are not morning people. This means that for people who have had a hard week of early mornings, Sunday can truly be a day of rest. This unique amenity is designed to make your Sunday morning leisurely, enjoyable and slow, with breakfast in bed, morning and early afternoon movies and a 6 pm checkout time.

For something truly unique, try a paragliding arrival to the Six Senses Hideaway at Zighy Bay in Oman. Visitors to this hotel have the option of arriving from the airport via air, water or land. If you are not interested in paragliding onto the hotel property, you have access to either speedboats or jeeps ready to take you to your destination with style. Either way, you will get to see the surrounding landscape in a unique and personalized fashion before arriving at your rooms.

Most luxury hotels try to accommodate every type of guest that may walk through their doors. At the Epic Hotel in Miami, this includes even those who are unusually tall. These people have special rooms designed just for them. Higher ceilings, longer beds, and bigger bathtubs are just a few of the unique amenities in this hotel’s “tall rooms.”

In honor of the Texas Rangers’ trip to the World Series, the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas announced a broad choice of baseball amenities at their location. They set up “baseball concierges” exclusively to answer questions about baseball and the Series. They also trained their regular staff extensively on baseball trivia and related information to prepare them to assist the crowds of visitors to the city for the World Series.

The Quincy Hotel in Singapore offers a variety of unique amenities free of charge to its guests. If you visit, you will be picked up from the airport in your own personal limousine with free WiFi internet. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your stay, as are complimentary cocktails and other drinks, such as unique cocktails. Complimentary laundry service is also provided by hotel staff.

Sushi aficionados will not want to miss the sushi classes at the Miami Beach Hotel. Here, you can enjoy one-on-one courses on the history of sushi and on how various types of sushi are created. Of course, this is right before you enjoy you own delicious sushi dinner that you helped make yourself.

Running a luxury hotel sometimes seems like a continual process of inventing progressively more creative forms of pampering and hospitality. As you travel to different destinations, sample the options available at the world’s finest luxury hotels — you might be surprised by what they have in store.

 Author: Post contributed by Kari Holton on behalf of Deals.org.uk

Travel Guest Post: Haute Chocolate Experiences Stir Chocolate Fantasies @ The Ritz Carlton

A delicious “Countdown to Valentine’s” Calendar inspired by rich chocolate in creative variations offers guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead stylish ways to celebrate romance in February. From candy-making classes for couples, to chocolate Spa treatments to cocktails, desserts and more, chocolate lovers are on notice to mark their calendars for rich, delectable experiences.

Wednesday February 1 – Chocolate and Cherry Facial
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Buckhead celebrates Valentine’s with a special facial offered the month of February. As luscious as its name, this facial begins with a cherry wine peel to exfoliate and firm, followed by a chocolate wasabi mask to stimulate circulation and boost collagen.
The result is a deliciously dewy and toned complexion. 50 minutes, $155.

Thursday February 2 – Chocolate Afternoon Tea, The Lobby Lounge
Specialties such as Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones, Flourless Chocolate Brandy Cherry Cake, Coconut Chocolate Frangipane and Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Torte are added to our traditional Afternoon Tea pastries, and guests may take home a chocolate keepsake.
Thursday through Sunday, February 2-5 and 9-12 from 2:30 to 4 pm, $34

Friday February 3 – White Chocolate Cherry Martini
Mixologist Christa Sladky created this romantic martini with house-infused cherry brandy,
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and Stoli® Vanil.
February 1-14 in The Lobby Lounge and February 2-4 and 9-11 in The Wine Bar, $14

Saturday February 4 – Haute Chocolate Bar
Our Haute Chocolate Bar will make winter your favorite season! Select from these dreamy chocolate blends, and add our irresistible garnishes to create your very own hot chocolate beverage:

  • Spicy Dark Chocolate, made with Valrhona Grand Cru Guanaja 70% chocolate
  • Milk Chocolate Caramel, rich and velvety
  • Red Berry Dark Chocolate, enhanced with a touch of red berry sauce by our pastry chef

    Garnishes: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Secret Spice; House-made Marshmallows;
    House-made Whipped Creams; Chocolate Shavings and Cinnamon Sticks

    Saturday and Sunday, January 14 through February 26, from 2:30 to 4 pm, $10

    Sunday February 5 – The Super Bowl of Chocolate
    The champions of chocolate desserts are added to our splendid Sunday Brunch.
    Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie, White Chocolate Lemon Bar andBaileys Milk Chocolate Cake made with Baileys® Irish Cream are sure to score winning points.
    11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59

    Monday February 6 – Chocolate Bark for Children’s Scavenger Hunt
    Children always get a special wristband when checking-in for an overnight stay denoting VIK (Very Important Kid) status, and enjoy complimentary ice cream and a prize upon completing a self-guided scavenger hunt. In February, children receive our house-made Chocolate Bark at the end of their quest.

    Tuesday February 7 – Breakfast Buffet with Chocolate Specialties
    Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffles, Chocolate Croissants and Chocolate Muffins are
    added to our daily breakfast buffet in The Cafe, Monday through Saturday, February 1-14. $27

    Wednesday February 8 – Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs
    Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon guides Club Level guests in an informal tasting of rich chocolates paired with her very special selections: Quinta do Noval, Tawny Port, “10 Yr Old”, Douro, Portugaland Cocchi, Barolo Chinato, Piedmont, Italy. The Club Lounge from 8 to 9 pm.

    Thursday February 9 – “Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate”
    Neiman Marcus presents informal modeling of the season’s “haute-est” fashions during Chocolate Afternoon Tea. All fashions and accessories are red or pink—the colors of the moment!
    Neiman Marcus is the premier shopping destination for finding the perfect gift
    for that special someone. The Lobby Lounge, 2:30 to 4 pm, $34

    Friday February 10 – Aztec Manhattan
    Mixologist Christa Sladky’s newest cocktail recipe includes bourbon, vermouth,
    house-made spiced cocoa nib syrup and Bittermen’s Xocolatl Mole.
    February 1 through 14 in The Lobby Lounge and
    February 2 through 4 and 9 through 11 in The Wine Bar, $14

    Saturday February 11 – “Haute Couples, Haute Chocolate” Candy-Making Class and Lunch
    Loving couples join our ingenious pastry chef Dallas Marsteller to make a luscious assortment of
    hand-rolled Valrhona chocolate truffles just in time for Valentine’s Day. After class, everyone enjoys
    a delightful three-course lunch in The Café. Class starts at 11 am, with lunch following.
    Limited to five couples only. $125 per couple, inclusive of taxes and gratuities

    Sunday February 12 – Haute Chocolate Sunday Brunch
    Magnificent chocolate sculptures grace our presentation of glorious chocolate desserts. Look for
    White Chocolate Lemon Bar, Whoopie Pie, Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie and Baileys® Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Cake. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59

    Monday February 13 – Love Potion No. 5
    This couple’s massage features an alluring mélange of five essential oils— cranberry, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and orange—and is offered all month. 50 minutes, $290.
    Cocoa Truffle Tea, a light cocoa-infused tea, is complimentary with spa treatments in February.

    Tuesday February 14 – “Two Hearts are One” Dessert in The Café
    Dessert becomes a romantic work of art: Valentine’s couples
    enjoy a chocolate dessert for two, which transforms into two hearts melting together. $14

    Guests may also select these a la carte selections from February 10 through 14:
    First Course: Lobster Raviolis with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Creamed Corn, Trout Roe, $24
    Entree: Smoked G.F. Swift Beef Tenderloin, Celery Root Purée, Apple, Bacon, Shallot Jus, $45

Travel: The World’s Highest Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong opened its doors on March 29th and dominates the skyline as the world’s “highest” hotel, as well as the 75th location and 16th location in Asia. The newest addition to luxury sits at the very top of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Hong Kong, occupying floors 102 to 118. Breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline can be seen from the posh new playground.
To enjoy yourself in the culinary department, indulge in three restaurants on the 102nd floor. Tin Lung Heen features refined Chinese food, Tosca is decadent Italian and The Lounge and Bar will have you relaxing around crystal fire pits.  To satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a chocolate-themed lounge named The Chocolate Library on the 103rd floor and a stylish patisserie located on the 9th floor. The Chocolate Library will let you experience chocolate breakfast, chocolate afternoon tea and chocolate drinks galore. The crown jewel could possible be Ozone, located on the 118th floor. Now know as the world’s highest al fresco dining, the modern restaurant will serve Asian tapas, signature drinks and a social scene like no other.
All 312 suites at the hotel have panoramic views of the city and harbor. Amenities include  WiFi, iPod docking stations, blu-ray DVD players and flat screen TVs. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is the ultimate in urban spa sanctuary experiences. Located on the 116th floor and featuring nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couple’s suites all with floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views, the spa will appeal to both residential guests and Hong Kong citizens alike and offer a true escape from the city some 16,000 feet below.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has one of the largest ballrooms in the city at 10,000 sqft. Elaborately decorated with a sea of crystal chandeliers, the décor of the Diamond Ballroom is suited to weddings, meetings and gala events.
In the bottom levels of the ICC, the one million square foot Elements shopping mall offers some of the finest shopping in Hong Kong with luxury brand names featured throughout this world-class, city-center location.
For more information: www.RitzCarlton.com/HongKong
Note: This article has been reprinted on Examiner.com