The first time I stumbled upon a truly magnificent (albeit small) amenity, I was in Bangkok. I waltzed into my suite at the Mandarin Oriental, an American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts property, jetlagged and ready to collapse into bed, when I noticed something: a plush white pillowcase with four small, green letters embroidered into the side. It was my initials. You can trust that I fell asleep smiling that evening, because it's surprises like these, no matter the size, that set a great hotel apart from a wonderful one.
Then again, there are the larger-sized amenities that will (literally) sweep you off your feet. Check into the three-bedroom residence at Nantucket's White Elephant, and the concierge will hand over the keys to a sparkling-clean BMW X5 that you can use for the duration of your stay on the island.
Simply put, there's just something distinctly satisfying about entering a pristine hotel room, taking a look around, and then getting straight to the good stuff: those rare, over-the-top amenities. Here at Departures, we're all about luxury hotels that offer Instagram-worthy facilities, beautiful suites, and especially amenities that go truly above and beyond our expectations. We're talking top-tier toiletries, really nice hair dryers (pro tip: the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing has a super-powerful Dyson blow dryer in every bathroom), over-the-top snacks to graze on while reading by a cozy fire, etc.
But what about amenities that go just a bit further—the ones that are worth traveling for. We’re interested in those. Below, you’ll find our short list of hotel amenities that will have you returning to these properties time and again.
Monogrammed pillowcases at some Mandarin Oriental properties
Regular guests who return to select Mandarin Oriental properties over and over can expect to find their pillowcases embroidered with their monogram, in an elegant cursive font, upon arrival.
A Personal BMW at White Elephant on Nantucket
When you book the three-bedroom residence on Nantucket with White Elephant, your room comes with a sleek BMW X5 so that you can roam the island at your leisure—and in serious style.
Luxury jewelry at The Connaught in London
This iconic and elegant London hotel, another American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, has recently partnered with vintage jeweler Susan Chaplin to launch their Bijoux Box program. The box itself is a glamorous trunk crafted by Moynat. When guests check into their one-of-a-kind residence at the Mews, they can choose from an assortment of stunning, high-end jewelry to complete their evening outfit. And, of course, if they don't want to part with the pieces, they can purchase them via the hotel.
Personalized perfume at Il Salviatino in Italy
How does it sound to take a personalized perfume class? Stay at the stunning and historic Il Savianto in Italy, and you'll get a course at local perfumery, Aquaflor in Santa Croce, and come away with your very own handmade fragrance.
“Flip Flops within the Hour” at the Gates Key West in Florida
Guests can design their very own leather sandals from local designer, Kinos Sandals, and have the finished product delivered poolside or right to their room.
An In-Room Astronomy Setup at Holland Peak Ranch in Montana
Nature lovers will rejoice at the $7,000 astronomy set up at Holland Peak Ranch in Montana's Swan Valley. Guests can watch wildlife or gaze at the stars, thanks to an in-room set of binoculars, a telescope, and a special stargazing map.
