6 Hotel Amenities Everyone Should Try at Least Once

Image: PHOTO: A white-gloved butler opens a door. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: A white-gloved butler opens a door. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Thu November 19, 2015

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

While the average traveler can't afford to surround themselves with opulence on every trip, there are some things everyone should try at least once.

Here are six hotel amenities that belong on your travel bucket list.

Pillow Menu

What good is a hotel stay if you aren't able to come away with a good night's rest? Well, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and most other luxury chains actually offer guests a pillow menu that often includes various styles and scents of pillows to help you drift off.

In addition to items like masks and earplugs, Conrad guests can rent Amazon Kindles to read from as well as stuffed animals for cuddling purposes. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone.

Private Balcony

Depending on where you're going, a private balcony or patio has the potential to become your favorite amenity. Fresh air and views are underrated hotel features, and the latter will make you never want to leave.

If you're lucky enough to reserve a suite or villa, this outdoor space might even include a hot tub or plunge pool.

Shoe Shine Service

You might have to bring a pair of dress shoes with you on your trip in order to experience this timeless luxury amenity, but there's arguably no better way to travel back in time to see what it was like to stay like royalty a century ago.

If you're in London, take your kicks to the London Hilton on Park Lane for a quick shine.

But wherever you are, just remember to tip.

Jacuzzi Tub

Showers are undoubtedly relaxing, but while away from home, there's nothing like treating yourself with a warm bath. But don't just climb into any tub, seek out a deep Jacuzzi tub. Most of the time these are equipped with underwater jets designed to massage your stress away.

In that case its like having your own private hot tub in your room. And who doesn't want that?

Car Service

Uber may be the ground transportation of choice among many travelers in 2015, but you wouldn't bet on your driver pulling up in an Audi Q7 TDI.

At The James Chicago, guests receive complimentary luxury car service that includes a driver and a sweet ride. This way you can forget about the GPS and confusing maps and truly experience your destination.

In-Room Cocktail Service

Sure, the minibar is great. But a personalized minibar can't be beat.

At New York's Surrey hotel, for example, guests can request a personal lesson from a mixologist in their room. After the expert leaves, guests can try their hand at crafting the cocktail and then enjoy it in private. It doesn't get much more interactive or fresh than that.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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