Complementary, one-of-a-kind, locally significant welcome amenities from the properties of the Four Seasons Mountain Collection in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Whistler, in Vancouver, BC, Canada and Vail, Colorado mean business. Despite the cost involved with complimentary offerings, feedback from the property suggests guests actually end up spending more money in the hotel's F&B outlets as a result of the amenities.
At the Four Seasons in Vail, an unfinished piece of slate with chalk writing is the canvas for Manhattan glasses garnished with house-made cherry preserve by locally sourced Breckenridge (Colorado). Distillery Bourbon served in a barrel and freshly prepared caramel popcorn complete this high-end snack (see photo). Because the bourbon is made locally, it begs guests to book a restaurant reservation at the property's restaurant, Flame, to see what other local fare they can discover.
At the Four Seasons Whistler, a presentation set of house-prepared rubs arrives in a glass vessel worthy of display on the counter of even the finest kitchen. Chef Edison’s Medicine, a one-of-a-kind secret beef, poultry and fish rub from executive chef Edison Mays, is included in each set of rubs. Planners have booked bicycle tours, with Mays as their guide, to the farmer's market, followed by a cooking lesson and meal at his chef's table for an additional cost.
Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel in New York City just launched the “*Business Bar," where guests can borrow practically every technological gadget you can think for the length of their stay, including a selection of Apple products (iPads, iPad minis, MacBook Pros), reading tablets (Kindle or Nook), a digital camera, and accessories (headphones, chargers, wires). Another property in New York City, Ink48, has a "Forgot It, We've Got It --Runner's Edition" amenity kit with a map of the Hudson River running path, pre-loaded iPod Shuffle with headphones, energy bar and sports drink in room upon return.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village encourages guests to explore the region either on two wheels or by water, offering complimentary bikes and a water taxi. The resort recently purchased 20 new men’s, women’s and children’s bikes, and guests can pedal around the resort’s prestigious Tarpon Point community, or ask a staff member to lead them to the nearby butterfly garden with a packed picnic lunch. For those who want to explore the area on water, the property provides a complimentary water taxi to and from nearby Fort Myers Beach five times a week.
At the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle, (a Washington wine-themed Kimpton hotel) a local wine maker/winery will pour during the wine hour. This is a unique and fun experience for guests as they can get up close and personal with a wine maker, ask questions, and often taste vintages not for sale.
For foregoing housekeeping services, The Old Yacht Club Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in Santa Barbara, California is offering complimentary wine tasting for two guests at a local Santa Barbara Winery. No time for wine tasting? The B & B will give you a complimentary bottle of wine to take to your room, suite or cottage. The Doubletree Magnificent Mile will give patrons an $8 certificate for breakfast at Einstein Bagels in the hotel if guests forego two days of housekeeping.
Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas offers their signature hot tea welcome amenity in-room upon arrival for every guest. In addition, Nobu guests receive complimentary access to their 5,500-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center at Qua Baths & Spa, and complimentary VIP access to Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace.
At the Opposite House in Beijing, every day housekeeping leaves a small gift: A Chinese style wooden book mark, packets of facial masks, beautiful postcards and more. The free mini-bar includes soft drinks, beer and candy--including magnetic boxes filled with jelly beans.
Written by Jennifer Juergens.
