Luxury perks of the rich : Luxury hotel services
A tanning butler? How about a special guitar to jam with in your room? These hotels clearly had the 1 percent in mind when they designed these decadent services. Read on for a voyeuristic peek into the lives of the people who the 99 percent love to hate. (We'll give you a hint: It sometimes involves what's been called "the best job in the world").
Hotel: The Carlyle New York
The economic crisis might have killed many of the extras in some upscale hotels, but the Carlyle in New York keeps the bar high. This historic property pampers its guests from the moment they walk through the door, with the most unique amenity a dedicated person who transports you not only to your room, but to New York's golden days.
Hotel: Ritz-Carlton South Beach
Relaxing by the pool at the upscale Ritz-Carlton means not even having to do a lot, including caring for sunblock. ABC News referred to the gig as "the world's best job," and it could be one of the most envied in South Beach, a place known for sculptural figures and perfect tans.
Tanning butler + Ritz Carlton South Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has created an unusual profession: The Tanning Butler.
Affectionately known as the "world's greatest job," tanning butler duties include strolling around the luxury hotel pool and rubbing attractive people (and presumably unattractive people, but let's not think about that) with complimentary Hampton Sun products from 12pm to 4pm.
Hotel: Taj Boston
While the tanning butler at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach makes your pool experience easy and relaxing, the special butler at the Taj Boston makes it romantic and cozy.
What is the luxury service?
Guests staying in one of the hotel's gorgeous, stately suites are given a firewood menu (what kinds of wood are included?) to choose from and find their fireplaces lit when they return to their rooms at the end of the day.
Hotel: Rancho Valencia Resort, San Diego
Some hotels have free shuttle service to the airport, others a free house car, but few hotels offer guests the possibility of test driving one of the newest models of an upscale carmaker.
What is the luxury service?
The Rancho Valencia has partnered with the car company to offer this exclusive experience.
Kick out the jams
Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego has teamed up with a famous musical instrument manufacturer (which one?) to offer guests the ultimate rock experience during their stay.
parrot cay and como shambhala retreat butler service
Hotel: Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat | See photos
Need strawberries at 3 a.m.? Help with planning a day trip? The luxury service at the Parrot Cay on the Turks and Caicos Islands (where are they?) has your back if you're staying in one of the hotel's two-bedroom beach villas, or a larger unit.
Hotel: One&Only Palmilla Resort, San Cabos, San Lucas
one only palmilla resort yacht is available exclusive to guest
When planning a stay in the One&Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas (where is this?), you have to be well aware of what that's going to cost you (say, a fortune), but everything — from the rooms to the restaurants to the amenities — is on par with the most exclusive properties around the world.