Travelers expect comfort and convenience from hotels, but some properties go above and beyond with truly unique amenities. From underwater suites to in-room oxygen bars, hoteliers worldwide are redefining hospitality with imaginative and sometimes bizarre offerings.
These unexpected extras aren’t just about luxury—they’re about creating memorable experiences that surprise and delight guests. Curious about what’s out there? Explore how hotels are pushing boundaries and discover some of the most creative amenities you never knew existed. For more inspiration, check out Condé Nast Traveler’s roundup of outrageous hotel amenities.
1. In-Room Oxygen Bars
Forget standard spa treatments—some hotels, like the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, take rejuvenation to the next level with in-room oxygen bars. These devices deliver purified oxygen, often infused with various scents, promising to revitalize guests after long flights or late nights on the Strip.
While some claim oxygen therapy can boost energy, reduce headaches, and improve overall well-being, scientific evidence remains mixed. Still, the novelty and convenience of having a personal oxygen bar in your room set these hotels apart from traditional wellness offerings.
2. Custom Pillow Menus
While most hotels provide a generic pillow or two, luxury properties like The Benjamin in New York take comfort seriously with extensive pillow menus. Guests can select from options such as memory foam, hypoallergenic, anti-snore, buckwheat, or even water-filled pillows, each designed to cater to unique sleep styles and health needs.
This personalized approach stands in stark contrast to the typical one-size-fits-all bedding found in standard accommodations, giving guests the opportunity to customize their rest for optimal comfort and a truly tailored sleep experience.
3. On-Demand Goldfish Companions
For travelers missing their pets or seeking a bit of lighthearted company, select hotels like Kimpton Hotels offer a quirky amenity: on-demand goldfish companions. Upon request, a staff member will deliver a goldfish to your room, complete with a tank and care instructions.
This charming service adds a playful twist to the guest experience, providing companionship without the responsibilities of traditional pet-friendly accommodations. Unlike standard pet policies that allow guests to bring their own animals, this unique offering ensures every guest can enjoy a touch of warmth and whimsy during their stay.
4. Soap Concierge Services
Elevating bathroom amenities to a luxurious experience, the Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a dedicated soap concierge. Upon arrival, guests are presented with an array of hand-cut, locally crafted soaps, each infused with natural scents and ingredients. The concierge helps guests choose the perfect bar, adding a bespoke touch to their stay.
This personalized approach far surpasses the standard, mass-produced toiletries found in most hotels, transforming a simple daily ritual into a memorable and sensory-rich experience that reflects the property’s commitment to individualized hospitality.
5. Underwater Suites
For an awe-inspiring twist on luxury accommodation, underwater suites like those at The Muraka at Conrad Maldives immerse guests in the ocean’s wonders. These suites feature panoramic acrylic walls, providing 180-degree views of vibrant coral reefs and passing marine life right from your bedroom.
Unlike standard ocean-view rooms that offer distant glimpses of the sea, underwater suites deliver an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience—guests can watch schools of fish drift by as they relax or fall asleep surrounded by the tranquil blue. It’s a surreal escape that redefines the boundaries of hotel luxury.
6. Robot Butlers
Hotels are embracing futuristic hospitality with robot butlers, such as “Botlr” at Aloft Cupertino. These autonomous robots deliver amenities like towels, snacks, or toiletries directly to guest rooms, navigating hallways and elevators with ease. The interaction is touchless and often delightfully entertaining, featuring friendly sounds and digital displays.
Compared to traditional staff services, robot butlers offer novelty, efficiency, and privacy, though they may lack the personal warmth of human attendants. This blend of technology and convenience is reshaping service standards and adding a playful, modern twist to the hotel guest experience.
7. Onsite Recording Studios
For musically inclined guests, some hotels provide more than just standard business centers—properties like W Hotels feature fully equipped onsite recording studios known as W Sound Suites. These professional-grade studios allow guests to write, record, and produce music without ever leaving the hotel.
Targeted at musicians, producers, and creative travelers, the offering is a far cry from typical recreational amenities, such as game rooms or fitness centers. With high-end equipment and soundproofed environments, these studios foster creativity and turn a hotel stay into a unique artistic retreat for guests wanting to make music on the go.
8. Bedtime Story Services
Some luxury hotels elevate family-friendly hospitality with thoughtful touches like bedtime story services. For example, The Ritz-Carlton offers young guests the delight of a staff member reading bedtime stories in person, often accompanied by milk and cookies. This charming ritual transforms a simple night into a memorable experience, offering comfort and reassurance for children away from home.
Unlike standard child-friendly amenities—such as playrooms or coloring books—bedtime story services provide personalized attention and foster family bonding, reflecting a deeper level of care and creativity in luxury hotel hospitality.
9. In-Room Tattoo Artists
Hotels are embracing bold trends by hosting in-room tattoo artists for adventurous guests. The iconic The Roosevelt in Los Angeles has featured pop-up tattoo studios, giving guests the rare opportunity to receive custom ink in the privacy and comfort of their suite.
This edgy amenity offers a memorable alternative to classic spa treatments, letting travelers mark their stay in a truly permanent way. Unlike massages or facials, in-room tattoos blend artistry and experience, making hotel visits unforgettable for those looking to commemorate their travels with unique body art.
10. Ice Room Experiences
Some luxury spa hotels add an invigorating twist to relaxation with dedicated ice rooms. The Spa at Grand Hotel de Bordeaux features a glacial chamber where guests can cool off after a sauna or steam bath, enhancing circulation and refreshing the senses.
Unlike standard spa amenities such as hot tubs or relaxation lounges, these ice rooms provide an extreme temperature contrast, inspired by traditional Nordic wellness rituals. The result is a unique, revitalizing experience that goes beyond the typical spa menu, appealing to those seeking both health benefits and a memorable sensory adventure.
11. Falconry Lessons
At historic properties like Ashford Castle in Ireland, guests can experience the ancient art of falconry through hands-on lessons. Under the guidance of expert falconers, visitors interact with majestic birds of prey, learning to handle and fly them across the castle’s scenic grounds.
This rare activity stands apart from standard resort offerings such as hiking or biking, delivering both cultural enrichment and a thrilling connection to nature. Falconry lessons not only provide unforgettable memories but also immerse guests in local heritage, making for a truly extraordinary outdoor adventure amidst Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes.
12. Hot Air Balloon Room Service
For guests seeking a magical morning, Loisaba Tented Camp in Kenya offers the extraordinary experience of breakfast delivered by hot air balloon. As dawn breaks over the savannah, a balloon drifts in, serving up gourmet delights with sweeping views of wildlife below.
This whimsical take on room service soars far above the standard tray-at-your-door, combining adventure, luxury, and unforgettable scenery. It not only satisfies culinary cravings but also creates a once-in-a-lifetime memory, demonstrating how some hotels transform even the simplest of services into breathtaking, world-class experiences.
Conclusion
These extraordinary hotel amenities prove that hospitality can be as imaginative as it is indulgent. From underwater suites to falconry lessons, hotels are redefining luxury with experiences that surprise and delight, far beyond the expected.
Such creativity encourages travelers to view their accommodations as a vital part of the adventure, not just a place to rest. As the industry continues to innovate, guests can look forward to ever more memorable stays. For further reading on unique hotel experiences, visit Travel + Leisure’s guide to the strangest hotel amenities.