8 Low-Cost, Quirky Hotel Amenities That Grab Attention

Family pillow fights at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

For anyone who wants a fun pillow fight in their hotel room, the Ritz will provide 30 tiny silk pillows, miniature boxing gloves, mood-appropriate music and game suggestions….

“Prescription Pills” from the Roosevelt Hotel

At turn down service each night, a prescription pill bottle is placed on the nightstand. At first glance it looks a little odd – but don’t worry – it’s only filled with M&M candies….

Free Tattoos from Hotel Erwin

Catering to their countercultural clientele, Hotel Erwin is offering an “ink and stay” package that includes $100 toward a tattoo and a bottle of tequila to numb the pain [info PDF]. A $500 bonus is reportedly given if the tattoo says. “I Heart Hotel Erwin” — but I’m not sure if any guest has taken them up on that offer…

Room keys with subway pass from The Chaophya Park Hotel

Bangkok’s Chaophya Park Hotel provides their guests with room keys that double as one-day subway passes. Since the hotel lies along the MRT route of public transportation, this is a very cool amenity….

Loaner goldfish from Hotel Monaco

Guests feeling a little lonely can take a complimentary companion goldfish to their room to keep them company…

In-room guitar at the Hotel Preston in Nashville

For all you (wannabe) rockers out there, Hotel Preston can provide you with a guitar, a bottle of champagne, an iTunes gift card….along with a disposable camera to capture the fun….

Wandering Bagpiper at the Inn at Spanish Bay

Each evening, a bagpiper shows up around dusk, wandering over the dunes to end up performing on the patio. (I loving biking around this area, and know this makes for a fabulous experience – given the hotel’s natural setting by the ocean.)

Bath Sommelier at Fairmont Chicago

“For more than seven years, he’s been drawing baths for our guests. He currently offers hand-drawn baths in mint, milk, mud and sugar and seasonally offers baths with healing ingredients like chocolate, peppermint or citrus,” says Dana Weiss, the hotel’s director of public relations….

Bonus: Marching Ducks at The Peabody Hotel

Okay, I’m not sure if this should be classified as an “amenity” – but it definitely grabs attention. Since 1933, ducks march through the Peabody Hotel lobby daily at 11 AM and 5 PM – led by “duckmaster” Jason Sensat. When off duty they live at the “Royal Duck Palace” on the hotel rooftop.

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[Photo credit: Gilles Chiroleu]