From hot-stone treatments at the on-site spa to gourmet meals delivered via room service, many hotels offer a variety of amenities to pamper you on vacation. But some properties go above and beyond to give their guests a dash of something extra to make their experience more memorable. Depending on your destination, these quirky offerings range from unique late-night snacks to unusual animal experiences. You likely won’t forget your stay at these eight hotels around the world with one-of-a-kind perks.
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The Peabody – Memphis, Tennessee
Guests of the iconic Peabody Hotel in Memphis can partake in an unusual tradition that dates back to 1933. Each day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can watch the hotel’s five resident mallard ducks march through the hotel’s elegant wood-paneled lobby accompanied by music.
It all began when hotel manager Frank Schutt and his friend returned from a hunting trip in Arkansas and jokingly placed three of their live call ducks in the fountain after consuming too much Tennessee whiskey. The guests loved it, and soon the mallards made the Peabody their permanent home. The hotel — arguably one of the most historic properties in the South — opened in 1869 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tradition Julen Hotel – Zermatt, Switzerland
This four-star Swiss chalet is nestled next to the iconic Matterhorn peak, but it also has some furry friends nearby. At Tradition Julen Hotel, which traces its roots back to 1910, guests can meet hotel owner Paul Julen’s flock of 300 or so Valais Blacknose sheep in a barn at the edge of the village.
From mid-December to mid-April, those who spend the night on Wednesdays can meet in the lobby at 5 p.m. to take a taxi to the barn to hang out with the sheep. In July and August, the sheep graze on Gornergrat, a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, so you may also encounter them on a hike through the area’s stunning nature.
Le Pavillon – New Orleans, Louisiana
If you find yourself in the mood for a late-night snack on vacation, Marriott’s Le Pavillon New Orleans has you covered. The hotel serves complimentary peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, hot chocolate, and glasses of milk every night in the lobby from 10 to 11 p.m.
The service began on September 10, 1988, when a guest ordered a single glass of milk from the bar and explained that he needed it to accompany his PB&J with his daughter — a ritual they shared every night. The bartender on duty was the general manager of the hotel, and he requested kitchen staff make sandwiches for the pair. Soon, everyone working that evening wanted one as well, and a popular tradition was born.
Hotel nhow – Berlin, Germany
Proclaiming itself Europe’s first “music hotel,” Hotel nhow Berlin is located in between the trendy neighborhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. The hotel’s design reflects its hip surroundings with bold magenta décor and stylish furnishings.
But the highlight for musically inclined guests is the ability to experiment with rhythm or see what it’s like to record a podcast in the property’s two available custom recording studios, available to rent for a fee. Featuring state-of-the-art sound technology, the soundproof studios have a breathtaking view of the Berlin skyline and Spree River — a lovely way to inspire your creativity.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston – Houston, Texas
You don’t need to worry about packing high-fashion accessories for your visit to Houston if you’re planning to spend the night at the Four Seasons. The hotel allows guests to rent a designer handbag on a complimentary basis for an evening through Vivrelle, a unique membership club on the property that rents out luxury handbags. Select from couture brands such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, and more. Opened in 1982 in Houston’s downtown business district, the five-star accommodation sure knows how to make visitors feel pampered.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport – Richmond, British Columbia
If you have an early morning flight from Vancouver or a late-night arrival and prefer to stay close to your terminal, Fairmont Vancouver Airport is a convenient option. And you don’t have to be an avian enthusiast to enjoy a complimentary bird-watching backpack, complete with binoculars, snacks for the trail, and maps.
The hotel is located along the British Columbia Bird Trail, one of North America’s best locations for spotting migratory birds making the journey between Patagonia and Alaska. The trail is the temporary resting place for blue herons, western sandpipers, snow geese, dunlins, and other fowl you likely won’t find back home.
The Carlyle – New York, New York
Your very own “fragrance butler” will help you select a scent by luxury perfume brands such as Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, and Tom Ford when you stay at the Carlyle, an upscale hotel by Rosewood on New York City’s Upper East Side. Guests can ring the butler at any time during their stay for a quick spritz to freshen up. It’s a great way to try out a new scent before you splurge at the mall back home.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – Nassau, The Bahamas
Downward dog and the child’s pose are certainly more relaxing by the beach, but at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, guests can say “namaste” to the hotel’s resident flamingos during an outdoor yoga session. The birds are friendly with fellow yogis and, of course, are also quite good at balancing on one foot. After yoga, be sure to explore the sprawling grounds of this luxury resort, which includes a water park.
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