Online - September 18, 2004

Devil in the Details

The Best Hotel Perks

Back in the day, you felt like royalty when you found a mint on your pillow. Now, truffles at turndown are a dime a dozen. Little things still count; the stakes have just been raised. So we begin our new Saturday DailyCandy Travel edition with what will become a recurring look at the best (quirkiest, coolest) on-the-road perks.

Best Do Not Disturb Sign
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
At Gordon Campbell Gray’s latest over-the-top resort, a conch shell placed outside your room is the way to say, I want to sleep!

Best Place for an Indiscretion
Amankora, Bhutan
New, indulgent, beautiful. Most important, who’s going to find you (or even come looking) in the Himalayas? In-villa dinners mean no one has to see you.

Best Concierge
Guesthouse West, London
Leave your lingerie at home. At this Notting Hill newcomer, they’ll deliver Agent Provocateur knickers (and anything else) to your door.

Best Spa View
Soneva Gili Resort, Maldives
The resort rests on stilts above the Indian Ocean; the floors are glass. The fish can’t tell you’re having a rubdown, but they’ll make you feel even more relaxed.

Best Travel Companion
Hotel Monaco, Chicago
Speaking of little fishies … Suffer from pet withdrawal? Borrow one of their goldfish for low-maintenance company. Plus, complimentary wine in the evenings and special “tall rooms” for tall people.

Best Safe
Faena Hotel + Universe, Buenos Aires
Every room at this brand new Philippe Starck-designed spot has a safe large enough to hold a laptop.

Best Room Service Menu Item
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
You’ve been out late. You’re wasted. The munchies have struck. Time for crispy miracles: truffled fries.

  Honeymoon, Luxury Travel