When it comes to value luxury travel, there’s one area where we always want to get a lot regardless of our budget, and that is where it comes to romance. That might be a nice bed or maybe a cool bar in the lobby. Whatever you’re looking for, you want to be sure to wow the pants of your traveling companion (that is, if they’re wearing any).
I’ve talked about some of my favorite romantic hotels, but today I’d like to highlight some romance-inducing hotel extras at the world’s best romantic luxury hotels. Maybe it will trigger a fun idea for your next weekend getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration.
When it comes to romance, the special touches are always worth it.
Breakfast in Bed
breakfast in bed
When it comes to extreme pampering, there’s nothing I like more than breakfast in bed. I’m not a morning person, so when I travel I prefer to remain vertical as long as possible while slurping coffee. While on a trip I do feel the need to get up and get moving or else I’ll miss something, but I also think that a quiet morning in the hotel is very restorative. At the Cap Rocat resort in Mallorca, they understand food is important, so breakfast in your suite is provided, as well as a candlelit dinner (in the restaurant, sorry) is all part of their romance package. How lovely.
In-Room Jacuzzi
in room hotel jacuzzi
As much as I’d like to think I’m open-minded when it comes to sharing the hotel public areas, there always seems to be a screaming kid who decides to monopolize the pool and jacuzzi area, ruining it for everyone. So, why not just soak in the comfort of your own room?
In my personal experience, not all jacuzzi (or jet tubs) are the same. They can be loud and sometimes just uncomfortable. So, be sure to check the reviews or look for sneak peek photos. Just in case. One safe bet is the San Antonio resort in Santorini, Greece – the tubs are spacious and made of stone, so they look good and are very comfortable!
If you see a value-priced luxury hotel package that says something like “honeymoon special,” that doesn’t always mean you have to be on a honeymoon – just ask. Conversely, you can be on a romantic retreat and have the beer or adventure or foodie package. It’s your romance, your value luxury – you get to decide!
Free Transportation
Transport options will vary based on the location of your hotel – inner city, resort island, mountaintop retreat (you get the idea) – but I do love a free ride to/from the airport, as well as a lift from the hotel concierge now and then. Airport transfers can really eat into your budget, so if a romantic hotel package includes a treat like that, take advantage of it! Many hotels also have a chauffeured car available for guests, usually shared, but if you plan in advance it can be a nice bonus – don’t forget to tip, and be sure to check with the driver on how you’re getting back. This is a godsend in busy cities like Prague, where the Chateau Mcely goes the extra step by picking you up in their limo!
In-Room Fancies
hotel room flowers
By fancies, I mean anything like chocolates, wine/champagne, flowers. Most hotels overcharge for their minibar items, so I suggest you patronize another local shop to pickup any drinks and snacks you want, but if your hotel is going to throw in something nice, that’d be great.
You know what I think more hotels should offer as a romantic upgrade? Fresh flowers. They’re hard to do if you’re visiting (I mean, how many hotel rooms have an empty vase laying around?). But some hotels do put some nice flowers in the room, and that’s a special extra that really makes a difference – especially if you don’t often treat yourself to flowers. The Blanket Bay hotel in Queensland, New Zealand includes not just fresh flowers, but also some chilled sparkling wine in their romantic welcome package. How… fancy!
Exclusive Tours
romantic lake como
For some, an adventurous tour is getting out of bed and heading down for the spa. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, many hotels these days are tempting your business by offering their own exclusive tours that range from small, intimate adventures, one-on-one city guides, or even something more special, such as the CastaDiva Resort & Spa, which has its own dock on Lake Como where guests depart on romantic boat rides. Nothing will make your friends more jealous than a tour that nobody else gets to do (and impressing your other half is a lot easier when the hotel is doing all the hard work booking the tour!).
Late Check-Out
room key
Wow, if this isn’t a budget luxury I don’t know what is. In general, most hotels have a check out around 11 or 12 noon. That’s fine in some cases, but sometimes it would be nice to hold on to the room a wee bit longer – I hate checking luggage in the lobby, especially when I’m in a hurry that afternoon/evening en route to the airport or train.
There’s a big trend I’ve noticed just in the last year where hotels are offering late check-out. This allows you the opportunity for a more relaxed last day, and you can leave your things in the room while doing some last minute exploring.
For this one, you’ll want to check before booking – to confirm your late check out there’s usually a small fee (almost always worth it), though some packages include it. The Pimalai Resort & Spa on Thailand’s Koh Lanta island knows travelers have come a long way to reach them, so they offer both early check-in and late check-out with many of their packages.
Those are just some ideas to get you started on planning your perfect romantic hotel stay. What other perks have you enjoyed that you’d recommend to other couples?
Editorial Disclosure: This feature was sponsored by our good friends at Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It’s the first in a 3-part series highlighting unique hotel, packages, and value luxury vacation ideas!