When it comes to boutique hotels, it’s often the unexpected touches that make a stay memorable. Today’s trendsetting abodes go beyond stylish decor, offering unique amenities designed to delight, surprise, and create unforgettable experiences. From in-house tattoo parlors and caviar concierges to bespoke sleep therapy programs and equestrian centers, these ten boutique hotels prove that luxury can be playful, personalized, and sometimes a little unconventional. Ready to check in?
Lobby Tattoo Parlor at UNTITLED at 3 Freeman Alley (Lower East Side, New York City)
Have you ever heard of a hotel with its own tattoo parlor? Didn’t think so. Perfectly suited to New York’s edgy Lower East Side, the art-centric and uber-hip UNTITLED at 3 Freeman Alley features the UNSCRIPTED Ink studio, welcoming guests and locals alike to add a new piece to their collection. On Friday evenings, they even host a tattoo happy hour, complete with cocktails and flash ink appointments. Sounds like the start of a memorable weekend if you ask us.
The Herbal Shop at Hôtel du Couvent (Nice, France)
In homage to the hotel’s past as a former convent, every room that once served a purpose continues to do so. Thus, guests have unfettered access to The Herbal Shop–curated by pharmacist and herbalist Gregory Unrein–where they can obtain remedies and tisanes tailored to their individual well-being. All ingredients are derived from Hôtel du Couvent’s gardens.
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Caviar on Demand at The Memphian (Memphis, Tennessee)
Styled as Memphis’ ultimate maximalist hideaway, The Memphian is a chic tribute to early 20th-century glamour, wrapped in Midtown Memphis’ eclectic aesthetic. Guests can indulge in a luxurious “Caviar on Demand” experience, guided by a “Caviar Concierge” through a 45-minute private tasting. The playful “Let’s Get Layed” ($95) serves Kaluga caviar with Lay’s potato chips, classic accompaniments, and Broc Cellars “Love” sparkling wine for a fun, indulgent treat.
Home-cooked Tuscan Meals with the Hotel Owner at Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo (Florence, Italy)
Perched on a hill overlooking Florence, Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo is a medieval architectural marvel offering travelers a truly unforgettable stay. Occasionally, the hotel’s owner, Barone Amerigo Franchetti, will decide to open his home for a hands-on Tuscan cooking endeavor that concludes with a communal meal. Ingredients, including the grapes for the wine, are sourced from the estate’s gardens.
The Equestrian Centre at Lucknam Park (Wiltshire, UK)
This stately property is home to an outstanding Equestrian Centre, where guests of all ages and skill levels are invited to discover the thrill of horseback riding across 500 acres of flowering meadows, wild woods, and landscaped gardens. Early risers can enjoy a peaceful ride along the mile-long avenue lined with lime and beach trees, while afternoon explorers may gallop through charming pockets of woodland.
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Natural Cenote at Eden Roc Cap Cana (Cap Cana, Dominican Republic)
The Dominican Republic’s natural treasures have drawn visitors for centuries, and Eden Roc Cap Cana is only fostering more reasons to visit. Perhaps the most extraordinary is the grounds’ naturally occurring cenote, a deep underground limestone cave featuring a waterfall fountain. The sounds and ambiance of its cavernous confines are believed to energetically heal those who visit.
Martini & Pearls Cart at The Read House (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Exuding 1920s splendor with modern tastes, The Read House is the ideal Jazz Era-inspired getaway. Their Martini & Pearls Cart is quite a swanky service. Guests can opt for a gleaming gold cart stacked with mixins to arrive at their room. More akin to a private performance, this in-room indulgence promises the perfect personalized martini, a dozen oysters, and a unique start (or end) to any evening.
The Coastal Concierge at The Islands of Islamorada (Islamorada, FL)
In partnership with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), a leading nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, guests can access the exclusive services of The Coastal Concierge. From guided snorkeling and scuba diving trips focused on fish monitoring and species identification with expert guides, experiences are intended to inspire awe while instilling a deeper understanding of marine life. Additionally, weekly coffee chats with REEF offer additional insights.
The Harry Lowe Chocolate Cafe at the Adare Manor (County Limerick, Ireland)
Adare Manor’s latest indulgence, Harry Lowe Chocolate, transforms one of its historic cottages into a luxurious chocolate shop and café on the estate grounds. Named for the manor’s beloved former groundskeeper, this one-of-a-kind spot offers guests treats by French chocolatier Cedric Rivière, chocolate-making workshops, and a multisensory experience. Its open-display kitchen and charming ambiance make it the ultimate sweet escape.
Sleep-Specific Suites at COMO Metropolitan Singapore (Orchard Precinct, Singapore)
At COMO Metropolitan Singapore, guests can rest easily with their “Sleep Dreams” amenity, which is a game-changer for weary travelers. The hotel’s cocoon-like rooms are equipped with SleepHub tech and AirPod wellness devices; all fine-tuned to enhance slumbers. To complete the experience, guests enjoy sleep-magnifying COMO Shambhala essentials and soothing, easy-to-digest dishes from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen.
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