We travel for knowledge, foreign vistas, and unexpected friendships. We travel to change ourselves and to find ourselves. But if we’re being honest, even the most sophisticated traveler loves a freebie. From Charleston to Aspen to the Russian River Valley, select boutique properties are upping their giveaway game, providing luxury amenities that don’t add a cent to your bill. Whether you enjoy artisan snacks, midnight chocolate delivery, or curated cannabis grown on the property, these hotels aim to delight. So leave a bit of room in your bag and get ready to enjoy the freebies at these top properties!
The Loutrel (Charleston, SC)
From the moment you enter The Loutrel, a new luxury hotel in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, you have the sense you’ll be well taken care of. The plush, guest-only space, The Clubroom, provides complimentary snacks throughout the day—as well as a curated selection of books from local indie bookstore Buxton Books. In-room minibars are stocked with complimentary snacks—think Sugar Plum rainbow-colored popcorn, Lowcountry Kettle pimento-cheese chips, and French nectars from Les Hesperides. On the rooftop, the guest-only cocktail and canape “Happiest Hour” is yet another fabulous freebie.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection (Aspen, CO)
When you’re not adventuring in the mountains, snuggle into your cozy room at the Hotel Jerome, stopping by the hotel’s unique and complimentary “Cabinet of Curiosities,” which transforms the traditional minibar concept into a unique selection of free bites and liquid refreshments, from Japanese style dry roasted almonds to Ritual Chocolate Cacao and Clawhammer Mints.
Mine+Farm (Russian River Valley, CA)
This intimate and modern inn, housed in the original and historic Ridenhour Ranch built over 117 years ago, is set on 2.5 acres along the Russian River. Mine+Farm proudly cultivates small-batch cannabis from seed to harvest, offering guests complimentary, custom pre-rolls crafted onsite and set out for guests to enjoy for free at leisure.
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection (Santa Fe, NM)
Three crops–corn, squash, and beans–have been the core of Native American agriculture and culinary traditions. At Bishop’s Lodge, a free welcome amenity features dried corn, squash, and beans in a delectable way, as prepared with Bishop’s Lodge spices by Chef Pablo Peñalosa.
Farmhouse Inn (Russian River Valley, CA)
This luxury boutique retreat is spread over ten gorgeous acres reconceptualized by Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, two siblings belonging to a family of fifth-generation Sonoma farmers. Its warm welcome extends to gifted homemade warm milk and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies on a daily basis to savor cozied up by one of their guest room fireplaces or by one of the Inn’s outdoor firepits. And be sure to stop by the Complimentary Organic Artisan Bath Bar available in the Guest Services Lobby, which includes free seasonal soap bars, brown sugar scrub, bath salts, and mix-your-own bubble baths.
Jade Mountain (St. Lucia)
As you gaze at views of the UNESCO-recognized twin Pitons and the Caribbean Sea from your private, open-air sanctuary, enjoy a Chocolate Dream Nightcap, a complimentary dessert-on-demand amenity: delicate truffles with velvet ganache, tantalizing pralines infused with exotic spices, and smooth dark chocolate bars to be enjoyed with a backdrop of the starry night sky. With a history rooted in the rich heritage of chocolate, a main product of St. Lucia, the resort has more than 2,000 cacao trees at its Emerald Estate farm.
Hotel Emma at Pearl (San Antonio, Texas)
Upon check-in to the historic Hotel Emma at Pearl, guests can go to the Library to enjoy a complimentary La Babia margarita – freshly squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur, and premium tequila served in hand-etched azure glasses. The recipe is simple and balanced, honoring the renowned Hacienda La Babia in Coahuila, Mexico. Emma also offers complimentary macaroons at bedtime turndown.
