8 of the world's most unusual butler services
Who doesn't love having their laundry pressed and being brought tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas? While the traditional butler isn't going anywhere, a number of hotels are getting creative with this luxe offering, including:
1. Robotic butler (Aloft Cupertino, California) For those looking for seriously unique hotel amenities, this uber tech-savy property features a stylish robotic butler (yep, it wears a bow tie) named ALO. The 3-foot staff member takes the elevator to make guest-room deliveries and even has his own hashtag (#MeetBotlr).
2. Doggy butler (NIZUC Resort & Spa, Mexico). Pet-toting travelers should check out the doggy butler at the beachfront NIZUC Resort & Spa, who can book your pup on excursions usually reserved for humans — like doggy snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding — before delivering a delicious meal off the hotel's doggy menu (beef tartare, anyone?).
3. Bonfire butler (The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, California). After hitting up the famous waves of Huntington Beach, the property's Bonfire Butler can set you up with surfside smores. Along with the treat ingredients and fire, your butler also sets up chairs and blankets for a cozy experience. The service is $200 for up to 10 people.
4. Tie butler (The Lodge at Sea Island, Georgia). Those needing some assistance in the fashion department will appreciate this property's Tie Butler, who serves up Peter Miller neckties for loan in a wide array of colors and patterns and helps perfectly match your outfit.
5. Altitude butler (The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Colorado). To help guests adjust to being 8,000 feet above sea level, Altitude Butler, Stephanie Madrid, delivers oxygen machines to guest rooms and provides tips for low-impact activities. She also delivers food and beverages that help combat altitude sickness, and can arrange in-room treatments that do the same.
6. Book butler (Commons Hotel, Minnesota). Craving some Hemingway? The property's Book Butler brings selections from the onsite library to guest rooms, as well as serves up in-room breakfast orders with a side of Sudoku. For furry friends, a Bark Butler also brings pet toys, food and dog walking maps.
7. Ambiance butler (Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Nicaragua). Part of the hotel industry's effort to personalize the guest experience, the Ambiance Butler coordinates with guests via an Aura Menu to deck out rooms with chosen aromatherapy, music, treats and healthy tonics. There's also an Aura Architect that plans experiences like woodland bathing and meditative walks.
8. Fragrance butler (Rosewood Resorts, global).Strict TSA regulations have made traveling with perfume a challenge, but if you're staying at a Rosewood property, that's no longer a concern. Simply call to have the fragrance butler bring you a silver tray of 10 scents for loan brought to your room. One unique aspect of the program is each city has a fragrance that reflects the personality — or scents — of the destination.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.