Amazing (and Little-Known) Hotel Perks You Need to Discover

What separates a fabulous hotel stay from a merely OK getaway? Perks, of course! And that involves way more than, say, a pool, ice machine and coffee maker. You’ll be surprised (and delighted!) to discover how many hotel perks are available — often for free — at individual hotels and hotel brands participating in Marriott Bonvoy worldwide.

Museum visits, treats for pets, scuba lessons, complimentary cocktails … what’s not to love? From London to Hong Kong, it’s time to explore some amazing and little-known extras.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Indulge Your Inner Spy in London

Steps from Buckingham Palace, the 1899-opened St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection attracts guests who love spy thrillers.

During World War II, Winston Churchill launched the Special Operations Executive intelligence group at this historic luxury property. You can view espionage gadgets like a “hairbrush dagger” and a “collar compass.” Or sip a cocktail at the Caxton Bar, where everyone from James Bond creator Ian Fleming to infamous double agent Kim Philby imbibed. And for the kids, a “Top Secret” package with an on-site spy activity book is available.

Delightful Times Await Dogs in Sydney

The Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection bills itself as “the best dog-friendly hotel in Australia,” and it’s all about the perks.

Your furry friend will relish the Dog Concierge Cart with snacks and toys and the curated Dog Mini-Bar with lick mats and doggie peanut butter. Memory foam dog beds grace guest rooms, while doggie-ready drinks await at the Premium-Paw Bar. Woof woof!

Reach New Heights in Hong Kong

Love dizzying observation decks like Edge NYC and Toronto’s CN Tower? The spectacular views from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong — in the International Commerce Building, Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper at 1,588 feet — are a perk in and of themselves.

Swim in the 118th-floor pool, featuring a dazzling Victoria Harbour panorama. Or party two floors up at Ozone, one of the world’s highest rooftop bars.

Fun for the Whole Family in Orlando

Watching neighboring Disney World’s nightly fireworks from a rooftop terrace is just one family-friendly perk at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa.

Blow off steam at the Mt. Chelonia rock-climbing wall or the nine-hole Garden Golf course. Indoors, books and board games entice youngsters at the Kids Conservatory Lounge.

Make Waterfront Magic in Maui

At the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, numerous perks highlight Hawaiian culture. Ukulele lessons and outrigger canoeing enliven your Maui sunshine break.

Daily freebies include two umbrella or beach chair rentals, introductory scuba lessons and an evening torch-lighting ceremony.

Elevate Your Experiences in Vancouver

Vancouver is where the Coast Mountains and Pacific Ocean meet, and one great perk at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver combines elevation with soothing waters. Guests can access the 17th-floor outdoor Aqua Lounge, offering a relaxing hydrotherapy tub, chaise lounges and space for yoga.

This luxurious hotel also has LEED Gold Certification for its sustainability practices. On the sixth floor, explore a 30,000-square-foot rooftop park with some 200 native pine trees and 15,000 local plants.

Tours and Treats in Portugal’s Algarve Region

Three hours south of Lisbon, the award-winning Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve offers tours through the Head Concierge of the hotel gardens, colorful murals depicting Portuguese history and local attractions. And an on-site cooking academy offers classes for the whole family.

Practice self-care at the Thermal Oasis, which includes an herbal sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Or toast your good fortune at the complimentary cocktail hour on Tuesdays.

Special Perks at Marriott Brands Worldwide

Wherever you go, Marriott’s family of hotels delivers perks. Check out these brandwide delights:

Aloft: The ARF (Animals R Fun) Program offers free kits for pets, including feeding bowls, toys and a signature bed. Book a Camp Aloft package for kids with indoor tents and air mattresses, milk and cookies, and games.

Element: Each hotel has EV (electric vehicle) charging stations, free at certain locations. The Bikes to Borrow program is another environmentally friendly way to get around.

Le Méridien: The Unlock Art program provides free entry to selected museums. Partnerships range from the Clyfford Still Museum (Le Méridien Denver) to the Kunsthalle Wien (Le Méridien Vienna).

Moxy Hotels: Score a free cocktail at check-in. At bedtime, pick up the in-room phone and wind down with free bedtime stories.

Residence Inn: Stock your suite’s kitchen fridge with complimentary grocery delivery.

St. Regis: The 24/7 butler service at St. Regis properties covers everything from coffee service to laundry requests to packing and unpacking.

TownePlace Suites: Need a mixing bowl, small appliance or board game? The Something Borrowed program is here to help with such amenities.

Westin Hotels & Resorts: Fitness buffs dig Westin’s Run Concierges, who lead group runs and suggest local running routes. With the new WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending Kits, try out cutting-edge massage tools like HyperIce’s Normatec Go and Hypervolt Go 2.