Hedonistic encounters and luxurious hotel rooms go hand-in-hand, so it shouldn't be surprising that five-star hotels have gradually turned to manufacturers of intimacy products to stock sexual-aid kits right next to their fun-sized bottles of wine.
For those who look for romance during weekend getaways, vacations, or business trips, a bevy of hotels across the nation and around the world have joined forces to accommodate guests' other late-night cravings in their mini bars.
Earlier this year, the Vincent Hotel in Southport, England, teamed up with luxury purveyor Booty Parlor to offer kits comprised of a lubricating gel, massage oil, a vibrating ring, and two condoms in 60 of their rooms. "As well as giving guests a design-conscious venue to stay [in], we wanted to give them a decadent, inspiring and seductive environment to enjoy," says Paul Adams, owner of the Vincent Hotel.
Adams says they even stock an alternate version for "couples wishing to enjoy new experiences," containing a whip, mask, and bondage tape. "We want to provide our residents with a distinct and highly individual experience in their own private, opulent space," he adds.
Drew Schlesinger, vice president and general manager of the adults-only Water Club Hotel at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J., reports their "Passion Kits" featuring lube, condoms, massage oils, and mints have been a big hit since the casino opened its doors in June. "I actually had one woman get upset because there was only one kit in her room. I didn't ask why," Schlesinger says. "If you do it right, everyone is a winner." The Water Club has sold more than 1,500 of the in-room passion kits, which retail at nearly $19 a set.
Dana B. Myers, co-founder of the Long Beach, Ca.-based Booty Parlor, says the amenities are a logical extension of hotel services. "We look at hotels whose brand ethos matches ours," she says. "We are nimble and flexible, and that makes us a great choice," says Myers. "Hotels are always happy to work with our brand leverage."
As a result of the 25 hotel partnerships they've inked throughout the world, the sun never sets on Booty Parlor products-particularly in Sin City. The Hard Rock Hotel's pillow menu predominantly features Booty Parlor products; while the Red Rock Resort and Spa has opted for co-branding, letting the Vegas casino sport their own logo on Booty Parlor's arsenal of goods.
Several other prestigious hotels around the nation such as the Ritz-Carlton and Hilton chains, New York's Hudson and Six Columbus, San Francisco's Clift, and numerous others in Canada are promoting romance at their hotels with their own personalized kits.
Hotels are offering green options, too. Life Elements Inc. has partnered with resorts and spas across the nation to offer couples eco-friendly romance packages, ensuring a weekend getaway that is both sensual and environmentally friendly. "From the onset, we made the investment and commitment to create high quality products and be environmentally responsible," said Martha Van Inwegen, president and founder of Life Elements. "Many of the world's leading luxury properties are now going green and are seeking suppliers and vendors that conform to strict environmental practices."
Van Inwegen said their collaboration with C&M Couples' natural bath and body collection is targeted for occasions like anniversaries, bridal showers, weddings, honeymoons, weekend getaways, and a ‘just because' at-home spa for two. "The names of the products [Inspire Romance and Create Passion] are meant to initiate a connection, romance, and fun," Van Inwegen says of the company's aromatherapy bath and body collection.
Since much of that romance happens away from home, "the trend of hotel intimacy kits will keep growing," says Booty Parlor's Myers. "Hotel operators and management understand what people do at hotels and to have a revenue driver gives them the chance of enhancing the experience."
