Free caviar and champagne you say?
A spread of luxury hotels have ‘secret’ lounges reserved for VIP guests in premium rooms and suites, with complimentary food and beverages on offer from dawn to dusk.
After speaking to a number of hotels across North America, DailyMail.com lifts the lid on what their exclusive spaces offer with photos to boot.
From menus rustled up by a Michelin-starred chefs to complimentary shoe shining services to caviar on tap, travel down to see how the other half live when it comes to haute hotel breaks. No fancy room key required.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad: Club Lounge
Those who book suites or club level rooms at the slick Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad hotel location gain access to a Club Lounge on the 36th floor
This peaceful space boasts topnotch views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty beyond
Those who book suites or club level rooms at the slick Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad hotel location gain access to a Club Lounge on the 36th floor.
This peaceful space boasts topnotch views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty beyond.
A major perk of this hotel lounge is the food offering, with culinary presentations throughout the day imagined by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés.
The kitchen maestro, who oversees the hotel’s two restaurants – The Bazaar (opening spring 2023) and Zaytinya – along with the buzzing rooftop bar Nubulez, has designed a rolling menu for top tier hotel guests to gorge on throughout the day.
A central island offers cold plates of food, from fresh oysters to Italian hams, while hot dishes are presented on a neighboring marble-topped counter.
Attentive staff are on hand to help with the food service and they’ll also happily rustle up a cocktail using top shelf liquors or pour a glass of wine from the fine selection.
Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, Texas: R24 Rooftop Lounge
At the expansive Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel in Texas, there is a sky-high lounge to enjoy some peace and quiet, while soaking up prime views of the city
The R24 Rooftop Lounge , located on the 24th floor, is accessible to guests staying on the executive level floors. It can also be enjoyed by Diamond Hilton Honors members
At the expansive Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel in Texas, there is a sky-high lounge to enjoy some peace and quiet, while soaking up prime views of the city.
The R24 Rooftop Lounge, located on the 24th floor, is accessible to guests staying on the executive level floors.
It can also be enjoyed by Diamond Hilton Honors members, a badge of honor that is typically earned after staying at any Hilton hotel for more than 60 nights in one calendar year.
The lounge is open for breakfast from 6:30am to 10am daily with everything from oatmeal to eggs and bacon on offer.
Then, throughout the day, a fresh selection of snacks are provided, with the offering including granola bars, cookies and fruit. Unlike other lounges, this location does not have a complimentary evening service. Instead, it opens to the public from 5pm onwards with all food and beverages priced up.
One lounge guest wrote of their experience on Yelp: ‘This lounge is great. My family is really enjoying this. Lots of space, many comfy places to relax. It’s clean and the staff are friendly, polite and feel genuine. Big TVs and computer stations. Open wifi.
‘Free food and drinks through out the day at meal times. The food is actually really good. This lounge is our new normal.’
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: The Citrus Club
The Arizona Biltmore has a new lounge which was part of a property-wide overhaul
There is a kitchen area where a food service commences four times a day
The Arizona Biltmore is described as ‘a desert oasis offering exceptional accommodations, including seven pools, two golf courses, a new spa and dining.’
Topping things off the historic hotel – which opened in 1929 – has a new lounge which was part of a property-wide overhaul.
The space has been decked out with desert-style interiors, with cacti scattered around and colorful textiles adding to the mix.
There is a kitchen area where a food service commences four times a day.
From 6am to 10pm, the four menus on offer comprise breakfast, lunch, ‘golden hour’, and ‘late evening.’ There is also an ‘overflowing’ candy cart to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
To wash it down, lounge guests can pick from an array of complimentary cocktails, wines and soft drinks throughout the day.
The hotel website describes the Citrus Lounge as ‘not only is it a private lounge that provides personalized service, elevated to new levels, but it is here that you can delight in the discovery of new foods, retreat with your inner circle and enjoy the company of new friends.’
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Club Floor
The ocean-facing Club Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is accessible to those staying on the hotel’s club floor level
In addition to the club floor, the award-winning Hawaii property offers two presidential suites
One of the most unique aspects of the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is that it was where the first season of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus was filmed.
Another one is its ocean-facing Club Lounge, which is accessible to those staying on the hotel’s club floor level.
Exclusive access to the Club Lounge offers guests four services per day: continental breakfast, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.
Other perks include a premium bar, all-day snacks, ice cream sundaes as well as cozy reading nooks serving up Instagrammable views.
In addition to the club floor, the award-winning Hawaii property offers two presidential suites including the Lokelani Presidential Suite, which was featured prominently in HBO’s The White Lotus as the infamous Pineapple Suite.
The 7,200 sq ft suite consists of three bedrooms, five bathrooms and two living rooms with a daily rate of $29,000 a night.
Overall, there are just 26 rooms in the club level category. The hotel says this adds to the lounge’s exclusive atmosphere as it is never overrun with guests.
Conrad Washington, D.C.: Sakura Club
Described as an ‘elegant private club’, the Sakura Club at the upscale Conrad outpost in Washington, D.C. exudes a sense of Zen
Located on the 10th floor, where the premium suites are also located, the lounge is open from 7am to 9:30pm with breakfast, dinner and snacks served daily
LEFT: There is a snack station for guests to peruse. RIGHT: A representative for the hotel said one of the most popular features of the lounge is its ‘magic fridge’
Described as an ‘elegant private club’, the Sakura Club at the upscale Conrad outpost in Washington, D.C. exudes a sense of Zen, with cream furnishings, light wood flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for plenty of natural light.
Located on the 10th floor, where the premium suites are also located, the lounge is open from 7am to 9:30pm with breakfast, dinner and snacks served daily.
One impressive feature of this lounge is that it serves up four different types of global cuisine for dinner, with Japanese, Italian, Greek and Mexican inspired dishes on offer.
Guests can help themselves to food from a buffet station or there are more substantial ‘made-to-order’ meals. Examples include steamed pork belly buns from the Japanese menu and a three cheese tortellini from the Italian section.
A representative for the hotel told DailyMail.com one of the most popular features of the lounge is its ‘magic fridge.’
They explained: ‘The 24/7 magic fridge provides travelers needing a pick-me-up snack a way to satisfy their appetite without waiting to be served, reinventing how guests can access their food and beverage.
‘The concept includes a cabinet featuring half refrigerator and half freezer, offering a buffet of sweet treats, beverages and other options ideal for snacking at any time of day to make the most out of the stay.’
Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles: Fairmont Gold Lounge
The Fairmont Gold lounge at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles is described as ‘an indulgent hotel-within-a-hotel guest experience’
On the food side of things, there is a smart kitchen area decked out with a center island where dishes are artfully presented
A unique feature of this first-floor lounge is a large outdoor lounge and patio space with lush plants offering some shade
The Fairmont Gold lounge at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles is described as ‘an indulgent hotel-within-a-hotel guest experience, and the first-of-its-kind to debut at a Fairmont hotel on the West coast.’
Photos reveal the lounge’s slick interiors, complete with contemporary leather couches, polished stone floors, eye catching hanging lights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
A unique feature of this first-floor lounge is a large outdoor lounge and patio space with lush plants offering some shade.
On the food side of things, there is a smart kitchen area decked out with a center island where dishes are artfully presented.
The complimentary offerings include a deluxe breakfast, gourmet afternoon snacks, evening canapés, and dessert and cheese presentations.
An honor bar can also be found in the lounge with specialty spirits and cocktails, while tea, coffee, and soft drinks are provided free of charge.
The Fairmont Gold lounge – open 6am to 10pm – is only accessible for guests who have booked ‘gold’ rooms or suites which are located on the 9th, 10th and 11th floors.
Other perks of the upper tier rooms include dedicated personal assistants, a complimentary John Lobb shoe shine, free access to spa facilities and a welcome beverage upon arrival.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: Club Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, has a smart Club Level lounge on the second floor
A real selling point of this lounge is its Friday evening service, which includes helpings of caviar from French brand Petrossian and glasses of champagne
At the far end of the lounge is a self-service kitchen area, with a curated mix of cold and hot dishes on offer
Originally the site of the landmark St. Moritz Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, boasts a prime setting in the heart of midtown Manhattan.
The 33-story building has 253 rooms and those staying in the top tier suites will bag access to the recently refurbished Club Level lounge on the second floor.
Looking out over Central Park, the exclusive space has a warm and cozy atmosphere thanks to low lighting, wood paneling and an attractive olive and cream upholstery.
At the far end of the lounge is a self-service kitchen area, with a curated mix of cold and hot dishes on offer.
Examples of bite-sized morsels on the menu, include foie gras on brioche and mini wagyu steak sliders.
Waiting staff are also on hand to help with service. Along with a fine selection of wines and champagne, guests can request any cocktail of choice with top shelf liquors used in the process.
A real selling point of this lounge is its Friday evening service, which includes helpings of caviar from French brand Petrossian and glasses of champagne.
A spokesperson for the hotel said the lounge is ‘the perfect spot for guests to indulge in pre-theatre drinks and bites, while a dedicated concierge arranges their evening plans.’ It is open daily 7am to 10pm.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Florida: Club Lounge
At the Forbes Five-Star oceanfront retreat, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Florida, the travel experience is further elevated with the addition of a club lounge
Accessible to guests staying in the Club Level hotel suites, the private space offers a slice of tranquility along with four food presentations
Sun, sea and sand. What could get better?
Well, at the Forbes Five-Star oceanfront retreat, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Florida, the travel experience is further elevated with the addition of a club lounge.
Accessible to guests staying in the Club Level hotel suites, the private space offers a slice of tranquility along with four daily presentations of hot and cold food.
Photos of the third floor lounge reveal its smart interiors, complete with gold-hued reclining chairs and statement wallpaper.
If guests don’t want to journey to the lounge, they can order dishes from the buffet direct to their room.
There is also a full bar to peruse with non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary champagnes, a selection of spirits and a bounty of wine selected by the hotel’s in-house sommelier to pick from.
Along with plenty of seating inside, the lounge boasts a sun-drenched balcony looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and the hotel’s lush gardens.
Other benefits of staying in the hotel’s Club Level suites including access to complimentary wellness programming, a courtesy club car offering drop-off services to local shopping spots, and a guaranteed late checkout at 1pm.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal: Gold Lounge
Guests staying on the 18th, 19th and 20th floors of Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Fairmont get access to the Gold lounge
Along with Instagrammable views of downtown Montreal through oversized windows, the VIP space serves up complimentary bites, a beverage center and an honor bar
A modern, downtown Montreal hotel, The Queen Elizabeth Fairmont has 950 rooms and suites, a health club, spa and indoor pool.
Hotel management describe it as within walking distance of an arrange of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, sport stadiums and cultural attractions.
Guests staying in premium ‘gold’ rooms on the 18th, 19th and 20th floors get access to an exclusive lounge area on the 21st floor.
Along with Instagrammable views of downtown Montreal through oversized windows, the VIP space serves up complimentary breakfast, evening canapés, a beverage center and an honor bar.
For hotel guests who are remote working, there is also high-speed complimentary WiFi.
Other benefits of being a ‘gold’ guest at The Queen Elizabeth Fairmont include a private check-in and checkout area on the 21st floor and upgraded toiletries from hip New York perfume brand Le Labo.
In total, there are 98 rooms and suites in the hotel’s ‘gold’ level category.
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