The Ritz, Palm Beach

In recent years, hotels have slashed prices in an effort to fill vacant rooms.  But a deep discount pricing strategy doesn’t make as much sense for luxury hotels, many of which have also struggled during the recession with a slow-down in business and pleasure travel.  How can upscale hotels encourage guests to spend the night?

Many high-end hotels have started to get more creative with the amenities they offer guests.  The luxury experience goes beyond high thread count sheets and turn down service and may include VIP treatment when your away from the hotel.  Hotels in LA, for example, are offering guests tickets to exclusive industry events like the Golden Globe or Emmy Awards.

Hollywood hotels aren’t the only ones offering star treatment.  If you prefer sports to movies, The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach’s Take Me Out to the Ballgame package takes you out of the suite and into the dugout for baseball spring training.

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins have their spring break training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, just 30 minutes north of The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach in South Florida.  Baseball fans who stay at The Ritz during spring training can have their rooms adorned with team regalia for their stay.  They may also choose to take advantage of a special package that includes:

  • Four box seats to a Marlins or Cardinals game
  • Batting practice from the stands and on the field with home and visiting teams
  • “Behind the Scenes” Clubhouse tour and a tour of Roger Dean Stadium Sports Complex
  • Pre-game festivities and singing of the National Anthem on the field
  • Ceremonial first pitch for one guest of the group
  • Honorary Bat Kid with autograph and photo opportunities (inside the dugout) for children under 14 years
  • Run the bases and play catch in the outfield following the game
  • Media Stat Pack for all Ritz-Carlton guests

If practice and talent can’t get you out onto the baseball field, The Ritz is happy to help out for as little as $599 per night.

Other amenities available from luxury hotels around the world include private tours of the La Scala opera hours in Milan for guests of the Principe, a tour of Harry Winston in New York when you stay at New York Palace, and a sunset cruise down the Siene for couples at Le Meurice in Paris.

Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can certainly get you more than room service these days.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach