Thursday, August 16, 2007

Westin Hotels Helps You Get Down To Business...For A Price!

I just got back from a business trip to Denver, Colorado and was quite impressed at the Westin Westminster. And I'm not talkin' about the hotel food or bar drinks.I'm talking about the minibar. Travelers have complained about the prices and meager offerings for years. Now there's hope. Some hotels are adding new, interesting items to spice up the minibar. Imagine my surprise when I opened up the minibar and there it was, right next to a bag of mixed nuts, something I'd never seen before...you must read on.

Some hotels are taking the creative approach. Sure, they've got the pricey Pepsi and the costly candy corn. But they're adding all kinds of things that you wouldn't expect in a minibar. Taking the concept the step further, this Westin offers an "Intimacy kit" — including condoms and a pack of gel for those business travellers who got a quick hook up (and not to the internet, that cost $9.95 per day) and really want to get down to some "business!" These could be looked at as encouraging moves. It shows that hotels aren't just content to stick with the status quo by keeping the same old, tired minibar. They want you to get some action on their "heavenly bed!"

The kit has found a fan in traveler John O'Brien, a medical student at Johns Hopkins. "As a student of public health," he says, "I find this novel item to be responsible, buzz-worthy, and pragmatic!" The kit even comes with instructions. For couples who are anxious to try out an intimacy kit, but have trouble arousing the proper mood, some hotels have make-your-own martini kits in the room.

The W, another Westin property, looking to make seduction a little more innocent, has a "cheap date" package consisting of popcorn and a DVD movie delivered to the room. The only thing missing was an outcall card so you'd never have to leave your room. Or is theat the responsibility of the concierge? What is it with this chain?

Now, if only they could find a way to keep me from losing the remote control and keep ugly women like this out of their hotel, I think they'd be on to something!