Casa Velas
Photo Courtesy of Velas Resorts
One of the best things about taking a vacation is the opportunity it presents to reinvent yourself; stepping away from the daily grind and becoming someone else, if only for a few days. And while exotic locales and VIP-caliber hospitality can certainly inspire a travel transformation, these three hotels are going the extra mile to turn their guests into overnight A-listers by lending out top-tier accessories.
The Berkeley, London
Located in Knightsbridge, one of London’s most chic districts, The Berkeley combines classic opulence with timeless style for an experience fit for a (fashion) queen. Designer rooms include details like Italian marble and luxurious fabrics while guests in featured suites enjoy complimentary champagne, fresh flowers, fruit and personal use of an iPad.
The Berkeley’s Fashion Trunk, Photo Courtesy of Chris Tubbs
Once you stay at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel, you are also privy to access its recently launched Fashion Trunk, a dresser curated by Atelier-Mayer that’s filled with coveted vintage accessories from elite designers like Christian Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin. Guests of Berkeley suites may request the handcrafted steamer trunk free of charge for the evening, then select their favorite statement pieces to enjoy for a night out. There are a myriad of accessories from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s — hats, clutches, stoles and scarves — as well as plenty of jewelry. A hand-written card delineating provenance comes with each selection.
Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s premier, all-inclusive boutique hotel exudes luxury, from picturesque tropical pools to the flawless putting green at Marina Vallarta Club de Golf and the extraordinary hydrotherapy ritual at the stunning spa. Each private Spanish hacienda-style suite features vivid Mexican textiles and sculptures, its own patio with plunge pool or Jacuzzi and beach access via the private Ocean Club.
To ensure everyone is accessorized to a tee, Casa Velas offers access to a Handbag Bar where, for no extra fee, guests may choose to borrow one of 20 featured purses, from designers like Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, BCBGMaxazria, Adolfo Domínguez and many more. (There’s even a “murse” — man purse — from Mont Blanc available!) And if that weren’t enough, their Rent a Rock program allows guests to borrow exquisite pieces of jewelry for special events, too. In addition to necklaces and bracelets made with precious gemstones, diamond rings ranging from .5 to eight carats are available for rental fees from $200 to $10,000.
Hotel Croydon, Miami Beach
With plush, contemporary rooms located just steps from the beach, Hotel Croydon impresses with 360-degree views of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean from the Penthouse, rooftop sundeck and other locations in the seven-story property. This restored getaway, with a history dating back to the 1930s, also features a yoga spa, fitness center, outdoor pool and notable amenities like cooling gel memory foam beds and nightly complimentary cocktails.
The hotel is also home to Wanderlista, a concept store recently launched by designer and globetrotter Andria Mitsakos that celebrates travel, culture and craftsmanship. The brands she carries are often not sold outside their home countries, so guests are able to borrow coveted items like jewelry by Meraki, bags from Dea Rosa and fur accessories by Quentin Veron.
