Today’s swish suites are not the hotel rooms of yore. Decorated in haute décor and outfitted with luxe product collaborations, you might be compelled to sneak an item into your suitcase. These days, taking the robe is no longer faux paus – hotels are inviting guests to “shop their rooms.” Here are the seven in-suite items we’re currently coveting.
The creme brûlée of sheets
The Madrones, Philo, California
When Canadian Traveller checked into The Madrones in Philo, California, we tucked into bed and drifted off on a cloud. In the morning, we needed to know which brand of sheets was responsible for such a delicious sleep. Comphy originally produced spa-quality linens before expanding into hospitality and home. Linen snobs will ask the thread count, but the “crème brûlée of sheets” are made of an indescribably soft, premium microfiber. Find them at comphy.com. A queen sheet set is about $202 plus shipping and duty.
Herbal essences
The Drake Hotel, Toronto
These days, in-suite toiletries are the barometer of a hotel’s hip factor. The Drake Hotel in Toronto knows that nondescript bottled shampoos and individual, plastic-wrapped soaps are so “meh.” Instead, travellers are greeted with Malin + Goetz, a brand known for herbal apothecary body care. Drake guests find bergamot body wash, peppermint shampoo and cilantro conditioner in each room. Order your own from drakegeneralstore.ca; $32 - $35.
Blown away
Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston
Forget dinky hairdryers affixed to the bathroom wall. When Canadian Traveller recently checked into Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston we were blown away to find a DRYBAR Buttercup Blow Dryer. This Cadillac of hair tools boasts ionic technology which reduces frizz and drying time by 20 per cent. Love it? Simply stash it in your suitcase and bill around $265 to your room.
Pillow talk
Kimpton Palladian Hotel, Seattle
Ever wanted to whisper sweet nothings to your celeb crush? You can at Kimpton Palladian Hotel in Seattle, where rooms feature a signature celebrity throw pillow. Pick from Tom Sellick, Patrick Swayze, Leonardo DiCaprio or Dave Grohl. (This editor recommends adding a Tom Hardy pillow.) For $86, guests can take their beau home with them. Sorry, it’s just boy crushes for now.
Wallpaper goals
The June Motel, Prince Edward County
The June Motel | Lauren Miller, Toronto Brand Photography
Have you ever just wanted to move right into a hotel because the space has been so thoughtfully curated, from the curtains to the carpet? The June Motel in Prince Edward County, Ontario is one such place. We love it so much, we could peel the pink floral wallpaper right off the walls of The Rosé Suite. Luckily, that’s not necessary. The motel sells both its pink floral and palm print wallpaper for $50 a roll.
Renovate your nest
Hôtel Alt Québec
If you’re in the market for a new sleep setup, we can’t get enough of the pillows and mattress we slept firsthand at Hôtel Alt Québec. We practically melted into bed. Get your own at mattress at here; a queen set is $1,337 CAD + S&H. (They’re Canadian made, to boot.) Pillows can be purchased at simons.ca; $60-120 each.
Bluetooth boombox
Life House Little Havana, Miami
Canadian Traveller spied this pint-size Marshall amp at Life House in Miami’s Little Havana neighbourhood. The Stanmore II Bluetooth has the look and feel of a classic Marshall amp, made famous in stadiums around the world – except now you’re the DJ. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to blast the soundtrack of your life. You can’t snag the model in your room, but you can score your own at marshallheadphones.com for $479.99.