Post Banner Image
Tips

Check Into These 5 “Secret” Hotel Rooms

By Bennett Kleinman
Read time: 5 minutes

If you’re tired of staying in perfectly comfortable, yet boring hotel rooms, there’s good news: Some hotels offer secluded suites that can seriously elevate your stay — but only to guests who are in the know. Some of these exclusive rooms require you to contact the hotel and submit a special application, while others will just run you a pretty penny. Either way, booking one can potentially turn your next getaway into the trip of a lifetime. Here are five “secret” hotel rooms that are worth checking into.

Suite 5000 at the Mandarin Oriental – Manhattan, New York

Suite 5000 at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, with views of Manhattan skyline
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, New York

Located steps from Central Park, the Mandarin Oriental, New York, lives up to its five-star reputation no matter which room you stay in. But one of the most exclusive experiences at this luxury hotel is found on the 50th floor in Suite 5000. Covering a staggering 3,300 square feet of living space, this room is the pièce de résistance among the hotel’s 244 rooms and suites. A stay in Suite 5000 may run as much as an eye-watering $36,000 per night, though it’s large enough that you could split the cost with friends and loved ones. 

The exclusive suite features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms along with a powder room, a living room, dining room, kitchen, media room, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the New York City skyline. There’s even a wall made of Swarovski crystals, not to mention a curated record collection for guests to enjoy. Contact the Mandarin Oriental, New York, for more information about booking a stay in Suite 5000.

Room 711 at Union Station Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee

Interior of Room 711 at Union Station Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee
Photo credit: Image courtesy of The Union Station Nashville Yards

Nashville’s Union Station Hotel boasts a prime location on Broadway in the heart of Music City. What makes Room 711 extra special, though, is that you’ll share it with a permanent year-round guest. According to local legend, Room 711 is forever occupied by the spirit of a 20-year-old girl named Abigail, who tragically died on the nearby train tracks during World War II. Her ghost supposedly chose this particular room because it offers a perfect view of those very tracks. 

While some guests don’t buy into the story, others have reported hearing furniture dragged along the floor or seeing flickering lights coming from the room. All of these unusual happenings have earned this hotel a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in America. So, if you’re looking for a bit of excitement on your next getaway, contact the Union Station Hotel and ask when Room 711 is next available.

Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada

Upscale decor inside the Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Chris Wessling

El Cortez Hotel and Casino, a hidden gem about a 10-minute drive north of the Vegas Strip, is home to one of the best secret suites in Sin City: the Jackie Gaughan Suite. This onetime penthouse-level residence of the hotel’s former owner is now available for lucky guests to book. Its outside balcony offers spectacular views of Las Vegas, but it’s the retro decor inside the suite that makes this room truly memorable. 

Many of the original features were picked out by Jackie himself when the hotel opened in the 1940s, such as oversized shag pillows to rest your head against and a pink marble tub with golden swan-shaped faucets. The suite encompasses 2,700 square feet of living space, and you’ll also gain access to a dedicated concierge to help make your stay all the more comfortable. Contact El Cortez to learn more about this exclusive experience.

Hilltop Villa at COMO Laucala Island – Laucala Island, Fiji

Overhead view of bungalows at Fiji's COMO Laucala Island resort, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Como Hotels and Resorts

The approximately 330 islands that make up Fiji are a true tropical paradise. One of the most in-demand islands to visit is Laucala Island, where you can stay in one of only 25 suites at the luxurious COMO Laucala Island. Of those, nothing beats the secluded Hilltop Villa, which you need to either apply for or be specially invited to stay in.

This suite offers 131,319 square feet of private space both inside and outside. You’ll be surrounded by lush tropical forests as well as stunning views of the glistening Pacific Ocean, all of which can be enjoyed while taking a dip in the two-tiered swimming pool. Those lucky enough to stay in the Hilltop Villa can even arrive in style on a private runway, so you’ll feel like you’re truly isolated from the rest of the guests. Contact the hotel for more details on how to apply.

Owner’s Suite at Hotel Bennett – Charleston, South Carolina

Balcony of Owner's Suite at Hotel Bennett overlooking church tower and Charleston skyline at sunset
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Drew Castelhano

Not only does Hotel Bennett have a great name, but it’s also home to one of the most exclusive hotel suites in the country. Spanning two stories and spread out over about 2,380 square feet, the Owner’s Suite has all the standard amenities that you’d expect at an upscale hotel. But it also comes with a private butler’s pantry (and a dedicated butler, too), a personal wine cooler, an integrated sound system, and special welcome gifts. The suite even features an 838-square-foot wraparound terrace, providing beautiful views of Charleston’s historic Marion Square, as well as the historic Old Citadel church, which dates back to the mid-19th century. Contact Hotel Bennett for more information about how to book this luxurious room.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Email

Featured Stories

12 of the Snowiest Places Around the Globe

Outdoors

These Are the Most Affordable U.S. Cities To Visit

Tips

What Are “Fifth-Freedom” Flights — and Why Are They Useful?

Tips

How To Tell if Your Airplane Seat Really Is Clean

Tips