Water is The New Champagne

Five-star hotels have long justified their sky-high rates with all the usual trimmings, plush robes, pillow menus, attentive concierge services, and more.

But the newest status symbol sweeping luxury hospitality isn’t a spa treatment or a rare amenity. It’s water.

According to Robb Report, more upscale properties are swapping out basic bottled water for advanced, high-tech filtration setups. At Conrad New York Downtown, every room now features a Rocean Zero filtration unit, a minimalist device that blends seamlessly into the minibar along with a complimentary stainless-steel bottle. The hotel even installed a lobby dispenser that uses desiccant technology to pull moisture from the air and turn it into drinking water.

It’s all part of a growing “luxury hydration” movement, the same trend fueling demand for $300 medical-grade water bottles. And hydration expert Martin Riese says hotels are finally realizing that premium water is the next premium perk.

How generous! I’d still also like the Champagne though!
Lana Backman