The Modern Minibar: Alcohol, Chocolates and Sex Toys

SOUTHPORT, U.K. — A new boutique hotel on the northwest coast of England is the latest in an increasing number of upscale inns to include sexual aids and novelties alongside the usual overpriced goodies found in the minibar.

According to an ABC News report, The Vincent Hotel, which is scheduled to open this May, will provide "intimate seduction kits" in each of its 60 rooms. The sealed kits will contain lubricating gel, massage oil, a vibrating ring and two condoms.

"As well as giving guests a design conscious venue to stay, we wanted to give them a decadent, inspiring and seductive environment to enjoy," Vincent owner Paul Adams said.

"We want to provide our residents with a distinct and highly individual experience in their own private, opulent space."

The Vincent Hotel is not the first to recognize an untapped market right under its nose. Hotels and hotel chains around the world — including Hilton Hotels, Ritz-Carltons, New York's Hudson, San Francisco's Clift, Six Columbus and a host of hotels in Canada — have already jumped on the pro-sex bandwagon.

Even communist China is getting into the act, albeit for other than salacious reasons. In an attempt to prevent soaring HIV/AIDS rates — which jumped by 54 percent in the city last year — Beijing has ordered hotels to provide condoms in all bedrooms.

Not all luxury hotels are supplying sex toys, either. Some are providing condoms and lube only, a move that has been met with consternation by some in the hotel industry.

In a column posted online in November 2007, Barry Napier from Hotel Online expressed dismay at a trend that he believes "panders to a seamy side of life."

"Theirs is not about service," he said. "It is about becoming providers of anything-goes."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

'Groove Thing' Sets Kickstarter Funding Record for Insertable Pleasure Product

Groove Thing, an insertable pleasure product that plays audio, has set a funding record on Kickstarter.

Nalpac/Entrenue, Ohdoki Sign Distro Deal for 'The Handy'

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked an exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Ohdoki Products for The Handy.

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Onahole Debuts New 'Miss Boss Cup' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Miss Boss Cup stroker.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Trust 1' HPV Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Trust 1 Home Collection Kit for HPV testing.

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Show More