Over recent years, cryptocurrency trading has grown dramatically, and the advent of trading platforms and software like immediate-edge.co have made it possible for even complete amateurs to try their hand at buying and selling Bitcoin, Ethereum and other digital currencies.
As a result, as well as a growing number of seasoned investors having amassed impressive sums in their digital wallets, we’re also seeing more young traders holding crypto fortunes in their digital wallets than ever before – and the more crypto millionaires there are, the greater the demand is becoming for ways to spend in digital coins.
The luxury market has, unsurprisingly, been one of the first to adapt and embrace crypto as a means of payment, and from lavish pieces of real estate to high-end cars, it’s now possible to get your hands on a whole host of life’s luxuries in exchange for various leading cryptocurrencies.
And now, you can even fund your next luxury getaway using your Bitcoin or Ethereum, because many of the world’s most prestigious high-end hotels are also now offering the option to make blockchain-based crypto transactions. Recognising that their affluent guests see crypto as a safer and more convenient way to transact, they have partnered with providers like Coinbase to offer a seamless digital payment solution.
Here are five luxury hotels where you can book your stay and enjoy services and activities in exchange for your crypto of choice.
The Chedi Andermatt
Set against the breath-taking backdrop of the snow-capped Swiss Alpes, The Chedi Andermatt is an opulent hideaway that attracts wealthy guests year-round. With Switzerland well known for its commitment to financial technology, it’s perhaps fairly predictable that one of the first luxury hotels to begin embracing cryptocurrency as a means of payment would be here, and The Chedi has partnered with providers Worldline and Bitcoin Suisse to bring their vision to life. Currently, the hotel accepts both Bitcoin and Ethereum, but may well expand beyond that to accept additional alt coins in the future.
The Dolder Grand, Zurich
Another Swiss now allowing bills to be settled in crypto, the Dolder Grand allows its guests to luxuriate amidst elegant surroundings, languish in its world-class spa and dine in its Michelin-starred eatery, then pay for the privilege in Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin – all whilst enjoying the most impeccable of service, of course.
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
Recognised by many as one of the most opulent hotels in the world, the iconic Burj al Arab is hardly a surprising inclusion on this list. Located in extravagant Dubai – playground of the rich and famous – the hotel attracts the world’s wealthiest individuals and offers the utmost in plush suites, fine dining and five star facilities. Considering Dubai’s widely publicised ambition to become a global hub for blockchain technology, it stands to reason that guests should be able to settle bills here using their cryptocurrency wallets, and now they can, with Bitcoin accepted for payments for stays and additional services.
The Pavilions, Phuket
Asia has refused to be left behind as the luxury travel market welcomes cryptocurrency payments with open arms, and The Pavilions in Phuket, Thailand, was one of the first to make the move. This paradisiacal resort, set against golden sands and swaying palm trees and offering awe-inspiring ocean views for guests to enjoy, now also invites cryptocurrency users to enjoy all it has to offer and pay for it using a choice of 40 different digital currencies – something that it facilitates through its partnership with crypto-payment gateway, Coindirect. This particular resort is just one of many owned by Pavilions Hotels and Resorts – a global collection of boutique hotels spanning Europe and Asia to make the switch, with additional locations found in Bali, Mongolia, the Himalayas, Lisbon, Rome and Madrid.
Soneva Maldives
Another destination favoured by the world’s wealthy, the Maldives is home to some of the most opulent resorts you’ll find anywhere, with each located on a private island and offering guests their own personal slice of paradise. Soneva Hotels owns three of them – Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua – all of which are not only accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum payments from guests for their stays, but also offering a unique investment opportunity that allows them to purchase private villas on the islands using the digital currencies. In partnership with crypto payment solutions provider TripleA and secondary provider Pomelo Pay, the intriguing scheme aims to encourage foreign investors to splurge on holiday homes on the islands for an added level of exclusivity – and the properties are being snapped up fast.
