The crypto world is a fast-evolving one, with new trading platforms popping up seemingly by the day in a bid to help would-be investors get started, and to attract seasoned pros with a raft of new and innovative tech.
The likes of Bitcoin Era have reported a dramatic surge in the number of people downloading its app in 2021, with millennials driving the demand for new and improved offerings as they clamour to get to grips with a potentially lucrative business opportunity that could set them up for the future.
As crypto becomes increasingly integrated into our mainstream lives, we’ve gone beyond trading alone and are now able to use our digital earnings in a number of day-to-day transactions in a way that was previously unseen. The luxury industry, in particular, has hurried to cater to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth customers who have crypto-fortunes to spend, and now it’s possible to purchase high-end cars, secure valuable original artworks and splash out on certain designer watches using Bitcoin.
Although fairly recent to the party, the luxury travel world has also begun to follow suit, with a number of tailor-made travel agents and even some airlines beginning to accept crypto. Some of our favourite hotel groups – as well as individual hotels – have also started to tap into the trend, and from Thailand and the Maldives to Europe and Canada, you’ll find a five-star stay waiting for you on almost every continent should you wish to pay in Bitcoin.
Here, we take a look at some of the top high-end hotels to book your 2022 stay using crypto – and with opulent suites and impeccable service, a good time is all but guaranteed.
The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
In a nation known for its liberal financial legislation, it’s perhaps unsurprising that one of the earliest adopters of Bitcoin as a means of payment is located in Switzerland. In fact, The Dolder Grand actually claims to have been the very first five-star hotel in the world to make the move.
A breath-taking hotel that pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxury, it was a partnership with Swiss fintech firm Inacta that sealed the deal, with the venue piloting a first-of-its-kind project that has won it much praise from wealthy business travellers. Through an innovative app known as Inapay, guests’ transactions are converted into fiat currency at the hotelier’s end, making for a simple and seam-free process on both sides.
Sri Panwa, Phuket, Thailand
Just this year, on the 15th September, Sri Panwa announced that it, too, had started to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment – although it had taken a little longer to get there than some. The lavish and award-winning luxury resort, which features a range of private residences that are popular amongst the rich and famous, is embracing not just Bitcoin, but also Ethereum, USDC and USDT.
Perched high atop Cape Panwa, the property offers commanding views across the southeastern tip of Phuket – but it isn’t the only property to benefit from the move. Baba Beach Club Hua Hin and Baba Beach Club Natai, which are also owned by the resort, have also followed suit.
S Hotels and Resorts, The Maldives
This luxurious, Thai-inspired hotel group is one of the latest to begin riding the crypto wave, taking the decision to make the move on the 1st October this year. The group, which caters to the upscale client and currently holds 39 properties across five different countries within its portfolio, counts Maldives five-stars SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Maldives amongst its properties, made these two high-end hotels the flagships for the initiative and the first to begin accepting crypto thanks to a collaboration with trading platform FTX – and regular customers are thrilled.
Sandman Hotels, Canada and the UK
Vancouver-based chain Sandman Hotels operates 44 venues across Canada, with several more properties in the north of the UK as well as one at its Gatwick Airport hub, and was one of the earliest adopters of crypto. Working in partnership with Silicon Valley-based broker Coinbase, it accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a similar process as that of Inapay in Switzerland, with each transaction converted swiftly into Canadian dollars.
In a bid to combat market volatility from the off, it has so far proved to be a highly successful move, making it a favourite amongst wealthy business customers and young investors alike – and those with a crypto fortune can now spend it on the brand’s accommodations with ease.
