Arrive in Style: These 10 Hotels Offer Helicopter Transfers and Tours to Guests

Everyone wants to feel like a VIP while on vacation, and one way to make that a reality is by getting to your hotel in style. While plenty of lodging options offer shuttle services, a few go the extra mile by allowing guests to fly in via helicopter.

Whether you’re used to celebrity-level travel or want to treat yourself on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, here are the top U.S. hotels offering helicopter experiences.

1. Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah

Starting Nightly Rate: $3,940

Located on the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature in luxury. That upscale VIP experience starts before you arrive at the resort. The hotel can book a private helicopter transfer to Page Municipal Airport (PGA) airport from other nearby international and regional airports.

You can also take advantage of the resort’s on-site helipad by booking a helicopter tour. Pilots can take you to the state’s nearby national landmarks, including Glen Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park.

You can book air tours that fly around the area or tours that touch down so you can explore. Contact the hotel a few weeks before arrival to arrange a tour or transfer. Unfortunately, Amangiri doesn’t currently allow direct arrivals via helicopter.

Hot Tip:

Most of these luxury hotels can be booked through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, which confer extra perks to guests like a property credit or space-available upgrades!

2. Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona

Starting Nightly Rate: $2,125

Surrounded by Arizona’s rugged landscape, Castle Hot Springs is a secluded oasis where you can unwind, relax, or go on adventures.

You can start your relaxation before arrival by booking a helicopter transfer. Since the property has a helipad cleared for transfers, you don’t have to worry about renting a car or finding another way to and from the nearby airports.

Castle Hot Springs can also book a helicopter tour to get a bird’s-eye view of the desert. This resort works with a local helicopter charter company, so you can customize your tour to maximize your time in the sky. Guests should inquire about helicopter rides when they book so there’s enough time to make arrangements before arrival. Arrival days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and there is a 2-night minimum stay.

3. Equinox Hotel in New York, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $970

Equinox Hotel is one of the most sophisticated upscale hotels in New York City. One of the best ways to enjoy the resort’s luxury is to arrive via helicopter. Equinox has partnered with a local helicopter charter company to create the Alchemy of Time program.

You can book a one-way or round-trip helicopter transfer to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a stay in one of the hotel’s suites. Since the helipad is a few blocks from the hotel, the final 5 minutes of your journey will be in a private luxury car.

Equinox has a curated post-travel itinerary for guests, with fitness classes, spa treatments, and food available as soon as you arrive. This program offers private charter and by-the-seat options, so more budget-friendly ways exist to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience.

4. Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $750

The artsy and luxurious ambience of the Glenmere Mansion keep the majesty and sophistication of the American Gilded Age alive. To feel even more like royalty, consider arriving in style via a private helicopter. The mansion’s front lawn is spacious enough for a safe landing, and the landscaping is designed to withstand helicopter arrivals and departures.

Glenmere Mansion is happy to welcome guests arriving with private helicopter service. They even provide the coordinates for an easy and stress-free arrival. However, there is no place on the property to store helicopters.

They can also help you make arrangements with a local charter company in the tri-state area. If you plan to use a helicopter transfer for your arrival, Glenmere asks that you let the hotel know beforehand so preparations can be made for everyone’s safety.

5. JW Marriott Essex House in New York, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $560

JW Marriott Essex House New York is one of the most centrally-located luxury hotels in NYC since it’s so close to Central Park. If you stay in some suites, like the Delacorte Presidential Suite or the Artisan Terrace Suite, you can arrive in style via a private helicopter.

Essex House, alongside several other luxury New York hotels in Marriott’s portfolio, has partnered with a local helicopter charter to offer free transfers to guests. These charters specifically operate out of nearby airports, so book a flight to EWR or JFK to ensure you can take advantage of this program.

If you book a stay in one of the hotel’s participating suites, contact the hotel during the booking process to inquire about helicopter transfers. Guests are advised to inquire at least a few weeks in advance.

How To Book: Standard rooms can be booked for roughly 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, though rates will vary depending on the season. All Marriott Bonvoy members can also take advantage of the opportunity to get their fifth night free on award stays.

6. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Wanship, Utah

Starting Nightly Rate: $1,484

The Lodge at Blue Sky is ready to offer its guests whatever they need for the vacation of their dreams. Whether you’re trying to relax and unwind or are an adventure-seeker, the hotel has something for you.

The resort allows helicopters on the property to accommodate guests. Arrivals may be arranged with proper communication. However, these transfers are rare. Helicopter tours and adventures are much more common and can be customized to suit your needs.

You can depart directly from the hotel’s property for a scenic tour of the area, even going as far as Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Heli-fly-fishing can also be arranged for a mix of relaxation and excitement. You’ll be taken to a secluded lake where you can fish all day before returning to the resort.

7. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $692

First founded in the 1800s, Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort tucked away in the Hudson Valley. Staying at the Mohonk is a luxury experience, thanks to its on-site spa, lush natural surroundings, and a full schedule of activities. However, the best way to feel like a sophisticated aristocrat during your stay is to arrive by helicopter.

This resort is partnered with a local helicopter charter service that can take you directly to the resort from nearby airports in the tri-state area. Contact guest services during the booking process to get all the information you need for a helicopter transfer.

However, remember that you’ll have to contact the flight service yourself. If you’d prefer to arrive with another company or a personal helicopter, discuss your options with the Mohonk’s staff ahead of time.

8. Parker Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $629

You can’t do much better than the Parker Palm Springs resort for a relaxing, comfortable, and lavish stay in Palm Springs. The entire hotel is dedicated to making your vacation special and luxurious. That’s why they even allow helicopter arrivals.

Parker Palm Springs works closely with one of California’s top helicopter companies to offer air transfers to guests. Transfers travel to and from Los Angeles and Orange County, so it can accommodate a wide array of guests no matter where you are coming from.

For a stress-free trip, you can pre-book a helicopter arrival when you book your room. You can book a stay in one of the resort’s villas and a one-way trip to the resort. The helipad is a few minutes away from the main resort property, so you’ll be escorted to check-in by private car. Transfers departing from the property have to be booked separately.

9. Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride, Colorado

Starting Nightly Rate: $478

Head to the Peaks Resort and Spa in Colorado for an unforgettable ski getaway. This resort boasts some of the highest altitudes in the country, so there are plenty of slopes to try out. Since the resort is dedicated to helping curate fun adventures, they even offer helicopter skiing.

Peaks Resort is home to Telluride Helitrax, which offers intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders a chance to take on the best slopes on the property. This helicopter experience lets you reach peaks you otherwise wouldn’t dream of skiing down and gives you a chance to tour the resort’s rugged backcountry from the sky.

Skiers who participate in the experience can expect to take on an average of 6 runs, covering up to 14,000 feet of slopes. The experience can be booked personally or via the resort’s concierge.

10. The Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas

Starting Nightly Rate: $674

Known for its elegance and sophistication, The Post Oak Hotel is the perfect place for a VIP vacation.

To make that dream even more of a reality, the resort allows guests to travel in style. Post Oak guests can travel to and from the airport in a privately chartered helicopter. This service can make transfers between the hotel’s rooftop helipad and any of the city’s airports, so your luxury vacation can start as soon as you touch down.

In addition to airport transfers, the Post Oak offers helicopter charter tours. You can choose between a custom 1-hour minimum charter to take you wherever you want to go or a pre-planned sightseeing tour that lasts about 20 minutes. To ensure availability, both tours and transfers must be booked ahead of time. To reserve a flight, contact the hotel directly.

Final Thoughts

Some hotels let guests travel like VIPs all across the country by offering private helicopter transfers and tours. Whether planning a romantic weekend getaway or a trip to wow your whole family, hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down your options.