Hotels are doing a lot of things these days to try and differentiate themselves. You haven’t lived (OK, died a slow death while still breathing) until you’ve heard a Westin hotel rep explain their new lobby scent program in detail (love the Westin beds, not so influenced by the lavender smells).

Still, one of the great new trends in high-end hotels is the welcoming drink.

You show up to check in and somebody’s handing you a complimentary specialty drink of the house.

This idea is still in its infancy stages in the continental U.S. But in places like Hawaii and Cabo, it’s already near standard practice.

After a few weeks in Hawaii, I now reflexively put my hand out for a drink whenever I walk into any building. (OK, it got a little embarrassing at the DMV and that Starbucks barista was downright testy, but hey …)

The Hawaii drinks are usually fruity and darn tasty. You might consider rechecking into Four Seasons Lodge at Koele just to get another one.

In Hawaii, the drinks are definitely family friendly. This means not even the hint of any alcohol.

Which is a shame. Because the best of these new hotel welcoming drinks by far can be found at the Westin Los Cabos.

In Mexico, the whole family drinks (just kidding) so there’s no Puritan hang ups. Mexico’s like France only 1000 times friendlier.

Westin Los Cabos’ welcoming drink is refreshing with a heck of a nice kick. There’s nothing that signals you’re in Cabo quite like downing a free welcoming drink laced with rum at 10 a.m.

Something to think about Cleveland.

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