Burj Al Arab, the world’s only (self-proclaimed) “seven-star hotel,” has pushed the boundaries of outrageous hotel perks one step further by issuing each guest their own 24-carat gold-plated iPad. Each golden iPad will serve as a “virtual concierge” at the sail-shaped Dubai icon, offering information on everything from the hotel’s restaurant menus to spa treatments, housekeeping and personalized butler services.

"Our exclusive Burj Al Arab 24-carat gold iPads epitomize Jumeirah’s philosophy of 'stay different' and further enhance our guests’ experience during their stay," boasted Heinrich Morio, Burj Al Arab’s general manager. British brand Gold & Co. is the mastermind behind the shiny accessories. “The multi-layer 24-carat gold plating breezes past all known quality control checks,” CEO Amjad Ali said. “Soon, we envisage wealthy individuals all over the world clamoring to get their hands on our world-class product.”

Though guests will have to return their luxury iPads upon checkout, they’ll be able to purchase the gadgets at the hotel’s boutique for about $10,200 if parting with the hunk of gold proves too difficult. Anyone who just wants to check the iPad out, however, will have to fork over $1,500, the starting rate for a double room at Burj Al Arab. The “Royal Suite,” meanwhile, can run upward of $19,000 per night.

Burj Al Arab’s “bling” iPad may seem a tad bit absurd, but high-end hotels are increasingly seeking inventive ways to lure well-heeled guests. Scroll through the slideshow above for a look at some of the most outrageous perks available right now at world hotels.

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Gold-Plated Virtual Concierge
Each 24-carat gold-plated iPad serves as a “virtual concierge” at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, offering information on everything from the hotel’s restaurant menus to spa treatments, housekeeping and personalized butler services. Jumeirah
Soap Concierge
The Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico has a soap to fit all moods, courtesy of the hotel’s soap concierge. The bars change with the seasons, are organic and come hand-made from nearby Mayan villages. Viceroy Riviera Maya
Social Media Butler
The Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C., was the first to introduce a “social media butler” as part of its 2013 U.S. Presidential Inauguration package: “The Social Media Butler will post on all of your accounts so you don’t have to fumble for your phone to catch that perfect Facebook profile picture!” Reuters
Artist In Residence
Hotels are famous for their uninspired art, but New York’s Andaz 5th Avenue not only provides outstanding décor, it invites the artists themselves to live on property. During its rotating art series, the hotel encourages guests to attend live art installations and learn about the artist in residence’s creative process, technique and inspiration. wikicommons
Sleep Menu
A lot of hotels have pillow menus these days, but Conrad Chicago takes the science of sleep even further with a menu of bedside options that includes nightcaps, herbal elixirs, h2O hydrating treatments and soothing music. Conrad Chicago
Fragrance Butler
Rosewood Hotels now offers a dedicated “fragrance butler” in each of its North American and Saudi Arabian properties who will present guests with a menu of scents tailored to the hotel. Rosewood Hotels
Pet Psychic
Plenty of hotels cater to pet-lovers, but the Hotel Monaco in Portland, Ore., may be the only one that has an in-house pet psychic on staff. The hotel also offers a personal welcome on the Pet Welcome Board, eco-friendly cleanup bags, pet sitting, grooming and walking services. Reuters
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