Complimentary house cars have long been a fixture at leading hotels (think chauffeur-driven airport transfers or being whisked around the city for shopping trips), but a wave of top-tier brands is leaning into partnerships with pioneering EV makers like Rivian and Lucid that share a dedication to sustainability and innovation within the luxury hospitality sector to meet growing traveler demands for eco-friendly experiences. Ride-and-drive programs are having a moment, too. Here in Southern California, Pendry San Diego guests can test drive some of the newest cars from luxury automaker Cadillac, while classic and supercar rentals are complimentary with suite stays at two iconic hotels in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills thanks to special drive experience packages. Here’s where to check in.
An industry pioneer championing a range of green innovations, at select 1 Hotels properties across the U.S., guests can experience the road less traveled with minimal environmental impact, too, courtesy of an ongoing partnership with Audi of America that offers access to a fleet of electric vehicles available for house car service, personal test drives, or curated excursions. Beyond getting from A to B—the 1 Hotels x Audi program is an intuitive offering that reflects both brands’ shared commitment to design-forward sustainability. Travelers are invited to go beyond the hotel grounds and experience local culture and nature through a low-impact lens––from winding along the verdant North Shore of Kauai from 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay to gliding through the rolling hills of Tennessee en route to Bloomsbury Farm from 1 Hotel Nashville. Here in Southern California, guests at 1 Hotels West Hollywood can take a spin up to the iconic Hollywood Sign to hike, followed by a sustainably packed picnic lunch.
Redefining the luxury road trip, Regent Santa Monica Beach recently debuted its Classic Car, Iconic Coast package, that provides complimentary access to an impressive fleet of vintage vehicles – ranging from a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette and 1974 Ford Bronco to a 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi – when checking into a signature suite. Picture yourself cruising up Pacific Coast Highway, pausing for a beach picnic around Malibu, then returning to the Regent in time for dinner and drinks. “Santa Monica is a treasured beach destination where visitors can experience Southern Californian culture at its best,” says General Manager Younes Atallah. “Engaging spring programs like Classic Car, Iconic Coast really allows our guests to connect with the region–and one another.” Regarding accomodations, the hotel’s six sumptuous Signature Suites range from Malibu Sunset, which features separate living spaces, including a firepit balcony, while Santa Monica boasts sublime ocean views (rates from $10,000). Daily valet parking ($90 value) and a $250 resort dining credit are also included in the package.
A founding member of the Beyond Green portfolio, The Ranch at Laguna Beach named coveted EV maker Rivian as its official house vehicle last year. Known for their eco-conscious, adventure-ready EVs, Rivian aligns perfectly with The Ranch’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor living. A luxurious yet laid-back resort nestled in the Aliso and Wood Canyons, just steps from the Pacific Ocean, its current fleet consists of an R1-S and El Capitan, which are utilized as “adventure shuttles” to experiences or days out in nearby Crystal Cove and Dana Point Harbor, and an R1-T that serves as the house car and is available to guests for day rental. Shuttles and the house car are on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked with the front desk or reservations. Now serving as its first flagship retail space, Rivian helped restore nearby Laguna landmark, the South Coast Theater, a 129-seat auditorium that also regularly hosts community events. Keeping with its adventure-ready ethos and road-trippers in mind, Rivian is also growing its network of charging outposts across California: the nearest is in Joshua Tree, while the tiny town of Groveland outside Yosemite became the fifth Rivian Adventure Network charger outpost when it opened last fall.
Ready to roll through L.A. in serious style? Check into the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and take advantage of The Suite Ride—an ultra-luxe package that pairs a suite stay with complimentary access to a dream car. Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Beverly Hills Car Rental, one of the world’s top super car rental agencies, guests at the elegant Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed Forbes Five-Star hotel can snag keys to daily drivers like a Porsche 911 and Mercedes G550 or something sportier like a Lamborghini Huracán EVO before cruising from Rodeo Drive to the coast. Book a Deluxe Corner Junior Suite, and you might pull up to dinner in a stately Bentley Bentayga or steal the scene in a Ferrari Portofino. And if you’re in town for Father’s Day, don’t miss the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance on June 15—a dazzling showcase of rare and exotic cars in the heart of Beverly Hills.
‘We’re passionate about connecting guests with the rich cultural tapestry that makes New England special,’ said Jeanne Lynch, Guest Experience Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, of the recent collaboration with Lucid and curated driving adventures that take in some of the region’s most scenic and historic destinations. ‘The routes have been designed to reveal hidden gems that make this area remarkable and allow guests to journey from Louisa May Alcott’s writing desk to historic coastal lighthouses in unparalleled comfort at their own pace,’ she shared. Introduced this spring, access to the award-winning electric Lucid Air is complimentary with an overnight stay and provides an effortless way to explore Massachusetts from coast to countryside with zero direct emissions. The initiative underscores both partners’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, too, and includes three custom-curated drive routes for day trips. Whether journeying to Walden Pond, admiring North Shore estates, or tracing the South Shore’s maritime legacy, the program and signature driving routes are a fantastic way to discover New England—right from the heart of Boston.
A fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, plus exclusive benefits for owners, are a major perk for Auberge Resorts Collection guests thanks to its partnership with the storied German automaker, although The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island also features on their list of affiliated hotels. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, visit the front desk and request keys to your chosen Benz and head out to explore scenic locales – from driving into Santa Fe’s historic plaza from Bishop’s Lodge in New Mexico and tooling around the coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, from the White Barn Inn, to cruising the Kohala Coast from Mauna Lani on Hawaii’s Big Island. Conversely, Mercedes-Benz owners can book through a special link via the same list and present their vehicle key at check-in to unlock exclusive benefits during stays, including breakfast, a $100 resort credit and $50 spa credit, plus a comped one-category room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability).
The official vehicle of Pendry San Diego since 2022, the hotel’s ‘Ride & Drive’ program with Cadillac allows guests to get behind the wheel of the latest luxury model from the classic American carmaker for up to four hours—perfect for exploring all that San Diego has to offer. Current models range from Cadillac’s flagship sedan, the CT6 Premium Luxury Sedan to luxury three-row the XT6 Platinum Edition Crossover SUV. Prefer to sit back and relax? Enjoy complimentary Cadillac transportation to nearby destinations instead – from catching a Padres game at nearby Petco Park, a concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, or dinner reservations on Coronado Island.
