And they are also for one more thing, reports New York Times: Marketing.

The paper reports that the “presidential suite” started with Ulysses S. Grant seeking such a suite on a visit to New York and that every president since Herbert Hoover has slept in the Waldorf Towers presidential suite. Companies rent the ultraluxurious penthouses for parties and meetings because they are more cost-effective than hiring separate meeting rooms. Hmmm. Wouldn’t have anything to do with the intimidation of the marble and crystal and grand piano would it? It certainly wouldn’t hurt to psyche out the opposition at a top-level meeting.

One chain reserves its presidential suite for special guests and its top loyalty program rewards. And that’s another kind of marketing. At hotels that market these rooms to mere mortals, the card rate seems to be around $10,000 to $15,000 per night but they can be had for a good bit less.

The piece doesn’t mention Las Vegas, which has long specialized in ultra-luxury suites as a bait to catch the whales and as a means to salve any losses they might have incurred at the tables. And, of course, the latest thing is the ultra-luxury suites the Palms opened in February with such party amenities as a half-court hardwood basketball court, regulation-size bowling lanes and an authentic nightclub-style disc jockey booth. It’s all in the marketing