What is it with hotels and their rubbish bathroom products they supply? I mean we all know they are part of the room and people collect them to take home but why think of that as a negative thing and get the cheapest most awful product coming out of China? Why not take advantage of it and use these products as a reminder of how fantastic your hotel is/was?
Tips for hotels who think they are pretty good and call themselves 5 star.
First invest in some good quality tested products. I have a friend whose hair was ruined by the dreadful shampoo in her 5 star Melbourne Hotel in Southbank suite. This friend takes special pride in her hair-it is her signature so to speak- and this shampoo reduced it to unmanageable straw with one wash! She will never stay there again. It doesnt matter how nice the view was or wether they offer high tea and have lovely decor. Her big day out started with a hair disaster and gals we all know what that does to the day!
So rule number one- Use good quality products
Next is the scent. Oh my God. How do they do this? Do they throw a dart at a list and just go with that? Or do you think they go out of their way to actually choose the strongest smell they can find. The latest abomination I sampled was some kind of tutti fruity icecream confection that infected anything it was near. It was disgustingly sweet and almost as overpowering as that teenage boy spray we all love to hate. (did anyone catch that story about the guy who died in his bathroom from spraying too much of that stuff on? Poor man.)
Anyway I digress. If its not some kind of Lolly smell its some kind of 'Ocean' stink. I just dont get it. Scent has a direct link to the brain and creates a memory connection. Wouldnt you make sure your prestigious establishment had a distinct scent to its products so that link could be made? I guess not if you are going to ignore rule number one and have poor products.
Rule number two- Take some time to select a truly delicious scent for your quality products- a signature scent would be even better-invest in your brand.
Lastly (and only if you are going to do the first two) put your name on it!!!!!!!
Everybody knows guests take home toiletries from hotels. Why would you have a line of products with someone else's name on it? I mean I understand trading on brands, like L'occitane and that other one everyone has now, if you want to be recognized for the investment, but really you should be proud and confident in your own brand and not piggy backing it on someone else's. I mean come on. What sort of 5 star hotel needs to have its experience re-enforced and qualified by a brand like L'occitane?
Don't get me wrong, their stuff is nice but gee wouldnt you rather be known for the amazing bath soak from the Lindrum?( and only at the Lindrum) *I just use this as an example too
Hotel Costes has invested in their own signature scented range of products in line with the rest of their values and vision for their brand and hotel experience and guests rave about it. I have never even been near the place and I know about it, thats how effective this is. (and yes I want to go and stay there to try it)
Which is why Fleurage is hoping to be working this Melbourne boutique hotel brand. They have a clear and distinctive vision for their guest experience and I know we can make it even better.
Wish us well.
Cheers
The Baroness
