I've always been really fascinated by free hotel amenities -- the packaging design, the branding, the different scents and colors. What mini identity statement are they trying to make? Is the hotel partnering with an outside company (eg. Neutrogena, Pantene, Crabtree & Evelyn, Molton Brown), or putting out an original product? Are they going for a neutral fragrance or something distinctive? Do they choose to put out mouthwash or lotion? Sewing kit? Shower cap?
My pick for the best in this category is the Four Points Sheraton in Scottsdale, AZ. The scent was a classic and classy lemon verbena, and the packaging cheery. Importantly, the tubes were soft and squeezable -- very user-friendly. Isn't it surprising how many hotel shampoos and lotions come in those stiff plastic bottles that you have to pound against your hand to get anything out of?
Worst: Holiday Inn Express in Carlsbad, NM (not pictured). HIE is very proud of the hot cinnamon rolls it puts out for breakfast -- so much so that they've made "cinnamon roll" the scent for their shampoo, conditioner and lotion. No thank you, I don't want to smell like candy! It's like those ladies at New York Sports Club who insist on polluting the locker room with their "caramel" and "bubble gum"-scented moisturizers. Shudder.
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