Bid Farewell to Hotels’ Little Shampoo

When you pack for your next trip, you may want to remember your own toiletries. Why? Hundreds of hotels are no longer providing little bottles of shampoo, conditioner and soap.

What’s happening to the shampoo?

The Wall Street Journal reports that hundreds of hotels are getting rid of their travel-sized, free bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Instead of offering these bottles, hotels are putting bulk dispensers on bathroom walls for guests to use. InterContinental Hotels Group has already changed its soap at its Kimpton brand hotels. And hotel giant Marriott is also starting the switch with 450 of its hotels, across five brands.

Why are they going away?

Simply put, the bulk dispensers are better for the environment. Billions of half-used bottles are thrown away every year, wasting soap and plastic. The dispensers will eliminate this massive waste, while also saving each hotel about $2,000 a year. Many guests have actually found the dispensers easier to use and more convenient than using the usual travel-sized bottles sparingly.

What are guests saying?

While some guests of Marriott and InterContinental appreciate the brands’ care for the environment, many are outraged. Several people claim that “any luxury hotel that does this will not earn [their] business.” Others believe that this is just another step towards cutting costs of amenities. Even more guests are worried that people might tamper with the soap dispensers.

Taking away little shampoo bottles might cause big problems for Marriott and InterContinental. How will these brands maintain their luxury standards with community dispensers? Will going green make guests feel happy, or cheap? Share your thoughts with us!

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