Guest supplies: spending smart, impressing guests
HAIL Europe and Statler BI are teaming up to bring you fresh insights into guest supplies, smart ways to elevate the stay, and the know-how to keep budgets on track. So every little detail turns into a big guest experience.
Behind the scenes of smooth hotel operations, guest supplies are one of those quiet essentials that make a difference. But what budgets should hotels keep in mind and what to consider when selecting your guest supplies?
How 1% shapes 100% of the experience
About 1% of room revenue is invested in guest supplies, but they play a bigger role than this number suggests.
Let’s start with the basics, what are guest supplies? According to the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), guest supplies are the consumable items and amenities provided in the guest room.
The question isn’t just what you offer, but how you offer it: standard in every room or only on demand? From budget hotels spending € 0,25 to luxury properties starting at € 3,00 per room sold. Choices around assortment and presentation directly influence both cost efficiency and guest perception. It’s worth asking: is your 1% spent in a way that truly adds value?
Soaps, slippers and surprises
Guest supplies are more than soaps and shampoos, they quietly set the tone for your hotel’s identity. The trick is to align what you offer with what your guests actually expect, without overspending. Based on current market trends, guest expectations differ per type of hotel. Small details are increasingly helping hotels distinguish themselves or even exceed expectations, creating moments that guests remember.
Budget hotels – Guests expect the basics: hand soap, body wash, and shampoo. Items not provided in rooms are increasingly offered through vending machines or lobby stores, allowing guests convenient self-service access.
Midscale hotels – Extras add value: vanity kits, shower caps, water bottles, and in-room coffee or tea. Other necessary items are provided upon request, such as shaving kit, dental set or slippers. These thoughtful touches fit comfortably within the advised budget. In addition, a hotel lobby store can offer extra items such as travel essentials, toiletries, souvenirs and small gifts.
Boutique hotels – Here, surprise and memory-making matter. Premium cosmetics, subtle fragrances, and hotel branded details like slippers or pillow mist can transform a stay into something unforgettable.
Luxury hotels – It’s all about indulgence and detail. Wide ranges of branded cosmetics, extra amenities such as loofahs or sleeping masks, or a personal welcome gift create the ultimate impression of care and sophistication.
Across all types of hotels, we see an increasing shift toward sustainable guest supplies. This includes eco-certified products, the use of larger bottles, and packaging made from recycled materials.
Why this matters?
Understanding your guest supply options helps you make choices that reflect your brand, enhance guest satisfaction, and protect your bottom line.
With expertise in guest supplies, HAIL Europe provides tailored advice and practical solutions to help you select sustainable, guest-friendly, and brand-aligned products. Get in contact with us for more information.
Statler BI delivers the financial insights you need to fully understand the impact of your choices. For more information visit: Hotel Budget Forecast | Statler Hospitality Intelligence | Amsterdam.
To gain more insight dive into the following post: https://www.statler.bi/post/statler-bi-optimizer-the-profit-is-in-the-details.
