The personal touch

At a time when we’ve had to remove from rooms so many of the items that create a ‘home from home’ experience, some little extras can help.

As we head towards what may well be a most unusual festive season, there will still be guests, particularly couples and family parties in suites or cottages, who choose this time as the opportunity to treat themselves to a staycation away from the daily grind and dilemmas.

Little treats and touches can make all the difference to their experience – and help to make up for the loss of those events staged in more normal times (perhaps visits by Santa or carols) or guest room features no longer available to them. Even some of the free ‘amenities’ we provide will be missing. Smiles may well be hidden behind masks as guests pass through public areas, and handshakes are unlikely.

What we can guarantee courtesy of the welcome late summer ‘spike’ of what could be termed ‘Staycation1’ is that many people using hotels for the first time since the pandemic began will be watchful when it comes to cleaning processes which normally pass them by. This will be welcome but hardly something guests will file under ‘Best things about my visit’.

While a COVID-secure environment, pristine rooms and the freshest linen will always be appreciated, it could well be that something they enjoy and perhaps take home will help to form the best memories. And bring them back in better times for a stay featuring all the soft furnishings and extra touches we normally provide.

What can we do to make guests feel comfortable and special? Definitely personalise their experience as much as possible. It’s something many already do to create a relationship with visitors but is now more important than ever when so much of our lifestyle away from home – work, shopping and travel for instance – is often a regimented affair.

One way to treat your guests to a touch of luxury and comfort is with quality bath, hair, and body care products. ADA Cosmetics International, for instance, specialise in hygienic dispenser systems that save costs, are practical to use and environmentally friendly. Their product portfolio also includes miniature guest amenities, essential accessories, fragranced hand sanitiser and neat gift sets.

Individual guest amenity kits are available in a wide range of brands to suit all hotel interiors and characters. They contain a full array of items such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion and soap, all presented in a contemporary branded box or bag.

Vegan-friendly brands, such as the green and earthy Naturals collection, or the urban apothecary inspired Naturals Remedies range boast formulations with organic grade and renewable plant-based ingredients. For a sense of fun, consider the Be Different! Smart Hydration Kit. Fruity in fragrance, and bursting with youth and colour, each liquid is jam packed with a different fruity scent, to provide an invigorating bathing experience.

For the ultimate indulgent experience, you might offer guests an exclusive bath care gift box from one of ADA’s luxury retail partners, such as ELEMIS, Penhaligon’s or The White Company. The Revitalise Me collection by number one British skincare brand ELEMIS is a firm favourite. Infused with essential oils of thyme, basil and neroli, the uplifting unisex fragrance is gentle and truly awakens the body and senses with an essence of pure spa luxury.

And don’t forget the little ones! They too have been through some turmoil. Take a look at the teddies supplied by BC SoftWear. They make lovely turn down gifts and they can be purchased with their own mini-bathrobes to match ones BC SoftWear offer for guests of all ages. The company also produced an NHS teddy which is available from their website.

When the bedroom has been stripped of its usual fluffy throw, plump cushions and probably even the coffee machine, there are still some essential items that clients will use as touchpoints to measure the quality of their stay. The new SmartSoft® collection from BC SoftWear includes Supremesoft bathrobes and SmartKnit towels.

They’ll love the feel, while you can save you up to 70 per cent on your energy consumption. The unique blend of fabric has been proven by the Laundry and Technology Centre (LTC) to provide significant energy reduction over traditional towelling and enhanced drying properties, whilst passing rigorous tests for performance and longevity.