Hotel Scents: Everything You Need to Know

At its core, the idea of “hospitality” is about entertaining guests and providing lodging. Well before the term was officially coined in the 14th century (SOURCE), the idea of a safe, comfortable place to stay, rest, and break bread was powerfully attractive. After braving the dangers of the road, there was no more welcome sight (and smell) for weary travelers than a well-lit inn giving off the scents of fresh-baked bread and spiced wine. Today, this tactic is still used in the hospitality industry in the form of curated hotel scents.

In the twenty-first century, dedicated travelers circle the globe in droves. Whether on the move for business or pleasure, they’re always looking for a safe, welcoming place to rest and rejuvenate. In popular tourist destinations, hotels are plentiful, and guests have many options. Standing out from the crowd can be a challenge, so one of the ways hotels attract customers is by leveraging scent marketing.

Hotel scents are designed to create an inviting atmosphere and a memorable guest experience. Ambient scents–smells that spice up the air around us–are a powerful way to do it. Hotels, both large and small, actively and purposely add scents to their lobbies, halls, rooms, restrooms, and even elevators. Many well-known hotel brands even bottle these hotel scents to sell to customers or offer as complimentary gifts, making the fragrances part of their brand and truly taking scent marketing to the next level.

But you don’t have to be a world traveler to be transported by exotic scents. Bringing new fragrances into our homes and workplaces is an easy way to elevate the atmosphere and set the scene. For homeowners, business owners, and apartment managers, there are many ways to safely and regularly disperse scent, including air diffusers and scent dispensers.

More and more iconic hospitality brands seek to connect with customers on a deeper level. They’re eager to turn one-time stays into recurring visits. For many, having a signature scent is a key part of a comprehensive marketing plan. Because when guests choose where to spend their money, they take everything into account.

“Scent evokes memories and literally transports you back to a place in time,” says Bruce Rohr, VP and global brand leader at JW Marriott. “It’s why scent is such a powerful part of a guest experience at a hotel.” (SOURCE)

As guests enjoy themselves at the resort, hotel scent diffusers do their subtle work, delivering a scented ambiance that complements good times and great memories. And before heading out, it’s not uncommon for guests to receive a gift bag with hotel scents. They’re also often available for purchase in the hotel gift shop. For many guests, taking home a scented souvenir like a candle or a bottle of perfume is a way to recapture the comfort and luxury they experienced at the hotel.

At JW Marriott, for example, those purchases might include a Flamingo Estate citrus-scented candle or an exclusive Bulgari perfume whose scent is reminiscent of green tea. They hope that when guests are safe at home daydreaming about their wonderful vacation, they’ll light that candle, inhale the scent, and start subconsciously making plans for the next one to return.

Olfaction has unique access to our brains—that’s why scent, emotion, and memory are so closely related. Studies of the human brain have illustrated that while our other senses pour data into the analytical part, our sense of smell is plugged straight into the limbic system, where mood and emotion are processed.

Modern hoteliers have picked up on this connection and worked it into their marketing plans. Knowing how powerful first impressions are, they hit guests with their best shot right away—a welcoming lobby full of their signature colors and scent, which work in tandem to create a comfortable atmosphere and a positive, relaxing vibe.

Transform your home or office into a scented sanctuary with ScentScapes® Scent Diffuser. These wall units are sleek, convenient, and easy to use–just plug in, download the app, and enjoy!

From holiday scents to everyday aromas, Aire-Master is your source for just the right scent. White Tea & Thyme, Belgium Linen, Eucalyptus Mint–choose your favorite scent and get started!

For large rooms and open spaces, try ScentScapes Classic Dispensing System. These electric dispensers can be placed on the floor or mounted. Each one contains two scented bars that deliver a light background fragrance.

For smaller spaces, try the Aire-Master D1000 Scent Dispenser. Great as a vehicle freshener, these bars are easy to use–just break apart and enjoy!