In today’s highly competitive hospitality industry, guests not only expect comfortable accommodations but also seek memorable experiences. In-room amenities have become a key factor in creating “memorable moments” - the little touches that guests can’t forget and that make them want to return. Small gifts, thoughtful services, or personalized in-room experiences not only bring comfort but also touch guests’ emotions. So how can hotels design and implement amenities that truly leave a mark on their guests? Let’s explore with Hotel Link!
In-room amenities are not just soap, towels, or bottled water. They have become part of a hotel’s holistic guest experience strategy.
Enhancing the guest experience: A welcome bottle of wine, a box of chocolates placed on the pillow, or a pair of soft cotton slippers… all help guests feel valued and specially cared for.
Creating brand identity: Each hotel can tell its story through in-room amenities. For example: a seaside hotel can provide eco-friendly tote bags, while a mountain resort can prepare local herbal tea.
Encouraging repeat stays: A study from Cornell University found that guests who enjoy personalized experiences are 60% more likely to return.
Free publicity: Unique amenities are easy for guests to share on social media, creating natural promotion for the hotel.
Increasing perceived value: Interesting amenities can make guests feel they received much more than what they paid for.
To adapt to travelers’ changing needs, many hotels are embracing new trends in amenity design.
Eco-Friendly Amenities
Travelers are increasingly focused on sustainability. Amenities such as reusable glass water bottles, organic personal care products, or fabric laundry bags instead of plastic… not only protect the environment but also impress guests.
Personalized Amenities
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all services. Hotels now use guest data to personalize amenities. For example: preparing pillows based on sleeping preferences, printing the guest’s name on a welcome card, or stocking snacks according to their taste.
Technology in Amenities
Some hotels integrate technology into the room experience, such as:
Local-Themed Amenities
Travelers love “localized” experiences. Hotels often prepare local tea, coffee, specialty snacks, or handicrafts to create a unique impression.
Wellness and Health-Focused Amenities
The wellness trend is booming, including:
Regional wine or signature cocktails
Handwritten welcome letters or thank-you cards
Boxes of local pastries or fresh fruits
Curated local music playlists available on devices
Handmade maps of unique attractions
Business Travelers:
Mini office kits (power banks, pens, sticky notes)
High-quality coffee with a mini espresso machine
Specialized reading lights
Express laundry service
Families:
Small toys or coloring books for children
Child-friendly bath products with gentle scents
Family board games
Healthy snacks for kids
Couples:
Scented candles, premium chocolate sets
Romantic room setups
Mini champagne bottles
Bath bombs and scented bath salts
Elderly Guests:
Magnifying glasses for reading
Basic pain relievers
Non-glaring night lights
Comfortable headrest pillows
Essential oils and diffusers
Herbal teas for better sleep sourced locally
Yoga kits or compact mats
Mini handheld massagers
Effervescent Vitamin C tablets for long-distance travelers
Smart TVs with Netflix/Spotify/YouTube
International universal sockets with USB-C
Bedside USB ports with LED lighting
High-quality Bluetooth speakers
Mini projectors
Dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi for the room
Refillable bottles instead of mini plastic containers
In-room slippers made of bamboo or organic cotton
Filtered water dispensers instead of plastic bottles
Reusable canvas tote bags
Bamboo toothbrushes and organic toothpaste
See also: Why Sustainable Practices Are a Strategic Imperative for Hospitality Industry?
Business travelers, leisure travelers, families, or couples all have different needs. Identifying your core segment helps hotels choose the right amenities. Conduct regular surveys to stay updated on new preferences and expectations.
Beyond surveys, analyzing behavioral data is key. Look at booking histories, past service usage, or length of stay to better understand habits and preferences. For example, a family-focused hotel can add safe toys, kids’ menus, or babysitting services. Meanwhile, business travelers need efficient workspaces, universal chargers, or express laundry.
Read more: Elevating Hotel Services with AI-Powered Guest Data Analytics
Amenities don’t need to be expensive - what matters is thoughtfulness and relevance. Instead of luxury items, look for meaningful touches that bring emotional value or fulfill small but important needs. For example: high-quality slippers, soothing-scent toiletries, or a multipurpose electric kettle may deliver a better experience than an expensive wine bottle.
Returning guests expect freshness. Rotate or update amenities by season, events, or new trends. Create an “element of surprise.” This doesn’t only mean seasonal changes — it can also mean deeper personalization. For instance, if a guest previously requested feather pillows, having them ready upon their next visit shows the hotel cares about the little details.
PMS or CRM systems help store guest data, remember preferences, and personalize amenities accurately. AI can analyze guest behavior and suggest suitable amenities.
Technology also streamlines operations. CRM can automatically notify housekeeping staff about guest preferences. QR codes can allow guests to instantly request extra amenities without calling reception.
Staff should understand the value and usage of each amenity, and know how to “sell experiences” instead of just placing items in the room. For example: “We’ve prepared a special essential oil set to help you relax after a long flight” is much more impactful than simply saying “Here are your toiletries.”
Track metrics such as:
Each hotel has its own positioning and target audience. Copying amenities from other hotels without considering relevance can backfire. For example, a family resort doesn’t need professional office desks like a business hotel. Always align with your brand and audience.
More amenities don’t mean better experiences. Guests may feel overwhelmed or undervalue them. Instead of offering 10 cheap items, select 3 high-quality ones.
Failing to listen to guest opinions is a major mistake. Feedback guides improvement and inspires innovation.
Keeping the same amenities for years creates boredom, especially for frequent or VIP guests. Regularly update or refresh amenities to maintain excitement.
Build Loyalty: Small, thoughtful amenities can transform a regular stay into a memorable one. Guests who feel cared for form emotional connections with the brand and often become ambassadors.
Increase Revenue: Premium amenities diversify revenue streams. Guests may pay extra for “smart rooms,” special skincare kits, pillow menus, or exclusive room experiences.
Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Unique, personalized amenities create differentiation beyond price.
Higher Review Scores: Distinctive amenities are often highlighted in online reviews, boosting rankings and attracting new guests.
Lower Marketing Costs: Satisfied guests become your best marketing channel, sharing their experiences on social media or via word of mouth.
In the future, AI won't just predict basic needs; it will go deeper into creating surprisingly personalized experiences. For example, an art-loving traveler might be offered a display of a local artist's virtual works right on their in-room TV. Or, a nature enthusiast could have the room's lighting automatically adjusted by AI to mimic a sunrise, complete with the sound of birds chirping in the morning. AI will transform hotel rooms into flexible spaces that adapt to each guest's unique personality and preferences.
Read more: Using AI in the Hospitality Industry: A Pipe Dream or an Inevitable Trend?
The future of VR and AR will create utility-based experiences that are both entertaining and educational. Guests won't have to leave their rooms to join a virtual cooking class with the hotel’s famous chef or watch a local fashion show. Specifically, AR could be used to display hidden amenities, like a virtual wardrobe that allows guests to "try on" outfits from luxury fashion brands the hotel collaborates with.
See also: Elevating Guest Engagement With Virtual Reality Experiences
IoT will connect everything for ultimate comfort. Voice commands can control curtains, TVs, or extra pillow requests. Sensors will monitor air quality and trigger purifiers automatically. Rooms may even recognize returning guests and adjust to their preferences instantly.
Creating memorable moments through in-room amenities is one of the most effective ways for hotels to impress guests and build long-term relationships. Whether it’s a small gift, a personalized service, or a smart technology solution - all can become the highlights that guests remember your brand for.
To make these experiences truly impactful, hotels need efficient management systems. Hotel Link provides solutions such as Channel Manager, Booking Engine, PMS, and professional Websites - enabling hotels to manage easily, personalize services, and enhance guest experiences.
Contact the Hotel Link team today for tailored solutions for your property - and let’s create unforgettable moments for your guests together!