So much has changed in the cleaning industry in the last two years, from the advent of electrostatic sprayers to the wearing of masks beyond healthcare facilities. But a constant for many hotels has been the presence of bar soap, particularly in hotels. As described in a article by Cónde Nast Traveler, many hotels are sticking with bar soap as bathroom fixtures, despite other changes — including larger shampoo and conditioner dispensers instead of small plastic bottles for environmental reasons.
Speaking to hotel operations workers from different regions of the US, Cónde Nast Traveler explained several key reasons why the classic bar of soap has remained a cornerstone and why facility cleaning managers and frontline workers for these establishments may not expect a change any time soon.
A feeling of luxury
A general manager who oversees Hotel Gansevoort in New York notes that they still use bars of soap because it gives a sense of separation from guests’ regular homes. Part of the tradition of having a bar of soap ready in the bathroom helps make the point that you are staying in a luxury hotel and having a unique experience from what you are used to.
A sense of familiarity
Interestingly, an operations worker at Maison de la Luz in New Orleans is a proponent of bar soap for exactly the opposite reason. Instead, their goal is to make the guest feel “at home,” and they believe that having a large dispenser right next to the sink makes it look less homely. They’ve adopted the dispensers like many other hotels, but they’re instead placed near the bathtub as a convenient spot.
Complementary Branding
The same Maison de la Luz employee adds that bar soap allows for more branding opportunities. Her soap bars, for example, feature the Maison logo and are shaped in the shape of an oyster shell – a staple of the New Orleans experience. Similarly, the general manager of Marram in Montauk, NY says they infuse their soap bars with a woody aroma to represent their region’s outdoor scent.
Changes can become apparent
Not all hotels stick to the bar soap, however. Conrad Hotels & Resorts recently switched from bar soap to bulk soap dispensers, citing the same environmental concerns as mini plastic bottles for toiletries. Her global brand boss noted that the pandemic has reinvigorated the need for single-use hygiene products, but with the return to normal, eco-friendly options are also a priority.
For a related topic, read this article Compare the benefits of bar soap vs. liquid soap.
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or rejected by CleanLink.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of CleanLink.com or its employees. To learn more about commenting on Facebook, please read the interview guide.
Industry News & Trends
Industry training and events
Advice from the field
Insights & Updates
