One of my favorite things about my three-night hotel stay last weekend was the showerhead in the bathroom. Unlike the much-hated one I have at home, it rinsed my hair quickly and thoroughly. Naturally, I made a note of what kind it was and ordered the brushed nickel version for my own bathroom.
As I did so, it occurred to me that this is far from the first time I’ve been inspired to buy something after a hotel stay. The toiletries provided at the Hotel Roosevelt in Los Angeles led me to become a die-hard Fresh fan. I now use their shampoo, conditioner, lotion and shower gel.
A stay at a Ritz-Carlton several years ago made me understand what the big deal was about high thread-count sheets. I didn’t buy theirs, but I’ve since gotten a couple of perfectly nice sets at Target.
Growing up in the lower reaches of the middle class, I wasn’t really exposed to much in the way of luxury. I’ll never understand the appeal of designer clothes, shoes or handbags, but I do appreciate the way the premium items I’ve mentioned above make life more pleasant and comfortable.
I imagine that I’m not the only business traveler who’s been influenced this way. My room last weekend also included a Sleep Number bed, which I liked very much once I figured out on the second night that it was adjustable, and softened it up a bit from the 100 setting. The marketing there wasn’t so subtle – there was a card on the bedside table offering a discount for purchasing one.
Despite the fact that I’m in the market for a new bed, that’s too much of a splurge for me. However, I’ll bet some people are taking the bait. I’m actually surprised that other premium bed companies don’t partner with hotels.
Have you ever bought something you first discovered in a hotel? What was it?
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