Is Hyatt Already Using Bulk Toiletries in Their Hotels?

Looking back at my old posts, I’ve discussed hotel shampoo on this blog more than I care to admit. As often as I’m in hotels, I certainly have opinions on the topic, and mostly thanks to bottles from hotels (and having relatively short hair), I can’t remember the last time I bought shampoo. Starting with the IHG group announcing they are replacing single use plastics with bulk toiletries containers, this free ride is likely ending.

I have mixed feelings on the subject. While often I don’t use what is provided in hotel rooms, I really like some of the products certain hotels provide. Bliss products from W hotels are great, and the large bottles provided in suites is what I use at home. I also like the Westin signature scent, White Tea, and Park Hyatt hotels usually have very nice products, although the Laura Tonatto toiletries from the Park Hyatt Zurich are too strong for me.

Saving the Environment or Greenwashing?

Is this similar to various Green Choice programs hotels offer to “save the environment” and use less water/detergents cleaning sheets/towels after each night of a stay? I certainly don’t need clean towels and sheets after one day of use. I’m not convinced hotels offering incentives to decline housekeeping have the environment in mind. This is clearly a case of cost savings, disguised as an environmental incentive. Some call this greenwashing.

Single use plastics are horribly wasteful. While in some cases they are recyclable, it is often cost prohibitive to do so, and most plastic ends up in landfills or worse. While I will miss the option to take some toiletries I like home with me. This makes good environmental sense. I’m sure other hotel chains will be quick to follow IHG.  In fact, I was surprised to see this at a Hyatt Regency. I’m sure this is unrelated to the recent news.

Evidence of Bulk Toiletries

I was recently working in Jacksonville. When I got to my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency, I noticed bulk containers on the wall of the shower. This is pretty typical at some more budget properties, (Four Points Sheraton comes to mind). Often airline lounge showers use this system which makes sense. That said, I was surprised to see this at a full service property.

I’ve seen CO Bigelow products in American Airlines lounges and past amenity kits. They are fine, and the scent of these items to be pretty unremarkable. I had no problem using them, but not something I’d take with me even if it was an option.

I’m not aware of Hyatt or any other hotel chain announcing that they are moving to bulk toiletries in their properties. I expect it to happen, and likely sooner than later. Presumably this change at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is unique to that property, rather than some large change.

Have you seen bulk containers like this at hotels you’ve visited? What do you think about this inevitable change?