Luxury hotels go to great lengths to provide guests with a memorable and inviting experience. An important part of creating the right ambiance involves identifying and using the perfect fragrances throughout the property. But with so many options available, how do 5 star hotels choose their signature scents?
Why is fragrance important in hotels?
Scent is closely linked to memory and emotion in the brain. It can conjure up feelings of relaxation, excitement, comfort or romance. Hoteliers understand this and leverage fragrance to help tell their brand story and immerse guests in a multi-sensory experience.
Signature scents give hotels an identity and help differentiate their brand. Recognizable fragrances create anticipation and excitement for loyal guests who have built an association between scent and property over repeat visits. Fragrance also plays a subtle role in influencing guest behavior and perceptions.
How do hotels choose their fragrances?
Selecting the right fragrance for a luxury hotel is an intentional, strategic process that involves:
- Identifying fragrance goals – What feeling or impression do they want to create? How will scent enhance the brand experience?
- Developing fragrance brief – Details like scent categories, notes, intensities and diffusion methods.
- Fragrance mapping – Pinpointing where and how scent will be distributed throughout the property.
- Working with professional perfumers – To formulate customized scents that align with brand identity and fragrance strategy.
- Testing and revisions – Ensuring the scent performs as intended in real hotel environments through trials.
Some luxury hotel chains develop a custom fragrance to achieve a unique olfactory identity. Independent properties often work with fragrance companies to select from existing signature scents that match their vision. The goal is to find the perfect aroma that embodies the essence of the brand.
Popular fragrance notes in hotels
When custom-blending fragrances, 5 star hotels tend to favor certain scent ingredients and profiles:
Fresh and clean notes
Citrus, ocean breeze, cotton, lavender – These invigorating scents give an instantly refreshing first impression.
Luxurious notes
Sandalwood, vanilla, jasmine, rose – Rich notes that feel elegant, sophisticated and opulent.
Spa-inspired notes
Eucalyptus, mint, sage – Scents associated with aromatherapy and wellness experiences.
Destination-specific notes
Local flowers, fruits, herbs – Unique regional aromas that relate to the geography and character of the hotel locale.
Where is fragrance diffused in hotels?
5 star hotels disperse signature fragrances in high-impact areas throughout the property to immerse guests in the experience. Common fragrance diffusion points include:
- Lobby
- Reception/check-in areas
- Elevators and corridors
- Guest rooms and suites
- Spa relaxation lounges
- Restaurants and bars
- Meeting spaces
- Public restrooms
- Outdoor rooftop terraces
The diffusion method – heat, misting, passive diffusion – depends on the location, desired intensity and scent control needed.
Examples of fragrances used by luxury hotel brands
Here are some examples of proprietary fragrances developed for well-known 5 star hotel chains:
| Hotel Brand | Fragrance Name | Top Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Oriental | Fan di Fendi | Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper |
| Ritz Carlton | Degrees | Green Tea, Cardamom, Coriander, Cedarwood |
| Shangri-La | ZHU | Lotus Flower, Chinese Jasmine, Sandalwood |
| Four Seasons | FS Beijing | Lotus Flower, Bamboo, Teak Wood |
| St. Regis | Caroline’s Four | Grapefruit, Geranium, Sage, Juniper Berry |
These custom scents contain signature notes that reflect each brand’s identity and create a multi-sensory experience transporting guests to a sense of place.
Key considerations when selecting hotel fragrances
Choosing an appropriate, appealing fragrance involves careful thought and expertise. Here are some key factors 5 star hotels keep in mind:
- Brand alignment – The scent should complement the visual identity and reinforce brand values.
- Guest demographics – Fragrances are tailored to resonate with target guest ages, genders, cultural backgrounds.
- Allergy sensitivity – Light, subtle scents reduce the chance of aggravating allergies or sensitivities.
- Intensity – The right fragrance strength creates ambiance without overwhelming guests.
- Diffusion – Scents are thoughtfully distributed to produce the desired effect in each location.
- Longevity – Fragrances that retain integrity over time without fading require higher quality oils.
Professional noses at fragrance houses blend technical expertise with an intuitive understanding of scent psychology to create the perfect aromas for luxury hotels.
Conclusion
A hotel’s signature scent is an integral part of its brand experience. For 5 star properties, fragrance is never an afterthought, but a strategically crafted element designed to engage guests on an emotional level. Custom-blended fragrances containing notes like citrus, florals, woods and spices evoke a sense of place and luxury. Diffused throughout lobbies, guest rooms, spas and restaurants, these scents subconsciously influence perceptions and deepen the customer relationship. With olfactory identity becoming a key hotel trend, travelers can look forward to more enveloping and memorable fragrance journeys.