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?
I have been a huge fan of Crabtree and Evelyn La Source soap since my stay at the Hilton in Waikikii 3 years ago. It costs me about $7 a bar.
For soap.
It's ridiculous... but I LOVE it.
Posted by: Deeleea | August 13, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Not only the hotel bling, but those darn mags on the airplane, too. I just had to get my cats a fountain waterer after seeing it in the shopper so many times! (fyi-They still won't go near it they are so afraid of it!)
I would be afraid a sleep number bed would be a costly biz trip for me ;)
Posted by: Shannon | August 13, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I need to stay in a hotel with a sleep number bed; I desperately want to try one.
Posted by: Raven | August 13, 2008 at 08:53 AM
We've been back for more than a week but I'm still dreaming of the Flou bed we enjoyed at the Hotel Gault in Montreal. Soft without being saggy. Supportive without being rigid. No motion transfer--so you can roll over (or get up to pee) without causing seismic disturbances on the other side of the bed.
Posted by: Ellen | August 13, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Yes, the contents of the mini bar !!!
Posted by: Keith | August 13, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Molton Brown. I still miss their bath wash - it was heavenly and refreshing. Now that we are being budget conscious, Molton Brown definitely violates that principle. Sniff.
Posted by: cagey | August 13, 2008 at 09:59 AM
There's not much to desire in a Motel 6...(they take pets,) but I do own a Sleep Number! I LOVE it...I sleep on 90- and I don't know anyone else who does...my husband sleeps on 45...but we tried it out because if we used it for 60 days and didn't like it they would refund all our $$ except for $200....and the other mattress set we had our eyes on was exactly $200 less than the Sleep Number...so we took the deal and after waking up the next morning I was sold. The best part of the bed is that when my husband gets up in the morning I don't feel him get out of bed....or even turn over at night.
Posted by: M | August 13, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I can't even remember what hotel it was, but in San Fran once for biz, they had all H2O+ brand toiletry items, and I fell in love with the Mint Ice Shampoo. I've bought it online since. And I am the super-proud owner of a W Hotels pillow top mattress. Also purchased online. With a 40% off code. :)
Posted by: a beer sort of girl | August 13, 2008 at 11:16 AM
See, I've heard that those Sleep Number beds turn into crap after a few years of owning it. I want a mattress that's going to last me a minimum of 15 years. Minimum. Anything that involves air in it just won't be able to pull that off, I'm sure.
I haven't ever bought anything because of a hotel stay, no. Well, except that time I had to replace a bathing suit I accidentally left behind a door to dry...
Posted by: Faith | August 13, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Among all the Bliss products from last year's BlogHer at the W in Chicago, I emerged with a love for the body lotion (lemon and something...herby I think.) I haven't bought any, as it's far beyond my budget at this point, but I do stop and commune with it in Sephora whenever I'm in there (not very often, I can't trust myself!)
Posted by: laurie | August 13, 2008 at 09:14 PM
I have been an owner of both a feather bed and down comforter since that trip to the Ritz. Like sleeping on a cloud (that sometimes pokes you with a feather shaft).
Posted by: me | August 13, 2008 at 09:45 PM
You think you hate YOUR shower head? Mine flew off the wall today and BROKE MY TOE!!! How's that for 'head hate'? Time to go shopping.
Posted by: Zen Zone Chick | August 13, 2008 at 09:53 PM
I love Fresh products. I discovered them when I stayed at the Tribeca Grand a few years ago. So fun.
BTW- my book showed up today from your giveaway. Thanks!!
Posted by: Calee | August 14, 2008 at 08:36 PM