When guests check into a hotel, the little details matter — and few things define their first impression as much as the amenities waiting in the room. Whether it’s a budget stay or a luxury resort, the toiletries, accessories, and thoughtful extras play a critical role in guest satisfaction, online reviews, and brand loyalty.
In this guide, we break down what amenities are expected at each hotel rating level, drawing from international hospitality standards and real-world expectations. Whether you’re a hotelier setting up a new property or looking to upgrade your offerings, this post is your roadmap.
🌿 Why Amenities Matter
From practicality to pampering, amenities are part of the guest experience. They:
- Communicate your hotel’s quality and professionalism
- Reflect your brand values, especially sustainability
- Influence guest reviews and repeat bookings
- Help hotels meet or exceed star rating requirements
Many of these expectations are shaped by guidelines from hospitality organizations such as:
- Hotelstars Union (EU-based standardized classification)
hotelstars.eu - AA Hotel Services (UK)
theaa.com - Forbes Travel Guide
forbestravelguide.com
🧼 What Are Hotel Amenities?
Amenities generally fall into a few main categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Toiletries | Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, lotion |
| Room Accessories | Slippers, sewing kits, vanity kits, tissues, shoe shine |
| Luxury Add-Ons | Bath salts, pillow sprays, scented candles |
| Service Enhancers | Bathrobes, turndown service, personalized welcome cards |
Let’s now explore what your hotel is expected to offer, depending on your star rating.
⭐ 1-Star Hotels: Just the Basics
Focus: Clean, safe, and functional accommodations.
Typical Amenities:
- Toilet paper
- Small bar soap
- Plastic drinking cups
- Basic towel set
- Shared or wall-mounted shampoo (if provided)
Note: Most 1-star hotels prioritize affordability. Offering even a small eco-friendly soap or dispenser system can set your brand apart.
⭐⭐ 2-Star Hotels: Functional Comfort
Focus: Added convenience, private bathrooms, and personal care basics.
Typical Amenities:
- Shampoo and body wash (shared or sachets)
- Towels, soap bar
- Disposable cups
- Shower cap
- Optional: dental kit or shaving kit upon request
A small investment in individually packaged toiletries or a neatly presented vanity kit can elevate the guest experience.
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Hotels: Mid-Range with a Touch of Quality
Focus: Comfort and moderate luxury, suitable for business or leisure travelers.
Expected Amenities:
- Individual bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush & toothpaste kit
- Shower cap, vanity kit (cotton pads, earbuds)
- Slippers
- Hair dryer
- Tissues
- Laundry bag
At this level, guests expect attention to cleanliness, quality, and some pampering — even if it’s simple.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star Hotels: Premium Experience
Focus: Upscale and comfortable with added luxury and personalization.
Typical Amenities:
- Full toiletry set: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion
- Branded or higher-end products
- Shaving kit, dental kit, sewing kit
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Vanity kit
- Iron and ironing board
- Optional: pillow menu, shoe shine, makeup remover wipes
Many 4-star hotels now opt for eco-conscious amenities that combine luxury with sustainability — such as bamboo toothbrushes, compostable packaging, or refillable pump bottles.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Hotels: Luxury and Detail-Oriented
Focus: Bespoke, immersive guest experience with high-end offerings.
Must-Have Amenities:
- Luxuriously formulated toiletries with refined scents and sophisticated packaging to match the hotel’s upscale identity
- Full kit: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, bath salts
- Personalized welcome amenities (e.g. guest-name-engraved cards, themed kits)
- Fragrance-infused towels or candles
- High grade Slippers, plush robes
- Loofahs, combs, vanity mirror
- Niche extras: sleep masks, pillow sprays, hand sanitizer
Green Luxury: Many 5-star hotels are choosing to offer vegan, cruelty-free, and refillable amenities as part of their commitment to sustainability and premium guest care — even without relying on external eco-brands.
♻️ Bonus: Eco-Friendly Amenities at Every Level
Even budget hotels are starting to adopt greener solutions, including:
- Bulk dispenser systems instead of single-use bottles
- Biodegradable or recycled packaging
- Natural formulations free from parabens and SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate)
Eco-conscious sourcing isn’t just trendy — it can reduce costs and help meet increasing guest expectations, especially from Millennials and Gen Z travelers.
📌 Final Thoughts
Hotel amenities aren’t one-size-fits-all — they should align with your hotel’s star rating, guest demographics, and brand values. By offering thoughtfully selected toiletries and accessories, hotels not only meet classification criteria but also leave a lasting impression.
👉 Are you a hotelier looking to upgrade your amenities?
CATHAI C CONNECTION Co.,Ltd specializes in supplying eco-friendly toiletries and room accessories tailored to every hotel tier — from boutique hostels to 5-star resorts.
Contact us today to request a product catalog or get a free consultation.
