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Best Western and the Evolution of Hotel Amenities: The Case of Disposable Soap Dispensers

Introduction

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with hotel chains striving to enhance guest experiences while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability. Among the leading global hotel brands, “Best Western” has established itself as a trusted name, offering consistent quality and comfort across its properties. One of the critical yet often overlooked aspects of hotel operations is the provision of “hotel amenities”, particularly “disposable soap dispensers”.

In recent years, the shift from single-use toiletries to bulk dispensers has been a significant trend, driven by both environmental concerns and cost efficiency. However, the debate between “disposable soap bottles” and “refillable dispensers” continues, with brands like “hotel soap dispenser supplier” emerging as key players in the hospitality supply chain.

This blog post explores “Best Western”s approach to hotel amenities, the role of “disposable soap dispensers” in modern hospitality, and how hotel soap dispenser supplier companies are influencing the industry.

  1. Best Western Hotel Group: A Brief Overview

1.1 History and Growth

Founded in 1946, Best Western began as a small network of independent hotels in the United States. Unlike traditional hotel chains, Best Western operated as a non-profit membership association, allowing independent hoteliers to maintain ownership while benefiting from collective branding and marketing.

Over the decades, Best Western expanded globally, now operating over 4,700 hotels in more than 100 countries. The brand has diversified into multiple tiers, including:

– Best Western (mid-scale)

– Best Western Plus (upper mid-scale)

– Best Western Premier (upscale)

– BW Signature Collection (boutique-style)

– Executive Residency by Best Western (extended-stay)

1.2 Commitment to Sustainability and Guest Comfort

Best Western has consistently adapted to industry trends, including eco-friendly initiatives. The hospitality sector has faced increasing pressure to reduce plastic waste, leading many hotels to reconsider their amenity strategies.

While some luxury chains have opted for high-end, branded mini-toiletries, budget and mid-scale hotels like Best Western have increasingly turned to bulk soap dispensers to minimize waste and costs. However, the debate over disposable vs. refillable soap bottles remains relevant.

  1. The Role of Hotel Amenities in Guest Experience

2.1 Why Amenities Matter

Hotel amenities play a crucial role in shaping guest perceptions. Items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion may seem trivial, but they significantly impact comfort and satisfaction.

– Convenience: Guests expect basic toiletries to be provided.

– Brand Image: High-quality amenities enhance perceived value.

– Hygiene: Especially post-pandemic, guests prefer sealed or single-use products.

2.2 The Shift from Mini-Bottles to Dispensers

For years, hotels relied on single-use plastic bottles for shampoos and soaps. However, due to environmental concerns (millions of mini-bottles end up in landfills yearly), many cities and countries have banned them.

Best Western, like other chains, has explored alternatives:

– Refillable wall-mounted dispensers (more sustainable but raise hygiene concerns).

– Disposable soap bottles with pump dispensers (a middle-ground solution).

This is where companies like hotel soap dispenser supplier come into play, supplying hotels with cost-effective, hygienic, and eco-conscious amenity solutions.

  1. Disposable Soap Dispensers: Pros and Cons

3.1 What Are Disposable Soap Dispensers?

Unlike traditional mini-bottles, disposable soap dispensers are larger pump bottles designed for single-room use. They hold more product, reducing the frequency of replacement, but are still discarded after each guest’s stay (or after a certain period).

3.2 Advantages

Reduced Plastic Waste (compared to mini-bottles, fewer are used per stay).

Cost-Effective (bulk purchasing lowers expenses).

Hygienic (guests prefer unused, sealed products).

Branding Opportunities (custom labels enhance professionalism).

3.3 Disadvantages

Still Not Fully Sustainable (they are thrown away eventually).

Potential for Theft or Waste (guests may take entire bottles).

Refill Challenges (some hotels prefer refillable systems for long-term savings).

3.4 Best Western’s Approach

Best Western properties vary in their amenity strategies. Some franchisees use refillable dispensers, while others opt for disposable pump bottles to balance hygiene and cost. The brand encourages eco-friendly practices, but final decisions often rest with individual hotel owners.


  1. hotel soap dispenser supplier: A Key Player in Hotel Amenity Supply

4.1 Who Is hotel soap dispenser supplier?

hotel soap dispenser supplier is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in hotel amenities, including:

– Disposable soap dispensers

– Shampoo & conditioner bottles

– Dental kits

– Other guest essentials

The company serves budget to mid-scale hotels, providing affordable yet presentable solutions.

4.2 Why Hotels Choose hotel soap dispenser supplier

– Cost Efficiency: Bulk purchasing reduces per-unit costs.

– Custom Branding: Hotels can add logos for a professional touch.

– Hygiene Compliance: Sealed disposable bottles reassure guests.

– Regulatory Adaptation: Helps hotels comply with plastic bans.

4.3 hotel soap dispenser supplier’s Impact on Best Western

Many Best Western franchisees source amenities from suppliers like hotel soap dispenser supplier due to their competitive pricing and reliability. As the hospitality industry moves toward sustainable yet practical solutions, partnerships with such suppliers will remain crucial.

  1. The Future of Hotel Amenities: Trends and Predictions

5.1 Biodegradable and Refillable Solutions

The next evolution may involve:

– Plant-based disposable bottles (compostable materials).

– Smart dispensers (monitor usage to prevent waste).

– Water-saving formulations (concentrated soaps).

5.2 Guest Preferences Shaping the Market

Surveys indicate that:

– 65% of travelers prefer sustainable amenities.

– Yet 40% still prioritize hygiene over eco-friendliness.

This duality means hotels like Best Western must strike a balance.

5.3 Best Western’s Potential Moves

– Standardizing eco-policies across franchises.

– Partnering with green suppliers for innovative solutions.

– Educating guests on sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

The discussion around hotel amenities, particularly disposable soap dispensers, reflects broader industry challenges: sustainability vs. convenience, cost vs. quality, and hygiene vs. environmental impact.

Best Western, as a global mid-scale leader, must navigate these factors while maintaining guest satisfaction. Suppliers like hotel soap dispenser supplier play a pivotal role by offering practical, affordable solutions that align with evolving regulations and consumer expectations.

As the hospitality sector continues to innovate, disposable soap bottles may eventually give way to even greener alternatives. However, for now, they remain a key component of hotel operations, ensuring both guest comfort and operational efficiency.

For hoteliers, the lesson is clear: adaptability is essential. Whether through refillable systems, biodegradable disposables, or smart dispensers, the future of hotel amenities will be shaped by technology, sustainability, and guest demand.

Would you like additional insights on specific Best Western locations or amenity suppliers? Let me know in the comments!

 

For BSC, which provides bulk soap dispensers for customers, Dr. Gerba recommends switching from an open system to a sealed box soap system. According to the manufacturer, the sealing system is not only more hygienic but also easier to maintain.

“Sealed soap systems eliminate the risk of exposure or environmental contamination, making users safer and healthier,” Renner said. “Every sealed soap box is fresh, clean and sterile. When it’s put in the dispenser, there’s no way to open it up and contaminate it, or let air or water in.”

In slightly more than 40 percent of cases, BSC requires customers to buy what type of soap dispensers, according to Contracting Profits’ “2017 Building Services Contractors Market Report.” The rest of the time, they must repair any type of dispenser on the wall.

Faivre recommends an extra charge for serving bulk dispensers because of the time it takes to maintain them. Next, to get customers to switch to sealed systems, she recommends focusing on the potential labor and time savings compared to refillable systems.

“One benefit of a containment system is maintenance,” Faivre said. “When we measured the time it took to replace the cartridge, we found that it took six seconds to replace the cartridge and 30 seconds to fill the bulk dispenser.”

Bulk dispensers may also have difficulty refilling, resulting in spills and drips that require additional time to clean up.

But most importantly, the manufacturer encouraged the BSC to publicize the health benefits of the sealed soap system and its impact on hand-washing compliance.

“The benefits of a sealed soap system are healthier employees with less illness and absenteeism,” Renner said. “Contaminated bulk soap can be transferred to hands, which in turn can be transferred throughout the facility, spreading the bacteria to other people.”

The BSC should also promote a clean appearance of the sealing system.

“The BSC doesn’t want to explain an obnoxious looking dispenser or answer complaints about sick or unhappy employees or visitors,” Renner said. “Dirty, unsightly water fountains quickly impede hand washing, which is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of colds, flu and other illnesses.”

Appearance is important

A clean, nice soap dispenser can not only encourage hand washing, it can also enhance the image of the restroom and, by extension, the company.

“We work extensively with building service contractors and you will soon learn that restrooms are the area of facility services and the source of most complaints,” Wojtkun said. “On the face of it, a sanitary, sealed system may seem like a trivial improvement, but we believe this is a substantial, easy-to-implement restroom upgrade.”

For customers who are still on the fence about switching to a sealed system, Wojtkun advised BSC to emphasize the importance of a positive hand-washing experience.

“In an office building, for example, the average person goes to the bathroom four times a day,” says Wojtkun. “Let’s hope everyone washes their hands after going to the bathroom. There are few other things in the facility that guarantee that everyone will interact with it at that frequency every day.”

For this reason, both BSC and its customers will benefit if the soap dispensers in the washrooms run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

“Well-stocked, cleaner and tidier restrooms, both in schools and office buildings, make students and tenants happier,” Wojtkun said. “I want it to be something customers crave.”

Innovation of the future

The 2017 survey asked respondents to reveal what innovations they would like to see in distribution systems. Some common themes include:

  • Dispenser, including a notification system when product is running out.
  • BSC wants to find more transparent dispensers with highly visible soap/disinfectant concentrations. Currently, some water dispensers have built-in visible indicators that can notify facility managers when fluids and batteries need to be replaced to simplify maintenance.
  • Features that help prevent over-distribution of products and reduce leaks or spills onto the floor.
  • The survey found that the Balanced Scorecard seeks to reduce product waste and spillovers in the dispenser. For bulk beverage machines, leaks and spills are more common. To limit these problems, look for “closed” sealed distribution systems and use sealed soap boxes with the exact amount of product required. This helps control usage and costs, and reduces product waste. In addition, some sprayers now have anti-drip mechanisms to ensure no smudging.
  • Fashionable and beautiful design.
  • Soaps and disinfectants do not have to be dry and white. Today, some dispensers feature chrome designs and are offered in a variety of colors to help conform to the company’s brand and image.

While the survey results indicate that many BSC are currently satisfied with their soap, sanitizer and distribution needs, there is always room for improvement. With the right products and dispensers, BSC can add the finishing touches to a clean, comfortable and well-maintained facility.

Although they are not always responsible for designating or installing paper, soap, and other bathroom dispensers, building service contractors still need to be aware of the expectations of client facilities. After all, BSC is the one who fills and maintains the dispensers, and they are often responsible for buying paper and soap.
Overall, manufacturers say, facilities are installing universal dispensers with modern designs and a heavy bias toward automated models.
“Although there are still plenty of proprietary distribution systems in the market, we recognize that more and more clients prefer to purchase generic or generic dispensers and retain their ability to negotiate better deals for larger expenditures (paper products used in dispensers),” said Palmer Fixture Co., of Green Bay, Wis. Greg Kampschroer, vice president of marketing.
Whether they use proprietary or generic products, buyers are paying more attention to design than in the past.

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