Don't worry we wont tell on you

You have a couple of hotels in your destination of choice that are pretty much the same deal. How do you choose between them? Location? Free WiFi? Amenities? They’re all important, but don’t leave the brand of toiletries they use off the list. Because although it seems unimportant, you can either land up with something that shouldn’t be seen outside a motel and that leaves your hair like straw, or you can give yourself a spa experience in your own room.

And of course, if you stash the bottles away in your luggage every day, you should get some refills…

Here are five of our favorite hotel-toiletry brand combinations that are so good you’ll be wrapping up yout half-used soap bar and taking it with you:

W (Bliss): Has to be top of the list. I have a (male) friend who religiously stays at W properties for the Bliss toiletries, with the excuse that he couldn’t afford the shower gel in real life. You may not want to throw down some serious cash for the miniatures, but if you get a chance to stay in a W, take as much as you can. The Soapy Sap wash, the shampoo and the conditioner are all divine.

Kimpton (L’Occitane): The ultra smelly, ultra natural French brand (the verbena soap is good enough to eat) is in all the bathrooms across the Kimpton brand. Unfortunately, last time I checked in, I noticed that they’d downsized the bottles from generous to not so much. But then, isn’t that what housekeeping is for – to ask for extras? Many Four Seasons properties also stock L’Occitane.

Andaz (Red Flower/REN): Andaz Liverpool Street in London has the superchic REN brand of toiletries – and the portions of products like Seaweed and Sage body wash are generous. In the West Hollywood branch, I was greeted by big, almost standard size, Red Flower shampoo and conditioner. You haven’t heard of it? Try it. it will transform your hair and slells delicious. The Andaz San Diego, meanwhile (pictured) has the Greek brand Korres, which is equally as delightful.

Thompson Hotels (Kiehl’s): Not the most obvious brand to use (possibly because of the expense), but certainly one that gets the thumbs up. Because they’re expensive to buy in the shops, Kiehl’s products are practically begging to be taken from the hotel room. The range is unscented, but proper skincare nonetheless.

Hotel du Vin (Arran Aromatics): A quick nod to the posh UK chain Hotel du Vin. Although its toiletries may look like they’re own brand, they’re actually prepared by Arran Aromatics, a tiny little operation in Scotland using natural scents such as grapefruit and heather. What’s more, they come in relatively huge bottles – again, near the normal size for a bottle you’d buy – and there are signs in the bathroom encouraging to take them home, as well as freestanding baths to use them up on site. Sister chain Malmaison also has the huge bottles, but the product isn’t as good.

Did you know that CheapOair also offers cheap hotel deals? Check us out and save on your next booking!