The 10 Best Scents for Hotels According to Hospitality Experts

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The sense of smell is the one most linked to emotional memory. A guest may forget what the room looked like, but will always remember how your hotel smelled.

91% of guests positively rate hotels with pleasant scents, and this is directly reflected in reviews on platforms like Booking or TripAdvisor.

In this guide, you will discover the 10 most effective professional scents for hotels, where to use each one, and how to create your signature scent that differentiates your establishment.

Why Scent Matters in Hotels

The Power of Olfactory Memory

Olfactory memories last longer than visual or auditory ones. A smell can instantly transport us to a moment experienced years ago.

When a guest associates a pleasant scent with your hotel:

• Increase the Likelihood of Repeat Stays
• Improve Online Reviews
• Generate Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
• Create a Memorable Brand Identity

Data Supporting Hotel Scenting

Industry studies show:

• Hotels with signature scent increase "cleanliness" ratings by 18%
• The 73% of positive reviews mention "pleasant atmosphere"
• The perception of service quality increases by 15% in fragranced spaces
• Guests in scented environments value the experience 12% higher

Hotel Areas and Their Ideal Scents

Before seeing the top 10 scents, let's understand what to look for in each area:

Lobby and Reception

Objective: Memorable first impression, create brand identity

Characteristics of the ideal scent:

• Elegant and sophisticated
• Persistent but not invasive
• Associated with luxury or well-being
• Differentiator from the competition

Rooms

Objective: Feeling of cleanliness, freshness, rest

Characteristics of the ideal scent:

• Universal (liked by 90% of people)
• Associated with clean clothes
• Relaxing, not stimulating
• That it disappears after airing out

Spa and Wellness Areas

Objective: Deep relaxation, disconnection

Characteristics of the ideal scent:

• Aromatherapeutic properties
• Herbal or soft floral
• That invites deep breathing
• Connection with nature

Gym

Objective: Energy, motivation, odor neutralization

Characteristics of the ideal scent:

• Fresh and clean
• Slightly stimulating
• Powerful (to neutralize sweat)
• Not sweet or heavy

Meeting Rooms

Objective: Concentration, professionalism

Characteristics of the ideal scent:

• Discreet
• That promotes attention
• Neither too relaxing nor too stimulating
• Neutral and professional

The 10 Best Scents for Hotels

1. Amethyst (Bulgari Type)

Olfactory description: Oriental woody aroma with notes of green tea, bergamot, and amber. Sophisticated and timeless.

Why it works in hotels: It is the scent most luxury hotels have chosen as their signature. It conveys elegance, exclusivity, and attention to detail.

Where to use it:

• Main lobby
• Corridors of prime areas
• Reception
• VIP rooms

Ideal hotel type: Boutique, luxury, urban 4-5 star hotels

Recommended format: 1L nebulization for continuous coverage in large spaces

Hoteliers' assessment: "Our guests ask what scent we use. It is our olfactory signature." - Hotel Boutique Barcelona

2. Aqua (Clean Clothes)

Olfactory description: Fresh aquatic aroma with notes of lemon, ozone, and clean cotton. Universal and comforting.

Why it works in hotels: It is the best-selling scent in hospitality. It conveys absolute cleanliness and hygiene, two critical factors in reviews.

Where to use it:

• Post check-out rooms
• Bathrooms
• Laundry
• Service areas

Ideal hotel type: All types: from hostels to 5-star. The most versatile.

Recommended format: TURBO 750ml for quick application between guests

Hoteliers' assessment: "We apply AQUA in rooms after cleaning. Complaints about odors dropped to zero." - Costa del Sol Hotel Chain

3. Green Tea

Olfactory description: Mild herbal with notes of green tea, mint, and fresh grass. Relaxing without being drowsy.

Why it works in hotels: It promotes concentration and relaxation simultaneously. Associated with wellness and health.

Where to use it:

• Spa
• Massage rooms
• Yoga/meditation areas
• Small meeting rooms

Ideal hotel type: Hotels with spas, wellness resorts, rural hotels

Recommended format: 250ml aerosol with dispenser in spas (continuous and discreet)

Hoteliers' rating: "It is essential in our spa. Clients associate it with the wellness experience." - Resort Wellness Marbella

4. No.6 Fierce (Abercrombie type)

Olfactory description: Fresh marine with citrus, musk, and wood notes. Modern, youthful, and energetic.

Why it works in hotels: Highly recognizable, generates a strong brand feeling. Perfect for hotels targeting millennial/Gen Z audiences.

Where to use it:

• Lobby of modern hotels
• Gym
• Youth common areas
• Urban terraces

Ideal hotel type: Modern urban hotels, design hotels, lifestyle brands

Recommended format: 1L nebulization in lobby

Hoteliers' rating: "It transformed the perception of our hotel. Now we are 'the hotel that smells amazing'." - Urban Hotel Madrid

5. Jasmine

Olfactory description: Delicate floral with notes of jasmine, neroli, and white lily. Elegant and feminine.

Why it works in hotels: Proven relaxing properties. Reduces anxiety and promotes rest.

Where to use it:

• Spas
• Boutique hotel rooms
• Reading areas
• Tea rooms

Ideal hotel type: Boutique hotels, romantic, with spa

Recommended format: TURBO 750ml in themed rooms

Hoteliers' rating: "We use it in our honeymoon suite. Couples mention it in reviews." - Romantic Hotel Andalucía

6. Green (Melon Cucumber)

Olfactory description: Fresh vegetal with notes of melon, cucumber, and white tea. Clean and natural.

Why it works in hotels: Conveys natural freshness without being chemical. Perfect for eco or sustainable hotels.

Where to use it:

• Common areas
• Breakfast dining rooms
• Terraces
• Eco hotel rooms

Ideal hotel type: Eco-friendly hotels, rural, with a natural philosophy

Recommended format: 1L nebulization in large areas

Hoteliers' rating: "It fits perfectly with our sustainable philosophy." - Eco Hotel Pirineos

7. Nº2 Eterny (Timeless Masculine)

Olfactory description: Woody citrus with lavender, bergamot, and cedar. Masculine but not aggressive.

Why it works in hotels: Ideal for business hotels. Conveys professionalism, trust, and seriousness.

Where to use it:

• Corporate hotel lobbies
• Meeting rooms
• Business centers
• Executive clubs

Ideal hotel type: Business hotels, airports, conventions

Recommended format: 1L nebulization or dispenser aerosol depending on space

Hotelier rating: "Perfect for our business client. Sophisticated without being intrusive." - Hotel Business Barcelona

8. Neutralizer

Olfactory description: Fresh clean with odor-neutralizing technology. No dominant fragrance.

Why it works in hotels: Eliminates bad odors without adding strong fragrance. Ideal for problematic spaces.

Where to use it:

• Smokers (where permitted)
• Kitchens/office
• Storage rooms
• Parking
• Quick check-out of rooms with odor

Ideal hotel type: All, especially with problematic areas

Recommended format: TURBO 750ml for powerful and fast application

Hotelier rating: "Lifesaver for rooms that need quick turnover." - Hotel Urbano Valencia

9. Citronella

Olfactory description: Herbal citrus with notes of lemon and citronella. Fresh and functional.

Why it works in hotels: Dual function: perfumes and repels mosquitoes. Essential in the summer season.

Where to use it:

• Terraces
• Swimming pools
• Gardens
• Outdoor areas
• Rooms with balcony

Ideal hotel type: Beach hotels, garden resorts, tropical destinations

Recommended format: TURBO 750ml for outdoor application every 3-4 hours

Hotelier rating: "In summer it is mandatory on our terrace. Guests appreciate it." - Hotel Costa Brava

10. Apple

Olfactory description: Sweet fruity with notes of green apple and red apple. Cozy and familiar.

Why it works in hotels: Universal, non-polarizing. Perfect for family hotels with children.

Where to use it:

• Children's play areas
• Family rooms
• Dining rooms
• Common areas in family hotels

Ideal hotel type: Family hotels, resorts with children, aparthotels

Recommended format: Spray dispenser in common areas

Hotelier rating: "Families love it. It smells cozy without being cloying." - Family Resort Benidorm

Summary Table: Scent by Hotel Area

How to Create Your Signature Scent

What Is a Signature Scent

It is the distinctive scent that defines your hotel. Like the visual logo, but olfactory. Luxury hotels such as Westin, W, or Ritz Carlton have unique scents that their guests recognize instantly.

Benefits of a Signature Scent

Differentiation: In a saturated market, the sense of smell is the least exploited

Memorability: Guests will remember your hotel by "how it smelled"

Emotional branding: You create a deeper emotional connection than with a visual logo

Repetition: Guests look for "that smell" in future stays

How to Choose Your Signature Scent

Step 1: Define your brand personality

• Modern/Classic
• Youthful/Mature
• Luxury/Functional
• Urban/Natural

Step 2: Test 3-4 candidate scents

Place each one in a different area of the hotel for a week. Collect feedback from:

• Hotel staff
• Regular guests
• Online reviews

Step 3: Gradual implementation

Start only in the lobby. If it works, expand to hallways and common areas. Rooms can maintain a universal neutral scent.

Step 4: Consistency

Once chosen, keep the same fragrance for at least 2 years. Olfactory memory needs time to associate with your brand.

Aromatization Systems for Hotels

For Lobbies and Large Spaces

Recommended system: Liquid mist 1L

Advantages:

• Uniform coverage up to 200m²
• Fine mist without residue
• Programmable 24/7
• Silent
• Long-term savings

Investment: 80-95€ per bottle lasting 3-6 months

For Rooms

Recommended system: TURBO 750ml manual application

Advantages:

• Quick application between check-outs
• One spray = 24h of fragrance
• No installation
• Cleaning staff can handle it easily

Investment: 12€ per can that yields 100-200 applications

For Bathrooms and Locker Rooms

Recommended system: Aerosol 250ml with programmable dispenser

Advantages:

• Automatic 24/7
• Programmable by days and times
• LED indicator when it needs refilling
• No daily intervention

Investment: 45€ dispenser + 10€ monthly refill

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Error 1: Aroma Too Intense

A very strong aroma tires and can generate complaints. Less is more. The goal is for it to be perceived subtly, not to overwhelm.

Solution: Adjust the dispenser programming or reduce the application frequency.

Error 2: Mixing Incompatible Aromas

Using Jasmine in the lobby and Nº6 in adjacent hallways creates unpleasant olfactory confusion.

Solution: Keep the same aroma in connected areas, or use neutral scents as a transition.

Error 3: Not Considering Allergies

Some intense floral aromas can cause discomfort to sensitive individuals.

Solution: Choose universal aromas (Aqua, Green Tea) in common areas. Reserve floral scents for spas or specific zones.

Error 4: Constantly Changing Aroma

If you change every month, you will never create a brand-scent association.

Solution: Maintain the signature for at least 2 years. You can vary in secondary areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to scent a 50-room hotel?

Approximate breakdown:

• Lobby (nebulization): 20€/month
• 50 rooms (TURBO): 40€/month
• Common bathrooms (aerosol dispenser): 30€/month
• Spa (aerosol dispenser): 15€/month

Total: Approximately 105€/month

ROI: A 1-point improvement in online ratings can generate +15% direct bookings.

Are the aromas safe for all guests?

Our professional air fresheners are formulated for safe use in occupied spaces. However, people with chemical hypersensitivity may be sensitive.

Recommendation: Inform reception that guests can request a non-scented room if needed.

Can I use the same aroma throughout the hotel?

You can, but it is not optimal. Different areas have different functions and require specific aromas. A gym needs energizing freshness, a spa needs relaxation.

Commitment: Use your signature in prime areas and functional aromas in service areas.

How long does it take to perceive the improvement in ratings?

Usually between 2-4 months you start to see specific mentions of the "good smell" in online reviews.

Does it work the same in small and large hotels?

Yes, in fact, it is easier to maintain aromatic consistency in small hotels. With one TURBO bottle you can scent a boutique hotel with 10 rooms for months.

What if a guest does not like the scent?

Statistically, with universal scents like Aqua or Green Tea, less than 5% of people express dislike. For that 5%, you can offer non-scented rooms.

Conclusion: Scent as a Competitive Advantage

In a market where all hotels compete on price, location, and similar services, the signature scent is your secret weapon for differentiation.

It is not an expense, it is an investment in:

• Brand identity
• Memorable experience
• Higher online reviews
• Word of mouth recommendation
• Guest loyalty

For less than €100 per month you can transform the perception of your hotel.

Take the First Step

Option 1: Trial in one area

Start only in the lobby with Amatista or Aqua for one month. Observe the feedback.

Option 2: Trial pack

Request samples of 3-4 scents to try in different areas.

Option 3: Personalized advice

Call us and we will help you design the perfect olfactory strategy for your hotel.