There's been a lot of talk about travel-sized products lately. And we get it—they're cute and convenient. But are they worth it? Debatable—especially if you have a habit of swiping mini products from hotels. Now, not all miniatures are created equal, so for your convenience, we've compiled a list of some of the most luxurious in-room products, should you be looking for another reason to book a room. And we're sure there's more—Yelp it up in the comments, and give us some travel recommendations while you're at it.
Heywood Hotel / Austin, Texas
This unexpected seven-room haven in the heart of the up-and-coming East Austin neighborhood has toiletries that rival the swankiest of hotels. Each room features a private bath and custom shower (in some suites, a tub), eco-friendly and chemical-free laundering for its luxury bedding and plush towels, Kevin Murphy shampoo and conditioner (sulfate and paraben-free), and Archipelago Botanicals Milk Collection soaps and lotion. Make a true spa day out of it by kicking back with complimentary Mighty Leaf Tea in the room. The only problem is you might not get out enough to see much of Austin...
Coqui Coqui / Tulum
Tulum's been called “the Brooklyn of Mexico,” but it's probably better than that—if only because it's home to Coqui Coqui, the boutique hotel and spa along the Riviera Maya. If you're not already familiar with it's love-story origins, read up, then book a stay to get acquainted with Coqui Coqui's entire range of fragrances (before settling on the clear star, Tabaco). But that's not all! Where there's a boutique perfumery, there's bound to be pretty excellent aromatic treatments in the spa. Get relaxed, then get a clay treatment. As the saying goes: Come for smells, stay for the Mayan mud wrap.
One Fine Stay / Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London
This London-based startup is sort of like a designer Airbnb for people who are creeped out by sleeping in strangers’ houses. It’s revolutionizing the hospitality industry one cool-ass-crash-pad at a time. Labeling themselves as the “unhotel,” One Fine Stay follows the Airbnb model, but takes the service aspect up a couple notches by stocking each property with high-quality linens, towels, and classic Kiehl’s toiletries. Best of both worlds.
Glen Oaks / Big Sur, California
As if Big Sur isn't already the most heavenly destination along Northern California's awe-inspiring coastline, Glens Oaks Big Sur—the motor-inn-turned-boutique hotel nestled among towering redwoods—takes rustic luxury to new levels with its private, decked out cabins. For those who can't (or simply don't want to, based on principal) dish out an entire rent check on just one night at Post Ranch Inn, Glen Oaks is a romantic, relaxing, and affordable alternative. In addition to organic bath products from family-owned Innersense (a brand committed to inner beauty and wellness), Glen Oaks offers Coyuchi organic-cotton bedding, natural Pendleton Woolen Mills blankets, natural-wood vanities, walk-in showers, heated bathroom floors, and soaking tubs. (The Big Sur Cabin even offers a pair of clawfoot soaking tubs on a secluded patio for maximum couples sexy time.)
Park Hyatt / New York
As far as bath products go, it doesn’t get any more indulgent than the fragrance and skincare connoisseurs at Le Labo—which brings us to the Park Hyatt New York that just so happens to have its own signature line of Le Labo products emblazoned with the Park Hyatt NYC label on them (perfect for souvenirs!). In addition to complimentary travel-sized shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and the city scent Tubereuse 40, the Park Hyatt recently opened its doors to a stand-alone Le Labo store inside Spa Nalai on the 25th floor.
The Standard / New York, Miami Beach, Los Angeles
Do only good-looking people stay at The Standard, or do people become better looking from staying at The Standard? It's up for debate, but the hotel's toiletries certainly don't hurt. Recently, The Standard partnered with the the groomers over at Harry’s to sell custom shaving kits equipped with the red Truman razor featuring an ergonomic handle and shaving cream made from essential oils (available from the mini bar for $15). Not into shaving? There's also an exclusive line of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower gel, and bar soap from Kiss My Face, a company that claims no artificial colors, animal ingredients, or unnecessary chemicals in its products. The toiletries available at The Standard come in Sage Mint, Honey, Cardamom Amber, and Cardamom Mint varieties. Tip: If you book with The Standard's One Night Standard app for last minute (and affordable) rooms, you'll be presented with a dopp kit upon arrival, chock full of Marvis toothpaste and mouthwash (also a condom, just in case).
—Jane Helpern
Photos courtesy of Heywood Hotel, Coqui Coqui, One Fine Stay, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Park Hyatt New York, and The Standard's Instagram accounts.
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