Hotels in the USA are rapidly rethinking their approach to in-room amenities.

Image: Oxford Signature refillable shampoo, body wash and conditioner bottles installed on the Classic Single Liquid Soap Dispenser bracket, made from sturdy black ABS polymer.

For years, small travel-size bottles were the standard, but in most cases, guests used only a small portion of what was inside. Once opened, these bottles cannot be reused — creating unnecessary plastic and product waste.

With new state regulations restricting single-use plastics, plus growing guest expectations around sustainability, many properties are evaluating whether travel-size toiletries still make sense.

Are Travel-Size Amenities Still Relevant Today?

Image: Close-up view of the Infuse City travel-size hotel toiletries collection, ideal for guest bathrooms in hotels and short-term rentals.

Travel-size toiletries continue to be popular among:

• Short-term rentals

• Boutique properties

• Small hotels and condos

• Hosts who prefer a luxury “gift-style” presentation

These operators appreciate the control over cost per stay (often under $2) and the simplicity of placing items once per booking. STRs especially benefit from reduced restocking compared to hotels, where housekeeping typically replaces amenities daily.

However, for medium and large hotels, rising waste, higher occupancy, and new compliance rules make single-use amenities harder to justify. Many properties now explore bath amenities for hotels that offer long-term consistency and sustainability.

Why Refillable Dispensers Are Becoming the Standard

Refillable systems — including pump bottles and wall-mounted units — help hotels solve several operational and environmental challenges. Their adoption continues to grow because they provide:

1. Significant Waste Reduction: Only the product guests actually use is consumed. No more partially used bottles filling trash bins.

2. Lower Cost per Occupied Room: Purchasing bulk gallons or concentrates reduces cost and simplifies ordering.

3. Less Daily Work for Housekeeping: A 500 ml bottle typically lasts several days or even weeks depending on room occupancy. Housekeepers simply check levels instead of replacing multiple items.

This efficiency is one of the main reasons many properties transition to hotel shampoo dispenser setups.

4. Stronger Compliance With State Regulations: California, New York, Illinois, and Washington are phasing out single-use toiletries — and more states are preparing similar rules.

5. A Modern, Premium Look: Well-designed systems feel intentional and high-end, which guests increasingly appreciate.

6. Better Inventory Control: Fewer SKUs, more predictable usage, and reduced storage requirements.

Common Concerns Hotels Have and Today’s Solutions

1. Installation Without Damaging Bathroom Walls

Many managers worry about drilling through tile or marble. Modern systems offer flexibility, including:

• High-bond 3M VHB™ double-sided tape

• Optional screws for permanent installation

This allows hotels to choose the method that best fits their rooms. For secure walls, many choose the wall mounted shampoo dispenser that offer both tape and screw options.

2. Hygiene and Preventing Guest Interference

Image: Black single soap and shampoo dispenser bracket for 500 ml refillable bottles, featuring a locking key to ensure a secure, tamper-resistant system for hotel bathrooms.

Hotels need systems that stay clean, secure, and easy to maintain. Effective dispenser setups ensure:

• Guests cannot open or tamper with bottles

• Only housekeeping can unlock and refill them

• Product remains uncontaminated

• Fill levels can be checked at a glance

Lockable wall units and tamper-resistant pumps make this possible. Many properties pair these brackets with refillable pump bottles to improve safety and efficiency.

What Guests Prefer Today

Guests today welcome eco-friendly practices — as long as the system looks clean and well-maintained. A coordinated set of refillable bottles often feels more modern and premium than a mix of different travel-size items.

This trend is also recognized by top guest amenities suppliers, as properties aim for consistent guest experiences.

Final Takeaway

The transition from travel-size toiletries to refillable systems is no longer just a sustainability trend — it’s becoming the operational standard across the USA. Hotels that adopt secure, hygienic, and modern dispenser systems benefit from lower costs, reduced waste, and a guest experience that feels more intentional and premium. For mid- to large-scale properties, refillables are quickly proving to be the more practical long-term solution. 

For properties evaluating their long-term program, exploring high-quality hotel supplies is a practical first step toward building a more efficient, compliant, and guest-friendly amenities strategy.

Top 5 FAQs About Travel-Size Toiletries vs. Refillable Dispensers

Image: Oxford Signature pre-filled pump bottles arranged on a tray in a hotel bathroom, offering a premium and reusable alternative to traditional toiletries

1. Are travel-size toiletries going away completely?

Not entirely. Travel-size amenities still work well for STRs, boutique hotels, and luxury hosts who value presentation. However, for larger hotels, upcoming state regulations and operational pressures are driving a strong shift toward refillable systems.

2. Do refillable dispensers actually save money?

Yes. Bulk gallons and concentrates reduce cost per occupied room, and housekeeping spends far less time replacing items. Over a full year, the savings can be substantial — especially for hotels with high occupancy.

3. Are wall-mounted dispensers safe and hygienic?

Modern systems solve past concerns. Lockable brackets, tamper-resistant pumps, and clear bottles prevent guest interference while making product levels easy to check. This keeps products clean and secure at all times.

4. What about installation? Will we need to drill into tile?

Not necessarily. Many brackets now include industrial 3M VHB™ tape that bonds strongly without drilling. Hotels can choose between adhesive or screws depending on their wall material and renovation preferences.

5. Will guests accept refillable systems?

Absolutely — as long as the installation looks clean and professional. Guests increasingly value environmentally responsible choices.

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