For experienced short- and mid-term rental operators, bathroom amenities are far more than guest necessities; they’re a strategic lever for branding, operations, and profitability.

The right program ensures consistent quality, strengthens brand identity, and lowers per-stay costs. For example, a portfolio using single-use 30ml bottles might average $1.80–$2.50 per stay. Transitioning to high-quality refillable dispensers can drop that figure to $0.60–$0.90 per stay, which quickly compounds into thousands in annual savings.

But switching isn’t just about buying new soap. It’s about making a smooth operational transition without compromising guest experience or brand consistency. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Start with a full audit

Before placing new orders, get clarity on what you’re working with:

• What stock do you currently have?
  
• How long will it last at current occupancy rates?
  
• What’s your current cost-per-stay?
  

Transition options:

• Use it up: Low waste, but mismatched products across properties can hurt your brand.
  
• Donate: Creates community goodwill and potential tax benefits—ideal for a clean brand refresh.
  
• Strategic use-up: Assign old stock to select properties, store the rest in a locked housekeeping closet to avoid mix-ups.
  

Pro tip: Never mix old and new products in the same home—it looks sloppy and dilutes your brand.

Step 2: Ordering strategy – think like a supplier

Forecast demand with precision

Factor in:

• Bottle size (e.g., 300ml refillable vs. 30ml single-use)
  
• Guest turnover rates
  
• Number of bathrooms per property
  
• Average occupancy
  

Understand the cost curve

Refillables require more upfront, but can reduce cost-per-stay by 50% or more over time.

Choose your ordering structure

• Centralized ordering: Maximizes brand consistency and bulk discounts.
  
• Decentralized ordering: Offers flexibility but risks brand drift without clear guidelines.
  

Negotiate like a supplier

Build vendor relationships and consider buying groups like HostGPO for hospitality-grade amenities at wholesale rates.

Step 3: Storage and distribution – the hidden challenge

Centralized storage

• Regional hubs, warehouses, or certain suppliers like Ski and Sea allow you to pre-pack “kits” per property, reducing waste and hoarding.
  

Property-level storage

• Locked supply closets are a great small-scale option, but require disciplined inventory checks.
  

Common pitfalls:

• Overstock without portion control = overuse.
  
• Unlabeled boxes during transition = accidental mix-ups.
  

Pro tip: Assign an “amenities captain” per market to oversee ordering and stock management.

Step 4: Train your team

Training priorities

1. Product familiarity: Recognize new amenities instantly.
   
2. Staging standards: Full bottles, labels forward, trays spotless.
   
3. Storage protocols: Know where items live and how to request refills.
   

Training tools

• Visual guides for each bathroom layout.
  
• Short training videos.
  
• Regular quality control checks.
  

Step 5: Guest communication and listing photos

When to update listings

• Yes: Premium brand upgrades or visually distinctive refillables (Aveda, Grown Alchemist, Aesop, Le Labo).
  
• No: Similar-quality swaps that aren’t visually noticeable.
  

Messaging examples

• “Now featuring Le Labo bath products for a spa-like experience.”
  
• “Eco-friendly refillable dispensers - luxury for you, better for the planet.”
  

Pro tip: Professional photos of upgraded amenities can justify higher nightly rates.

Step 6: Brand consistency across properties

Market-level standards

• Standardize amenities within each market.
  
• Match product lines to property tier - luxury homes get luxury brands; mid-tier homes get cohesive, cost-effective lines.
  

Why this matters

• Builds brand trust.
  
• Simplifies supply chain.
  
• Makes training and quality control easier.
  

Step 7: Create a transition timeline

Big bang rollout

Switch all properties at once. This is best done in low season with full team capacity.

Gradual rollout

Switch market-by-market or property-by-property. Lower pressure, but requires careful coordination.

Suggested timeline:

• Week 1: Inventory + ordering.
  
• Week 2: Team training + SOP finalization.
  
• Weeks 3–4: Rollout by market or property.
  

Step 8: Measure the impact

Guest feedback

• Public reviews and private messages.
  

Operational metrics

• Cost-per-stay before vs. after.
  
• Reorder frequency.
  
• Waste reduction from refillables.
  

Team insights

• Ease of restocking.
  
• Any recurring staging issues.
  

Use this data to refine your ordering schedules, adjust stock levels, and streamline storage.

Final takeaway

Switching your bathroom amenities program isn’t just an aesthetic decision - it’s an operational strategy. Done right, it elevates the guest experience, strengthens your brand, and delivers measurable cost savings.

Approach it with the same rigor you’d apply to pricing strategy or staffing plans: audit, plan, execute, measure. Your guests will notice the polish, and your bottom line will thank you.