Hotel Merch Gets a Luxe Upgrade: The Best Finds of 2023
A quiet revolution is underway in hotel gift shops, moving beyond miniature toiletries and keychains. This year, hotels are increasingly collaborating with local artisans and designers to offer genuinely covetable merchandise, transforming souvenir shopping into a destination experience.From bespoke fragrances to high-end apparel, the moast grand hotel merch of 2023 reflects a growing trend toward immersive luxury and supporting regional craftsmanship.
For years, hotel gift shops were an afterthought, stocked with mass-produced items. Now, hotels recognize the potential to extend the guest experience-and boost revenue-by curating collections that embody the spirit of their location and brand. This shift benefits travelers seeking authentic mementos, local communities through economic support, and the hotels themselves through enhanced brand perception and increased ancillary income. the trend is expected to continue expanding, with hotels investing further in unique, high-quality merchandise offerings.
A Scent of Place: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, in Japan, has launched a signature fragrance, “Kyoto Bloom,” developed in collaboration with renowned perfumer, Alberto Morillas. The scent captures the essence of the hotel’s serene gardens and the surrounding city, featuring notes of yuzu, cherry blossom, and hinoki wood. Priced at $320 for a 100ml bottle, it allows guests to take home a lasting olfactory memory of their stay.
Artisanal Comfort: The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Italy’s Four seasons Hotel Firenze partners with local artisans to offer a range of handcrafted goods. Among the highlights is a collection of silk scarves designed by Florentine artist, Serena Porcelli, depicting the hotel’s Renaissance gardens. These scarves, priced around $250, showcase the city’s artistic heritage and provide a luxurious souvenir.
Coastal Style: The Surf club, Surfside, Florida
The Surf Club, a four Seasons Resort in Surfside, Florida, features a boutique stocked with apparel and accessories inspired by the hotel’s glamorous 1930s heyday. A standout item is a custom-designed cashmere sweater, priced at $395, emblazoned with the hotel’s iconic logo. The collection evokes the resort’s history as a playground for celebrities and socialites.
Local Flavors: Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas
Hotel Emma, a restored Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas, emphasizes local partnerships. Their gift shop features a curated selection of Texas-made products, including artisanal chocolates from Lick Honest Ice Creams and handcrafted leather goods from local artisans. Prices vary, but items generally range from $20 to $150, offering guests a taste of the region’s culinary and artistic scene.
Enduring Style: 1 Hotel Mayfair, New York City
1 Hotel Mayfair in New york City champions sustainability with its eco-conscious merchandise. The hotel offers a line of clothing made from recycled materials, including organic cotton t-shirts and denim jackets. Prices range from $85 to $200, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.
Modern Craftsmanship: The Peninsula Tokyo
the Peninsula tokyo collaborates with Japanese craftspeople to offer a range of unique gifts. A popular item is a set of handcrafted wagashi, traditional Japanese confections, presented in a lovely lacquer box. priced at approximately $80, these delicate sweets provide a taste of Japanese culture and artistry.
Chris Dwyer, a freelance writer specializing in luxury travel, food, and dining, contributes to publications including CNN.com,Travel + Leisure,and the South China Morning Post.