Why Hotel Merch Matters: Global Examples & Sustainable Solutions

What is hotel merch — and why is it growing so quickly?

 

Hotel merch refers to branded products created or curated by a hotel, often inspired by the property’s identity, design, or cultural heritage. These products can be: spa or wellness items, lifestyle accessories, fashion collaborations, home textiles, souvenir-style items, premium upcycled goods. The global trend is driven by three main factors:

 

1. Guests want to take the experience home

A well-designed branded product becomes a daily reminder of the hotel.

2. Hotels are strengthening their brand identity

Unique merchandise enhances brand storytelling and creates consistency across touchpoints.

3. Sustainability is now a priority

Upcycled hotel merch — especially items made from the hotel’s own textiles — supports circularity and reduces waste.

 

Global hotel merch examples that lead the way

 

1. Aman Resorts — Premium lifestyle as branded merchandise

Aman is one of the strongest examples of luxury hotel merch done right. Through Aman Essentials, the brand offers: apparel, leather accessories, fragrances, home & wellness products, curated travel kits

These items are minimalist, premium, and emotionally connected to the Aman experience — not generic souvenirs.

2. Four Seasons — Bringing hotel comfort into guests’ homes

The Four Seasons online shop sells many of the items found inside their rooms and spas, such as: bedding, pillows, robes, towels, spa products

This strategy extends the guest experience far beyond checkout, strengthening loyalty and generating additional revenue.

3. Il Pellicano & ISSIMO — Hotel merch as fashion

Il Pellicano in Italy takes a stylish, cultural approach with its ISSIMO platform. Their curated shop includes: clothing, art prints, accessories, limited-edition collaborations

Their merch has become iconic — widely shared on social media and purchased worldwide.

 

Why your hotel should consider branded merchandise

Hotel merch is more than an add-on; it is a strategic asset. Here are the key benefits:

 

1. Strengthen Your Hotel’s Brand Identity

Branded products communicate your hotel’s values, aesthetics, and story — in a way guests can touch and use.

2. Create a New Revenue Stream

From lobby retail corners to online shops, hotel merch increases ancillary revenue with minimal operational complexity.

3. Improve Guest Satisfaction & Memory of Stay

Guests love take-home items. A beautifully designed branded product keeps your hotel top-of-mind long after departure.

4. Embrace Sustainability Through Upcycling

Unused or retired hotel textiles (bed linens, curtains, towels, tablecloths) can be transformed into new, meaningful products — reducing waste and supporting ESG goals.

5. Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Unique, high-quality hotel merchandise differentiates your property and elevates the overall guest experience.

 

Hotel merch is more than a trend — It’s a strategy

Whether your hotel is boutique, luxury, or lifestyle-focused, high-quality merch represents a unique opportunity to innovate — especially when built from your own materials through sustainable, upcycled design.

The future of hospitality lies in meaningful, memorable, and responsible guest touchpoints.
Hotel merch is one of them.

 

How CLOTH’EL Supports Hotels in Creating Upcycled Branded Products? Learn more! FOR HOTELS – CLOTH'EL