STR Owners: Anyone Switch to Body Wash only (no bar soap)?

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STR Owners: Anyone Switch to Body Wash only (no bar soap)?

Jon Martin
Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

Will be launching in around a month. I've always hated those tiny bars of hotel soap that barely last a day. With a larger group, you could easily blow through several of them which could add up and create stress regarding how many to make available. An STR I just stayed in fave my wife and I 1 bar for 2 nights, and a baggy with 2 tide pods for laundry. While I understand the need to control costs and that some guests can take advantage, I don't want to be that host, so I want to find a middle ground where the guests are happy but costs are in order.

Therefore I’m thinking of putting dispensers for body wash, shampoo and conditioner and having the cleaners top them off consistently or at least when they get down to the halfway mark. That way there is no concern about there ever being enough, no buying 100s of tiny bottles and bars, and not having the extras I leave out disappear.

Has anyone gotten complaints for going this route? I would also probably buy a bulk amount of shower puffs on alibaba for around 40 cents each, that way the body wash lasts far longer and I think the guests will appreciate that. 

Thoughts? 

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Alecia LovelessPro Member
Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
4y

@Jonathan W. I owned B&Bs for 24 years and the last 8 years it turned into a STR business due to a large corporate account. The clientele was repeat guests, I had 6 rooms and a rotation of about 18 people. They would stay on average 8-22 days and were very green minded and didn't want laundry service or towel service to conserve water and energy.

I polled them on whether they would prefer individual toiletries or a pump system as they were free lance magazine artists, photographers, copywriters, etc who traveled 80% of the year and overwhelmingly they said they preferred individual toiletries to pumps even though they knew they were worse for the environment.

5Reply
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  • Scott TrenchPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    4y

    Sounds like a good plan to me. I much prefer the body wash to the little bars of soap personally as a guest.

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    1Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    4y

    Pump container of body wash is what we have always provided. 

    3Reply
  • Trish Mccoy
    Real Estate Agent · Grass Valley, CA · Member since 2017 · 185 posts · 198 votes
    4y

    I use Body Wash and Large Containers of Shampoo and Conditioners.   I get high quality brands.   No one has ever complained.   I do leave a large bar of soap in the vanity drawer - just in case - it's never used. 

    3Reply
  • Jon Martin
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    Confirmation bias achieved (haha)- thank you all! 

    0Reply
  • Lisa Graesser
    Rental Property Investor · The Villages, FL · Member since 2017 · 341 posts · 398 votes
    4y

    I  provide a pump dispenser of soap/body wash in each shower. I think shampoo and conditioner are an individual preference, so I do not supply those and I have never had any complaints.  I always provide laundry detergent, just a jug full with extra supply in the storage cabinet for cleaners to replace 

    2Reply
  • Jon Martin
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Lisa Graesser:

    I  provide a pump dispenser of soap/body wash in each shower. I think shampoo and conditioner are an individual preference, so I do not supply those and I have never had any complaints.  I always provide laundry detergent, just a jug full with extra supply in the storage cabinet for cleaners to replace 


    Interesting comment about shampoo and conditioner but it makes sense. Maybe I'll start with a set from Costco and see how long it lasts. Thanks for your input! 

    1Reply
  • Rodney Sums
    Laveen, AZ · Member since 2016 · 584 posts · 528 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Jon Martin:

    Will be launching in around a month. I've always hated those tiny bars of hotel soap that barely last a day. With a larger group, you could easily blow through several of them which could add up and create stress regarding how many to make available. An STR I just stayed in fave my wife and I 1 bar for 2 nights, and a baggy with 2 tide pods for laundry. While I understand the need to control costs and that some guests can take advantage, I don't want to be that host, so I want to find a middle ground where the guests are happy but costs are in order.

    Therefore I’m thinking of putting dispensers for body wash, shampoo and conditioner and having the cleaners top them off consistently or at least when they get down to the halfway mark. That way there is no concern about there ever being enough, no buying 100s of tiny bottles and bars, and not having the extras I leave out disappear.

    Has anyone gotten complaints for going this route? I would also probably buy a bulk amount of shower puffs on alibaba for around 40 cents each, that way the body wash lasts far longer and I think the guests will appreciate that. 

    Thoughts? 


     I don't do STRs but I found this an interesting question and wonder:

    would a landlord alternate between bar and liquid based on the length of stay?  i.e. small bar for short stays, pumps for long stays etc 

    or is it preferred to go with one or the other?

    I'm willing someone out there calculated how many ounces per guest people use in solid and liquid form to determine which one was more economical for the landlord.

    1Reply
  • Alecia LovelessPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    @Jonathan W. I owned B&Bs for 24 years and the last 8 years it turned into a STR business due to a large corporate account. The clientele was repeat guests, I had 6 rooms and a rotation of about 18 people. They would stay on average 8-22 days and were very green minded and didn't want laundry service or towel service to conserve water and energy.

    I polled them on whether they would prefer individual toiletries or a pump system as they were free lance magazine artists, photographers, copywriters, etc who traveled 80% of the year and overwhelmingly they said they preferred individual toiletries to pumps even though they knew they were worse for the environment.

    5Reply
  • Andrew Simms
    Rental Property Investor · Marietta, GA · Member since 2017 · 131 posts · 101 votes
    4y

    We provide body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in the pump bottles (Kirkland brand from Costco). Have had numerous guests comment how great it was. I use it when we go to the cabin. My wife on the other hand, brings her own stuff.

    2Reply
  • Janelle Carlson
    Flipper/Rehabber · Ventura County, CA · Member since 2018 · 33 posts · 27 votes
    4y

    My husband and I provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in their original containers so people know what kind of brand it is. Some people are allergic to certain brands so we were told it's better to keep them in their original containers to avoid any issues guests may have. 

    2Reply
  • Jon Martin
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Janelle Carlson:

    My husband and I provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in their original containers so people know what kind of brand it is. Some people are allergic to certain brands so we were told it's better to keep them in their original containers to avoid any issues guests may have. 


     Good point. Also imagine they would assume that whatever is in the dispenser is bargain basement bulk stuff 

    0Reply
  • Aaron Barber
    Rental Property Investor · Las Cruces, NM · Member since 2017 · 65 posts · 38 votes
    4y

    We supply body wash and shampoo in a shower dispenser. Never bar soap. Most people don't care and the ones that do bring their own brand of stuff.

    Ive never had a complaint.

    1Reply
  • Tim Ryan
    Investor / Mentor / Contractor · Arcadia, CA Buying Out of State · Member since 2015 · 655 posts · 622 votes
    4y

    This is what we use in our 7 airbnb locations. The wall mounted 3 dispensers. No complaints. We supply white towels and white wash cloths (white so they know we are not hiding stains). But you'll need to try a few brands, I forget now but one was too sticky.  Best is to get the feedback from your housecleaner and listen to the guests. Nice guests will private message you with a small issue instead of posting on their reviews.

    1Reply
  • Jarrod Kohl
    Boston, MA · Member since 2017 · 209 posts · 126 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Rodney Sums:
    Quote from @Jon Martin:

    Will be launching in around a month. I've always hated those tiny bars of hotel soap that barely last a day. With a larger group, you could easily blow through several of them which could add up and create stress regarding how many to make available. An STR I just stayed in fave my wife and I 1 bar for 2 nights, and a baggy with 2 tide pods for laundry. While I understand the need to control costs and that some guests can take advantage, I don't want to be that host, so I want to find a middle ground where the guests are happy but costs are in order.

    Therefore I’m thinking of putting dispensers for body wash, shampoo and conditioner and having the cleaners top them off consistently or at least when they get down to the halfway mark. That way there is no concern about there ever being enough, no buying 100s of tiny bottles and bars, and not having the extras I leave out disappear.

    Has anyone gotten complaints for going this route? I would also probably buy a bulk amount of shower puffs on alibaba for around 40 cents each, that way the body wash lasts far longer and I think the guests will appreciate that. 

    Thoughts? 


     I don't do STRs but I found this an interesting question and wonder:

    would a landlord alternate between bar and liquid based on the length of stay?  i.e. small bar for short stays, pumps for long stays etc 

    or is it preferred to go with one or the other?

    I'm willing someone out there calculated how many ounces per guest people use in solid and liquid form to determine which one was more economical for the landlord.


     Honestly the data would be useless. 

    I end up providing big containers of all products. Mix of higher end nice stuff and sometimes just the super cheap big ol' bottles (especially for the outside shower) I also have had a few wrapped bars under the sink if people wanted to grab them. (they never do)

    But the reason the data is useless is that with such a small sample size (only a few units) it really just depends on the guest. Sometimes it lasts weeks and other times it gets wiped out/broken/lost. But its a small enough cost not to be too concerned.

    0Reply
  • Rodney Sums
    Laveen, AZ · Member since 2016 · 584 posts · 528 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Jarrod Kohl:
    Quote from @Rodney Sums:
    Quote from @Jon Martin:

    Will be launching in around a month. I've always hated those tiny bars of hotel soap that barely last a day. With a larger group, you could easily blow through several of them which could add up and create stress regarding how many to make available. An STR I just stayed in fave my wife and I 1 bar for 2 nights, and a baggy with 2 tide pods for laundry. While I understand the need to control costs and that some guests can take advantage, I don't want to be that host, so I want to find a middle ground where the guests are happy but costs are in order.

    Therefore I’m thinking of putting dispensers for body wash, shampoo and conditioner and having the cleaners top them off consistently or at least when they get down to the halfway mark. That way there is no concern about there ever being enough, no buying 100s of tiny bottles and bars, and not having the extras I leave out disappear.

    Has anyone gotten complaints for going this route? I would also probably buy a bulk amount of shower puffs on alibaba for around 40 cents each, that way the body wash lasts far longer and I think the guests will appreciate that. 

    Thoughts? 


     I don't do STRs but I found this an interesting question and wonder:

    would a landlord alternate between bar and liquid based on the length of stay?  i.e. small bar for short stays, pumps for long stays etc 

    or is it preferred to go with one or the other?

    I'm willing someone out there calculated how many ounces per guest people use in solid and liquid form to determine which one was more economical for the landlord.


     Honestly the data would be useless. 

    I end up providing big containers of all products. Mix of higher end nice stuff and sometimes just the super cheap big ol' bottles (especially for the outside shower) I also have had a few wrapped bars under the sink if people wanted to grab them. (they never do)

    But the reason the data is useless is that with such a small sample size (only a few units) it really just depends on the guest. Sometimes it lasts weeks and other times it gets wiped out/broken/lost. But its a small enough cost not to be too concerned.


     This response is in no way to say you're wrong rather I'd like to learn more.

    If the cost is negligible, why not give full or a decent size bar rather than the Motel 6 size deals?

    I'm actually thinking about more than just costs rather guests perceptions.  For example, it's rare a hotel gives a full size bar so when you get one, it really stands out.

    Another poster in this thread mentioned she polled her guests and learned their was a preference.  Thoughts?

    Do the STR sites you all use give you the options to do add ons? For example: one check box for free, standard toiletries. Another checkbox if they want a full size Dove bar

    0Reply
  • Jon Martin
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Rodney Sums I see what you are getting at. The hotel industry is notorious for being penny pinchers about everything, so I'm sure they've done the exact market research you are talking about. They know that the tiny bar will last about a day, so they aren't going to spend the extra 20-30 cents or whatever for a larger one. When you extrapolate that to scale, it is real money, especially for budget hotels. 

    Another example of this is how many of what you think are the "nice" hotels with the big names have really nice lobbies and bar/restaurant areas, and then you get up to the room and they are complete garbage. Or even when they are "updated", you can tell that the doors have been painted over several times, the hardware is old, etc

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    4y

    We provide 2 bar soaps and 2 small shampoo's in each bath. Never had a complaint. Most of our guests bring their own stuff. One order usually lasts us about 2 years before we get low. I don't see any need to swap over to bulk dispenser.

    We do provide full jugs (96oz) of Tide and Downy plus bleach and Lysol laundry sanitizer for guests use. No one abuses it at all.

    I did have someone take about 70 Cascade dishwasher pods when I put out a full bin. I charged them the minimum $50 stealing fee and now I only put out about 10 at a time. She was unhappy of course. Said it was too much. She tells me she thought she could just take stuff...It's in the rental agreement.

    3Reply
  • Kerry BairdPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    Goodness, @Michael Baum, someone took dishwasher soap?! Every day I am in this business is one where I am surprised by people.  :D

    0Reply
  • Kerry BairdPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    I use a larger brand name shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the original packaging, with a pump. 

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    4y

    Yup @Kerry Baird! We have also lost a waffle maker (don't know who took that one, didn't notice for a while). The one thing I let slide is beach towels. I buy them off season for about 3 bucks each. Kids have a tendency to pack up whatever is laying around and most folks come clean once they get home and let me know.

    2Reply
  • Nancy Bachety
    Rental Property Investor · North Fork, NY · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 631 votes
    4y

    We switched to Dispensers, wall mounted, in all of our bathrooms in all of our STR's. Guests use them and love them . We don't worry about cleaners throwing the leftover small bar soaps down the toilets (that's a thing, especially if they find it after emptying the trash). I even put one in our outdoor shower.

    1Reply
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