Just curious -how do the small soaps, shampoos, and lotions and other hotel amenities compare with those in the U.S.?
Does anyone have any favourites?

Depends on the hotel, sometimes they are the same. I was a bit disappointed that the Bristol had the same toiletries as a standard Westin.

.in many of the small (2 star) hotels the "goodies" will consist of i small bar of soap and a rather medicinal smelling shampoo..in the very upscale hotels amenities will be similar..

If you care about your complexion I would take your own face soap with you - that found in many hotels is not bad for your body but often is not approrpiate for the face. Also, hotels in europe generally do not provdie wash clothes - if you want one bring it with you.

I always bring mini-sizes of all my own toiletries - even in the US - although if something in the hotel looks good I'll try it. But snce it seems that the toiletries are usually bought by men some are rather unusual - just like placement of make up mirrors - often desinged only for those under 5' or over 6'6".

Most of the 3-star and up hotels carry a nice brand of toiletries; occasionally you will be lucky and find Roger et Gallet, my absolute favorite. Relais et Châteaux used to provide Jean Patou products, but now I believe they use a house brand made just for them. Once in a small inn in the Lubéron we were surprised to find a complete line of Mme. Rochas.

I found the toiletries in the nicer European hotels to be comparable or better than those in the U.S.

My favorite was the large crystal jar of aromatic bath salts next to the marble tub at the Westin Palace in Madrid. Almost everywhere else we stayed last fall (Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Portugal) had wonderful shampoos, conditioners, lotions, French-milled soaps, bubble baths, etc. - some in very large size bottles.

The only exception was Slovakia where our "suite" contained one small bar of Camay face soap, but at $54 a night I'm not complaining!

As for other amenities, we really liked the complimentary welcoming trays of local wine, pastries, candies, fruits and flowers that were waiting for us in most of the places we stayed - something I'm not used to even in the "best" places in the U.S.!

I find the European toiletries offered in the small hotels are very nice in comparison to US hotels.

In Paris the Hotel du Danube offers Roger & Gallet soaps, bath gels, and shampoos.

Also in Paris the Hotel de Verneuil offers green tea soap and bath gel/shampoo from Les Laboratoires Azbane. I am not familiar with this brand but it's good.

Hotel d'Angleterre (also in Paris) uses a German brand of bath gel and shampoo.