I recently stayed at a 4 star business hotel in Frankfurt and have never experienced this before in the US or internationally. There were no bathroom ammenities - no bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap . . . Instead there was a soap dispenser between the sink and the bathtub and another dispenser in the bathtub with shampoo or shower gel - not sure which; also a hair dryer. Towels were of generous size. Has anyone encountered this? Is it becoming a general trend? In a 1-2 star hotel, this would be OK, but we're talking about a nice hotel with a health club. This seemed like an awfully cheap way to save $$.

I've run into the "toiletries-on-the-wall" at Swissotel in Chicago. I thought it was a little chessy, but the good news is that they were all Neutrogena, so of high quality. I think there was a shower cap -- but couldn't swear by it. <BR> <BR>I imagine it does cost them less -- but it's also more environmentally friendly -- they're not contributing all those little plastic bottles to the waste bin.

That was *cheesy* -- I think Swissotels are considered 4 star.

Dispensers on the wall fairly common in Europe. Alternative, also common, is liquid bath/shampoo gel in a foil packet. Certain years ago this was the standard in European hotels and still persists. Almost impossible to open with wet fingers. <BR> <BR>Still, shower caps, sewing kits, etc., are hardly the sine qua non of an excellent hotel, whether four-star, five-star, or otherwise. Simply something started by American hotels. Perhaps as a substitute for the things that really matter in a hotel, like a commitment to quality service, top notch linens, etc. <BR> <BR>I've rarely found my sleep disturbed by the absence of a 50 ml. bottle of cheap shampoo.

We were told that even the better hotels are dispensing soap to help the environment. It eliminates all the use of paper and waste. We are also seeing signs everywhere about using your towels more than one day to help the environment. I am all for helping the planet even if I am in a 4 star hotel.

Hi Lynn, <BR> <BR>is it possible that this hotel was the Marriott Messe? Then I understand...Normally 4* places like the Four Seasons or Maritim provide excellent service(stayed at both in Frankfurt). Fill us in-which hotel was it? <BR> <BR>Miriam

Think how much they could protect the environment if they never washed the linens and had no showers or baths. Wouldn't that be great? It's the money, silly.

Hi, Miriam. <BR> <BR>The hotel I stayed at was the Steigenberger Airport. While I hadn't stayed at the hotel before, I've eaten there many times and have always been impressed with the quality and service. <BR>I also stayed at the Hotel Lion d'Or in Haarlem on this trip and that hotel provided an immaculately clean room too (newly decorated), outstanding service, and the usual bathroom amenities. <BR> <BR>When I arrived at the Steigenberger the place was in chaos - people everywhere checking in/out. I was traveling with my husband and when we opened the door to our room we found it occupied by another couple who appeared to be quite comfortable in bed - until we disturbed them. We encountered at least one other person who was also given an already occupied room - twice. Again, I've never seen the lobby/reception area like this. <BR> <BR>I am a strong proponent of environmental conservation. At home, we separate glass, plastic, magazines, newspapers, cardboard, and unwanted mail from "garbage." We are fanatic recyclers, too. So I don't have an issue with real attempts to conserve, e.g., reusing towels (do that at home, too), disposable shower caps, etc. And I can live without most of amenities, IF these are primarly conservation efforts. However, I would prefer have the toweltries available and be given the option of using/not using them. For example, post a little note about using the dispensers instead to reduce the environmental impact, similar to the one about reusing towels. I can't shake the feeling that this is primary a business strategy to save a few DM.

Hard to believe our civilization has become so degenerate that a shower cap worth, probably, half a cent, has become a "basic". <BR> <BR>No wonder citizens of other countries believe we've lost our minds. We have. <BR> <BR>God help us all!