How to create a signature scent for a hotel?
- ECO.FRENCH.LAB
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
A signature scent has become a key element of the guest experience in the hotel industry. More than just a fragrance, it reflects your brand identity and has a lasting influence on guests' perceptions. A well-thought-out scent strategy can increase loyalty, improve brand recall, and enhance the overall experience.
At Eco.French.Lab, we explain the essential steps to creating a unique signature scent for your hotel, while providing practical advice and concrete examples.
1️⃣ Defining your brand's olfactory identity
Before choosing a fragrance, you need to understand the personality of your hotel:
Positioning: luxury, boutique, business, family-oriented…
Values: natural, modern, historical, design-focused, exclusive…
Emotions to evoke: relaxation, energy, comfort, prestige…
Example: an urban boutique hotel might opt for fresh and woody notes, while a seaside resort will favour marine and floral aromas.
💡 Tip: Write a precise olfactory brief, as you would for a bespoke perfume creation. Identify 3-5 sensory keywords that will guide the composition.
2️⃣ Choose the right type of diffusion for your signature scent.
Diffusion in the hotel industry must be efficient, consistent, and flexible depending on the spaces:
Nebulizing diffusion: ideal for lobbies and large areas, providing a fine and consistent diffusion without residue.
Dry diffusion (plugs): suitable for guest rooms or small spaces.
Centralized system: integrated with the HVAC system for even distribution throughout the hotel.
Each space can benefit from a different intensity, depending on the use and exposure time of the customers.
3️⃣ Compose or select the fragrance
Two main options:
Collaboration with a perfumer or specialist house
Allows you to fully embody the hotel's identity
Guarantees exclusivity and differentiation
Saves time and money
Allows you to test the impact before a custom investment
💡 Tip: Top notes capture attention, middle notes remain memorable, and base notes create the lasting signature.
4️⃣ Test the experience before deployment
Before widespread the scent diffusion:
Sensory testing: Install pilot diffusers in rooms or lobbies.
Customer feedback: Questionnaires or observations to measure engagement and the emotions evoked.
Adjustments: Intensity, balance of notes, compatibility with the spaces.
The goal: for smell to become a subtle but powerful lever for differentiation.
5️⃣ Measuring the impact
To validate the strategy:
Qualitative KPIs: customer satisfaction, reviews, social media mentions.
Quantitative KPIs: return rate, repeat booking, average length of stay.
Consistency with the overall experience: alignment between visual, auditory, and olfactory elements.
A well-designed olfactory signature should enhance the overall perception of the hotel and its reputation.
6️⃣ Maintain and update your signature
Fragrances need to be refreshed regularly to maintain consistency.
Follow sensory trends and customer feedback to evolve without losing your identity.
Consider subtle seasonal variations (e.g., warmer notes in winter, cooler notes in summer) without altering the signature scent.
Creating a signature scent for a hotel is not just an aesthetic choice: it's a strategic investment in guest experience and loyalty.
By combining brand identity, controlled diffusion, bespoke composition, and impact measurement, your hotel can offer a memorable experience that sets it apart from the competition and becomes a powerful marketing tool.
FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a custom-designed fragrance signature cost for a hotel? The price varies depending on the size of the spaces, the type of diffusion, and the complexity of the fragrance.
Q2: Can the fragrance signature be changed over time? Yes, but the core sensory identity must be maintained to remain recognizable.
Q3: What is the optimal diffusion time per space? Generally, 6 to 8 hours per day for guest rooms, and continuous diffusion in lobbies and reception areas.
Q4: Does a fragrance signature really influence customer loyalty? Yes, studies show that multisensory experiences strengthen brand recall and customer repeat business.
The Team Eco.french.Lab
Lire l' article en français : post/signature-olfactive-pour-hotel
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