Guest Room Aromatherapy: Creating Welcoming Spaces for Visitors

If you have friends or family coming to spend some time in your home or if you run a B&B or hotel, you’ll want to make sure their room looks immaculate.

But how much thought have you put towards the room scent and how it can enhance their stay?

The comfort level of your guests can be influenced by many different factors, so adding nice smells for the home or in a hospitality space can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

We explore some of the benefits of guest room aromatherapy, along with some helpful tips on how to create the perfect scented environment.

What are the benefits of guest room aromatherapy?

Create memorable experiences

Smell is one of our most powerful senses, and it is also the only one that has a direct route of travel to our brain.

Whether you have a family member or close friend staying in your guest room or you run a B&B or hotel, enhancing the space with a pleasant scent can ensure the memory of their stay lingers on for longer.

Promote better sleep

Many people can find it difficult to adjust when first sleeping in new surroundings. Adding a relaxing scent to the room can help to ease some of the stress that comes with travelling and allow your guest to unwind in a calm and welcoming environment.

You could try the likes of lavender, ylang ylang or cedarwood, as they are often cited as popular options for relaxation and rest.

Enhance wellbeing and mood

Research has found some connections between the scents and aromas we come into contact with and the ways in which they affect our mood and psychological wellbeing. Integrating a diffuser in guest spaces can create an uplifting and positive atmosphere.

Citrus-based scents tend to work well, as they can support a boost in energy levels, whilst floral scents can evoke a sense of happiness and tranquillity.

Boost brand reputation

If run a B&B or similar establishment, the use of essential oils can help your brand stand apart from the competition.

It can make your business more attractive to people who prioritise relaxation and wellness, whilst also allowing you showcase these benefits in your marketing materials.

Dos and Don’ts For Creating The Perfect Room Scent

1. Do try and set the right ambience as it can instantly change the way people interact with a space. The scent of a room often makes all the difference, as it is usually the first thing that people will notice when they enter a room.
2. Don’t forget that candles offer an easy way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guest space. When the candles are not ignited, they create a sense of elegance for the space, and once lit the soft glow and relaxing scent combine to make the room feel cosy and a space where guests feel they can unwind and relax.
3. Do remember to check with your guests about any allergies they may have. Whether you are using scents for home guest rooms or hospitality spaces, it will help make their stay more comfortable. Some people can be sensitive to essential oils and may experience strong allergic reactions, so for your own peace of mind – and theirs – reach out before they arrive so you can use the appropriate oils.
4. Don’t worry about keeping things simple. As we explain below, there are lots of ways you can introduce essential oils into your guest rooms, and the important thing is not to add too many scents into a single space. Aim for one or two at most, as that gives them room to breathe whilst also not overpowering your guest’s senses.

How to create the perfect room scent for your guests

From scents for home guest rooms to commercial hospitality spaces, you can create an impactful scent by using:

Diffusion

Ultrasonic diffusers tend to be the more modern, popular option. They require a small amount of essential oil which is turned into a mist before being slowly released.

Other methods include evaporation, which allows the oil to fan and gradually diffuse the space. Heat diffusers use heat elements so essential oil drops can gradually evaporate in the air, while nebulisers release a pressurised air stream without the need for heat or water.

Linen sprays

Leaving a small linen spray bottle next to the bed gives guests the option to lightly mist their sheets and pillows to support a good night’s sleep.

Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and remember to replace every few weeks if you are not using a preservative.

Room sprays

This is a nice easy way to help people feel at home and settle in quickly to their new surroundings.

Uplifting scents like orange, lemon and cedarwood all work well, creating a settling and comfortable atmosphere that is easier to relax into.

Shower tablets

These are made using a mixture of baking soda and water, along with your essential oils of choice.

Once they have hardened in a silicone mould, they can be dropped into the shower and left to fizz once the water is turned on, which releases the essential oil scent to create an invigorating and uplifting aroma.

Hand & body lotion

If you run a hotel or similar type of lodgings, you probably already offer hand and body lotion to guests.

You could try making your own hand lotion using lavender, frankincense or sandalwood essential oils, as they contain skin enriching properties.

Alternatively, simply add your preferred essential oils to shampoo, conditioner and body wash products to create your own unique scent blends.

Final thoughts

Our sense of smell is perhaps the least valued of all our senses, but its impact on our lives shouldn’t be underestimated.

Introducing aromatherapy into your home guest room or hospitality space helps your visitors feel more relaxed and comfortable, whilst enhancing their stay.

Whether you opt for candles, diffusion or sprays, try to avoid overcomplicating the scent profiles and It’s also good practice to ask your guests about any allergies they may have before they arrive.