It appears that elements of the trendy W hotel group, with its quirky extras and concepts, are rubbing off on its sister brand, Westin.
As part of an overhaul of the Westin brand, Starwood Hotels and Resorts is introducing new minibars to its Westin properties.
Among the healthy gadgets, snacks and gizmos going into the minibar, which has now been renamed the "Purification Station", is a stress relieving spray, sweets that revitalise your skin, and a pure oxygen dispenser.
The first Purification Station will debut at the Westin New York at Times Square, in its Renewel Suite, a $2,000-a-night suite that features a decompression chamber, spa bath, gym and music, light and water features, all designed to soothe the weary traveller.
Among the products on sale in the Purification Station are:
- Essential oil patches called Naturopatches, including bergamot to relieve stress, and arnica to ease aches and pains
- BORBA's Skin Balance Gummi Booster Confections, which are intended to revitalise skin with an organic cultivated bio-vitamin complex
- Skyn Iceland Anti-Stress Oral Spray, which is sprayed into the mouth like a breath freshener, and should ease tension
- Dr. Hauschka Jet Set Essentials kit, which includes pampering face and body products from the popular organic brand
Despite these holistic additions, guests who head for the minibar because they're peckish will not be disappointed – alongside these products will be organic wine, beer and cookies. The new minibars, or elements of them, will eventually be rolled out across the Westin brand globally.
Even the humble bedtime mint on the pillow is being scrapped in favour of something more wholesome – instead guests will be presented with a Moondrop Homeopathic Sleep Therapy Lozenge, which contains sleep-inducing natural ingredients.
Report by Ginny McGrath
