What hotel supplies really matter to modern travellers?

Today’s hotel guests are more discerning, more demanding, and more value-conscious than ever before. From sustainability to sensory indulgence, the expectations placed on the hospitality industry go beyond bed and breakfast. In this landscape, the quality, variety, and relevance of hotel supplies have become critical to shaping the overall guest experience.

This article explores which supplies really make a difference — and how hoteliers can turn everyday details into lasting impressions.

Contents

• What do guests expect today?
• The strategic role of coffee in hotel supplies
• In-room equipment: compact, convenient, premium
• Sustainability as a standard, not a bonus
• Design, technology and aesthetic consistency
• Staff training and support: elevating the service standard
• Choose a partner that adds value — try illy

What do hotel guests expect today?

Modern travellers, especially those staying in 3-star and above hotels, are focused on experience quality, not just functionality. A recent survey shows that 86% of guests rate the breakfast experience as a key factor in overall satisfaction, and 75% specifically state that high-quality coffee improves that experience.

What else are they looking for in hotel supplies?

• Practical aesthetics: durable but stylish room equipment and serviceware
• Personalisation: options that accommodate different tastes (e.g. dairy-free, decaf, herbal, or iced coffee)
• Efficiency: seamless, intuitive systems that work without effort or friction
• Sustainability: demonstrable eco-conscious choices across all services

These expectations are shaped by consumer trends seen across the coffee and foodservice sectors, where quality, ethical sourcing, and brand familiarity influence choice and loyalty.

The strategic role of coffee in hotel supplies

Few amenities are as universally appreciated — or as frequently consumed — as coffee. It’s an essential element at breakfast, a welcome pick-me-up in the lobby, and a comforting ritual in-room.

The impact on satisfaction is tangible:

• 60% of high-end hotel guests expect high-quality taste from their coffee
• 69% prefer hotels to serve a recognisable, premium coffee brand over an unbranded option

Whether served at a bustling buffet or from a quiet in-room machine, premium coffee communicates care, attention to detail, and quality of service. As such, coffee should be considered a strategic tool to improve reviews, increase guest retention, and elevate perceived value.

In-room equipment: compact, convenient, premium

In-room hospitality has evolved. Guests no longer accept sachets of instant coffee or noisy kettles. Instead, expectations align with boutique-level quality and barista-style coffee systems.

Premium hotel supplies in this area include:

• compact capsule machines that deliver consistent espresso-based drinks
• compostable or recyclable pods to meet sustainability standards
• simple interfaces with minimal need for instruction

These solutions must deliver both quality and ease, supporting a luxury experience without burdening operations. For hoteliers, this balance is key: reliable performance with low maintenance.

While many hotels still rely on basic, commodity-level equipment and coffee products, the gap between standard and premium solutions is increasingly visible to today’s discerning guests.

The table below highlights the key differences — and the added value — that premium hotel supplies can offer across quality, sustainability, efficiency, and guest experience.

Sustainability as a standard, not a bonus

Eco-consciousness is no longer niche. In fact, 56% of guests say sustainable practices influence their hotel choice. That includes:

• compostable and recyclable materials
• regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing
• carbon neutrality goals and certifications like B Corp™

Choosing hotel supplies that meet these criteria allows hotels to align their values with those of their guests, especially among Gen Z and Millennial demographics increasingly motivated by environmental impact.4

Design, technology and aesthetic consistency

Functional doesn't mean boring. The best hotel supplies combine technical performance with Italian-style elegance, particularly in commercial coffee machines and service tools. This enhances the visual identity of bars, breakfast rooms, and conference spaces alike.

Look for equipment that offers:

• durability without compromising visual appeal
• seamless integration with décor
• energy efficiency and low operational impact

In addition, beverage systems must deliver speed and reliability during peak service — without sacrificing quality or consistency.

Staff training and support: elevating the service standard

Even the most advanced hotel supplies can only go so far without the right people behind them. Training ensures consistent delivery, improved maintenance, and a better guest experience.

Key support pillars include:

• on-site and digital barista training
• machine care and troubleshooting
• menu design and upselling strategies
• ongoing quality checks

When hospitality suppliers also provide education and consultancy, they help transform coffee from a commodity into a value driver for the business.

Choose a partner that adds value — try illy

From breakfast service to in-room amenities, the right hotel supplies shape the experience guests will remember — and share.

illy offers a complete, flexible, and sustainable portfolio of hotel supplies designed to support excellence at every touchpoint. From barista-quality machines to eco-conscious capsules, illy helps hotels combine taste, technology, and care:

✔ machines and systems for every hotel zone
✔ staff training via Università del Caffè
✔ compostable, recyclable, and ethically sourced materials
✔ consultancy support for menu and service optimisation

Want to discover how illy can elevate your guest experience?

Request a free trial today and see how premium hotel supplies make the difference — one cup at a time.