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
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?
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
|
Key Element |
Standard Hotel Supplies |
Premium Hotel Supplies (e.g. illy) |
|---|---|---|
|
Coffee Quality |
Inconsistent, often low-grade |
100% Arabica blend, expertly roasted and consistent |
|
In-Room Offer |
Kettle with instant sachets |
Compact machines + compostable capsules with bar-quality coffee |
|
Professional Equipment |
Complex, hard to maintain, generic design |
Intuitive systems with Italian design, low energy use, built for speed |
|
Sustainability |
Limited or unclear sustainability credentials |
B Corp™ certified, regenerative sourcing, recyclable and compostable |
|
Training & Support |
None or basic |
Expert-led training, coffee strategy support, Università del Caffè |
|
Operational Efficiency |
Low yield, inconsistent performance |
Up to 143 cups per kilo, reduced waste, higher profitability |
Eco-consciousness is no longer niche. In fact, 56% of guests say sustainable practices influence their hotel choice. That includes:
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
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:
In addition, beverage systems must deliver speed and reliability during peak service — without sacrificing quality or consistency.
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:
When hospitality suppliers also provide education and consultancy, they help transform coffee from a commodity into a value driver for the business.
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.