In my recent stay at Le Bourget Aero Suites, I used the provided L’Occitane shampoo and conditioner “for dry or damaged hair”. My hair is not, in fact, generally dry or damaged, but my own shampoo was still in transit. It’s only when I switched back to my regular shampoo that I realized: I have the wrong hair-care products for Minnesotan weather. I’m used to coastal humidity and warmer temperatures. Using my own shampoo and conditioner here means my hair forms an angry, crackling bush around my head. The L’Occitane stuff tames it beautifully. Must order more.

This makes me wonder. I assumed Le Bourget had picked this brand to go with their French theme, or because it’s generally an upscale product. But why did they pick the “for dry or damaged” type? Just luck, or did someone in the planning/management think, “hey, we should get some toiletries that go well with dry wintry air”? Do hotels consider local climate when they’re choosing toiletry brands? If so, this is the kind of touch that impresses me much more than plain brand recognition.

A side note: apparently some people swipe unused hotel toiletries (no surprise there) and (here’s the dumbfounding bit) sell them on eBay. I wonder whether the prospect of netting $7.99 makes them feel like they’ve gotten a discount on what was probably at least a $150 hotel bill.