We've all experienced that delicious moment when you step into a luxurious hotel room and the first thing you notice is the smell – that’s when you know you’re not at home anymore and holiday mode is on. 

Hotels often use a variety of scents to create a welcoming and memorable ambience. While specific scents can vary depending on the hotel's brand, location, and theme, there are some commonly used hotel scents and their associated vibe. 

And who is to say you can’t replicate this ambience at home? That’s where we come in – helping you elevate your everyday life because why should indulgence be reserved for only vacations? We round up the original smells and solid alternatives you can get out there. 

Raffles Hotel 

Home of the Singapore Sling, this celebrated homegrown brand’s signature scent is also somewhat uniquely Singaporean – the frangipani. FYI, Raffles’ scent is inspired by the frangipani trees in its courtyard but think less pontianak and more polished. You can purchase the exact same scent from the hotel’s gift shop, but if you don’t want to fork out $73 for 100ml, we found more affordable options.

To Be Calm Singapore Journey candle

To Be Calm Singapore Journey candle, $40, Buy it on Amazon

Wavertree & London Soy Candle - Frangipani Gardenia, $63.99, Buy it from Amazon

Fullerton Hotel

Visitors and guests at the Fullerton hotels often say they’re hit by the luxurious scent of white florals and jasmine almost immediately. The scent formulated by local brand Scent by Six comes in the form of reed diffusers – but it’s not available yet to the public. Don’t fret, we whipped up some alternatives. 

Fuji Boeki Lily and Jasmine Room Spray Mist, $15.35, Buy it from Amazon

W Hotel

Crisp mandarin zest and fresh Mediterranean lemon are present in the W Hotel scent which is perfect for places with warmer weather like Singapore – and suitable for an edgier hotel like W. We go for fresh and zesty with a playful twist with this selection of inspired scents. 

Hotel Collection 24K Magic Aromatherapy Room Spray

24K Magic Aromatherapy Room Spray, $73.77, Buy it from Amazon

Summer Camp Scented Candle, $29.33, Buy it from Amazon

Mandarin Lime & Basil Reed Diffuser, $63.67, Buy it from Amazon

Westin Hotel

Westin hotels are known for their fresh and uplifting white tea signature scent – which you can actually purchase on some online stores. But let’s get adventurous and explore more white scents available. 

PRISTINE Himalayan Tea Inspired by Westin Hotel Linen & Room Spray

Shangri-La Hotel

With the Shangri-La brand, it’s all about serenity and feeling grounded at their hotels. The signature scent features light bergamot, rose, and lavender, along with the woody notes of sandalwood – a blend which releases all stress and anxiety. 

KIRONA SCENT Shangri-La Diffuser Essential Oil 250ml

The Shangri-La Inspired Scent Reed Diffuser, $49.90, Buy it from Amazon

Shangri-La Hotel Scent Reed Diffuser, $19, Buy it from Amazon

Ritz-Carlton

Unlike some hotel lines that have one singular signature scent, the Ritz-Carlton are a little playful and roll out a couple of signature scents for different locations so we rounded up some of the best ones like the strawberry notes in the New York branch and amber profile in the Naples one. Good on them for keeping things fresh and unique!

PRISTINE English Country Inn Linen & Room Spray Air Freshener

St. Regis

Unsurprisingly, St. Regis’ scent profile is as indulgent and luxurious as the hotel itself. With the heady blend of American Beauty roses (famous New York socialite Caroline Astor’s favourite), violet, white lilies and quince blossoms, you almost feel bougie immediately. 

JOOCIER Petalicious Candle

Fuji Boeki Rose and Violet Room Spray Mist, $15.25, Buy it from Amazon