An article in the Los Angeles Times revealed that many upscale hotels around the world use specific perfumes and scents in their lobbies in order to "brand" the hotel. Since the sense of smell is the most closely linked to memory, hotel operators believe that if a customer has a good experience in a hotel, when he or she smells the scent associated with it, it will entice them to come back.
From the simple use of flowers in the entryways, to "sensation bars" in guests' rooms, the use of smell as a marketing ploy exists on many levels. However, so does the sensitivity to these smells. For some, the overwhelming scents prove to be a negative experience and create the opposite results that marketing strategists were are after.
The article quotes that odors trigger attacks in %15 of those who suffer from migraines. It states that this reaction is similar to those who are allergic to cigarette smoke and has the same health hazards.
Since there is no way to screen the guests coming in and out of these various hotels, is the use of fragrant aromas as a marketing strategy considered ethical?
Citation: Doheny, Kathleen. "Sniff. Say 'Ahh' or 'Achoo!' Los Angeles Times. 30 July, 2006. http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-healthy30jul30
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