Hotels offering its travelers outfits to rent or borrow
For many travelers, packing a suitcase is a stressful endeavor; packing light, a perpetual fantasy. To help guests ditch excess baggage, hotels are partnering with fashion companies to deliver Instagram-worthy outfits directly to their guest rooms. former stylist and designer, founded the company in part to address clothing overconsumption with a more circular approach to fashion.
“Renting instead of buying lengthens the life cycle of clothing and helps reduce waste going to landfills,” she said.
Before a trip, Trvl Porter clients are asked to provide information that a professional stylist uses to create a personalized look book. Customers then select two or more items from local and national brands for two-week rentals that are shipped directly to any hotel within the United States.
Palm Beach, Floridabased Lady Jetset ships high-end rental clothing to travelers all over the world. Guests staying at the Shelborne South Beach enjoy same-day delivery, concierge unpacking and free return shipping. The fashion service offers a selection of designer-label cocktail dresses, cabana wear and ski wear, with styles that sell for $500 or more.
“Our clients tell us a main reason they use our services is because of the ‘selfie effect,’ meaning they don’t want to be seen on social media wearing the same thing twice,” said Bethany Sharp, president and co-founder of Lady Jetset.
Troutbeck Estate, a 250-acre retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley, launched a complimentary “borrow closet” for men, women and children in partnership with the classic British heritage brand Hunter. The closet is stocked with more than 50 outdoor staples from down vests and jackets to rain boots and backpacks stuffed with a field guide, binoculars, compass, first aid kit and picnic blanket.
“Our guests love it and rely on it daily,” said Anthony Champalimaud, owner of Troutbeck Estate. “Whims strike without notice. If guests decide they want to stroll through a snowfall, they’re prepared.”
In Chicago, The Gray’s “Forgot it? We’ve Got it” program allows guests to borrow Lululemon fitness apparel. Thirty shorts and shirts in a variety of men’s and women’s sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The program was launched to help travelers reduce the stress of cramming items into a carryon,” said Bobby Gonzalez, director of concierge services at The Gray. “We believe that packing light shouldn’t come at the expense of guests’ comfort and daily routines.”