Are you planning a hotel stay on the Costa Blanca? You may want to start packing your own shampoo as it’s time to say goodbye to single-use toiletries.
Hotels across Spain and the European Union will soon say goodbye to the small bottles of shampoo and shower gel often found in hotel bathrooms.
The change aims to reduce single use plastic and improve sustainability across EU member states. Although the regulation came into force in 2025, the changes will be introduced gradually from 2026, with a full ban in place by 1 January 2030.
The end of mini hotel toiletries
For years, small bottles of shampoo, shower gel and body lotion have been a standard feature in hotel rooms. Many guests even take them home as souvenirs.
However, these single use toiletries will soon disappear from hotels across Spain, including popular destinations such as Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja and across the Costa Blanca.
Instead, hotels will be required to install refillable dispensers in bathrooms.
The aim is to reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable tourism across Europe.
Changes already underway
Many hotels across Spain and Europe have already started making the switch. Refillable dispensers are becoming more common, particularly in larger hotels and resort complexes.
Some hotels have also reduced the number of toiletries provided, often offering only shampoo or a combined hair and body wash.
Bridging the Gap’s fun fact
Interestingly, studies suggest that conditioner is less commonly used in Europe than in countries like the United States. One survey found that 84% of women in the US use conditioner, compared to 48% in Spain and Italy, and 29% in France.
Let Bridging the Gap help you navigate through more Costa Blanca Red Tape.
