From Plastic Bottles to Smart Hydration: A Story of Sustainability, Efficiency, and Elevated Guest Experience

When travelers step into Sheraton Brussels Airport, they expect comfort, convenience, and a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. As part of the Marriott International family, Sheraton Brussels Airport prides itself on staying ahead of industry trends—whether in guest experience, operational efficiency, or sustainability.

But behind the scenes, one small but significant issue had been lingering for years: bottled water.

For decades, bottled water had been the default choice for hotels worldwide. Every night, guests found two plastic bottles waiting in their rooms—a simple, expected amenity. But for Sheraton Brussels Airport, those bottles came with growing challenges:

• More than 40.000 of single-use plastic bottles wasted every year.

• A significant logistical burden—ordering, transporting, and stocking water across 294 rooms.

• Shifting guest expectations—new generations demanded more sustainable alternatives.

• Corporate responsibility—Marriott’s global push for plastic reduction made change inevitable.

It was time to rethink hydration.

A Smarter Way to Hydrate

Enter Aquablu—an innovative hydration solution that replaces plastic bottles with smart water dispensers, giving guests access to pure, great-tasting still, sparkling, and flavored water right on their floor.

For Sheraton, the decision to partner with Aquablu wasn’t just about reducing waste. It was about offering a better guest experience, streamlining operations, and aligning with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

"If all 9,000 Marriott hotels worldwide stopped using plastic bottles, the impact would be massive. We knew we had to be leading this change."
— Karen Verbist, General Manager, Sheraton Brussels Airport

The rollout was simple but effective. Aquablu dispensers were installed on every guest floor and in common areas, replacing the need for in-room bottled water. Instead of finding plastic bottles in their rooms, guests now received a sleek reusable carafe, allowing them to fill up whenever they wanted, whatever they wanted.

The result? A fundamental shift in how hydration was experienced at Sheraton Brussels Airport.

The Impact: Sustainability, Efficiency & Guest Satisfaction

The change didn’t go unnoticed.

In just one year, Sheraton Brussels Airport eliminated over 40,000 plastic bottles, instantly reducing waste and the environmental footprint of the hotel. But the benefits went far beyond sustainability.

For Guests: A More Premium & Personalized Experience

Initially, some guests hesitated—after all, grabbing a plastic bottle in-room was effortless. But habits evolve, and for many, the new system was an upgrade:

• Instead of being limited to still water, guests now had access to sparkling and flavored options.

• Younger travelers adapted immediately, often bringing their own reusable bottles—making hydration part of their routine.

• Many guests actively praised the switch, seeing it as a clear commitment to sustainability.

“More and more, guests recognize the impact of eliminating plastic bottles. The new generation expects it. In five years, these systems will be standard in many hotels.”
— Karen Verbist

For Staff: A Shift Towards a More Efficient Approach

Switching to Aquablu has streamlined logistics, eliminating the need to order, store, and distribute thousands of plastic bottles, freeing up space, and reducing waste. However, the transition has also introduced a new workflow for housekeeping to ensure a seamless guest experience.

• No more plastic bottle logistics, making operations more efficient and reducing storage needs.

• Housekeeping now maintains carafes and glasses, adding a refined touch but also requiring additional upkeep.

• Guests appreciate the sustainability effort, with many already accustomed to refill stations in premium spaces.

While the change requires a small operational adjustment, it ultimately creates a more seamless, sustainable, and high-quality hydration experience for both guests and staff.

For the Business: Cost Savings & Sustainability Goals Met

Beyond the visible impact, the financial and operational benefits made a compelling case:

• Lower procurement costs—no more bulk water orders.

• Reduced waste management expenses—fewer plastic disposals.

• Seamless sustainability reporting—Aquablu’s impact data helped Sheraton track its environmental progress. In 2024 Sheraton saved +40.000 water bottles as well as 3.800 kg CO2.

A Future-Forward Approach to Hospitality

For Sheraton Brussels Airport, this was more than a one-time upgrade—it was a step toward the future of hospitality. The hotel is already exploring expansion of the concept into other areas and locations, reinforcing Marriott’s ambitious plastic reduction goals worldwide.

When asked if she would recommend Aquablu to other hoteliers, Karen didn’t hesitate.

"Would we do it again? Absolutely. The process was smooth, the impact is real, and the benefits touch every part of the business. I’d recommend Aquablu to any hotel looking to improve sustainability and guest experience in one move."n