How Sheraton Brussels Airport Transformed Hydration for Guests & the Planet
6 min read
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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.
Download the Aquablu REFILL+ hotel brochure and learn everything you need to know from instalment to utilities.
Watch the full interview on our Youtube Channel.
THE CHALLENGE
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:
40.000+ single-use plastic bottles wasted every year
294 guest rooms, each receiving two plastic bottles every night was a logistical nightmare
Ordering, transporting, and stocking water was another logistical nightmare
Shifting expectations from guests seeking sustainable alternatives
Marriott’s global push for plastic reduction made change inevitable.
It was clear—it was time to rethink hydration.
THE SOLUTION
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. Rather than offering disposable bottles in every room, Sheraton Brussels Airport introduced a new approach:
Aquablu dispensers installed on every guest floor and in common areas
Replaced plastic bottles with sleek, reusable carafes for on-demand refills
Access to still, sparkling, and flavored water at the touch of a button
"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 result? A fundamental shift in how hydration was experienced at Sheraton Brussels Airport.
THE IMPACT
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:
Expanded Options: Guests now have access to sparkling and flavored water, not just still water.
Adoption: Younger travelers quickly embraced the change, often bringing their own reusable bottles as part of their routine.
Positive Feedback: Many guests actively praised the switch, recognizing the hotel’s 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.
Streamlined Logistics: No more ordering, storing, and distributing thousands of plastic bottles.
Operational Ease: Housekeeping now maintains carafes and glasses, reducing storage needs and waste management tasks while adding a refined touch to guest service.
Enhanced Workflow: Although a small operational adjustment was needed, the overall process has become more efficient.
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:
Procurement Savings: Eliminated the need for bulk water orders.
Waste Reduction: In 2024, Sheraton saved over 40,000 water bottles and reduced CO₂ emissions by 3,800 kg.
Sustainability Reporting: Aquablu’s impact metrics streamline the tracking of environmental progress, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals.
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."
— Karen Verbist
READY TO RETHINK THE WAY YOUR GUESTS DRINK WATER?
Download the Aquablu REFILL+ hotel brochure and learn everything you need to know from instalment to utilities.
Watch the full interview on our Youtube Channel.
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