“Hyatt for Her” launches at select European hotels: what else would improve a woman’s travel experience?

Airlines baggage fees and liquid allowances are a particular inconvenience to female travelers, particularly those (yes, we’re guilty) who load their bags and carry-ons with perfume, hair straighteners and various creams and gels.

We’ve found a few workarounds – sites like 3floz.com to find our favorite products in travel size, gadgets like Travalo, a refillable perfume atomizer, and the Inouis CORE, a handbag organizer that doubles as our in-flight gadget and makeup holder.

Still, we’re excited by the launch of Hyatt’s new “Hyatt for Her” program, a special initiative to increase the comfort of, and show special attention to women when they travel.

“We created this special offer for female travellers because it is essential to us to understand the lifestyle and needs of women who travel a lot and are always in a hurry but have to look smart all the time,” said Fred Hürst, the general manager of Grand Hyatt Berlin.The new program offers a “hair menu” so that guests can choose the shampoo and conditioner perfect for their individual hair type and style. Developed in partnership with Kérastase, the menu includes three types of products: one for coloured hair, one for dry hair and one for weak and fine hair. The program also includes an in-room manicure, pedicure, and blow dry service. The mani/pedi is a reasonable €50 per treatment, comparable to a spa service in the states.

The program is currently available at the brand’s Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Mainz and Zurich properties.

It’s a good start, although we probably wouldn’t bother with the blowout or mani/pedi. We’d like to see the program expanded to include supplies of items like hair straighteners (CHI, please) and curling irons upon request, and the addition of miniature hair spray cans to complimentary available amenities lists.

We were particularly excited by a recent stay at Gramercy Park Hotel in New York, where we found our in-room amenities curated by none other than the editors at Allure magazine – our supply included Davines shampoo and conditioner, which we promptly purchased after our stay. The boutique hotel can easily adapt its menu, which might not be feasible at a large chain like Hyatt, but still, the option remains for increased brand / hotel partnerships.

What else would you add to your travel wish list, ladies?

[Flickr via garybembridge]

Photo of the Day (12.20.2009)

I’m loving the “eye-catching,” over-the-shoulder perspective in today’s photo, brought to us courtesy of Flickr user The L-List. The picture’s subject is a Balinese dancer, preparing some pre-performance makeup. The mirror’s reflection and great angle make you feel as though you were right there backstage, getting ready to start the show.

Want your pics considered for Gadling’s Photo of the Day? Submit your best ones here.

Product review – La Fresh one day stay travel packets

Today’s product review will take a brief look at the La Fresh “one day stay” travel kit.

The one day stay kit is a small plastic pouch that holds 6 different single use wipes. La Fresh has a version for women, and one for men. The wipes are biodegradable and come in a large variety of cosmetic and personal care products.

The female version comes with the following towelettes:

  • Makeup remover
  • Deodorant
  • Anti-bacterial wipe
  • Hydrating lotion wipe
  • Mini-mitt dental cleaning wipe
  • Eye and lip makeup remover

The male version comes with the following towelettes:

  • Shaving gel
  • Deodorant
  • Anti-bacterial wipe
  • Show shine wipe
  • Mini-mitt dental cleaning wipe
  • Lens cleaning wipe

Naturally, these wipes won’t replace your conventional toiletries, but they are perfect for emergencies, or if the airline loses your luggage and you start to smell a little too funky.

Since the wipes only hold a small amount of liquid, you won’t have any issues with the TSA, no matter how many wipes you are carrying.

On a previous trip, I put the single use male version of their wipes to the test, and was impressed. The wipes unfold to a decent size and they all smell quite pleasant, without being too overpowering. The deodorant wipe is not the same as your regular deodorant stick, as it is used to wipe your entire body down in a (successful) attempt at making you smell fresher. The Minty-mitt dental wipe is a small “finger glove” with a rough texture, soaked in a minty liquid and while it isn’t the same as a good brushing, it certainly gave me that “just brushed” feeling. The shaving gel pouch holds just enough gel for a decent lathering.

The one day stay pouches with all 6 wipes cost $4.99 each. LaFresh also has a version with 30 single use wipes which is great for refilling the one stay pouch. Other products in the LaFresh lineup include female hygiene wipes, sunscreen wipes and even nail polish remover wipes. Most products are sold in packs of 6 or 48.

The LaFresh one day stay travel packets are very convenient, and are priced just right. They are not the kind of product I see myself using every trip, but I like the idea of carrying an emergency set of toiletries, without the hassle of having to deal with travel size bottles and the possibility of leaks.