Why do most hotels have the same kind of refreshing "hotel smell"?

Some hotels use a fragranced air freshener or room deodorizer. Perhaps they feel that it adds something pleasant.

We subscribe to the idea many hotel operators share that, when you walk into a room, you're not supposed to smell anything at all. Some people might find fragrances objectionable, or suspect that the scent may have been added to cover up something that wasn't cleaned properly.

You certainly don't want a disinfectant smell, such as what you'd find in a hospital, nursing home or clinic. That would be not much of an improvement over a bad odor -- a necessary one, perhaps, but not an improvement that would be all that pleasing or reassuring to guests.

Originally appeared on Quora