As surprising as it may seem, there are some with a sincere concern, even a passion, about the environment, and see this as an opportunity to reduce considerable waste. No doubt, in today's business environment it's easy to see this as nothing more than an opportunity to spin a cost-cutting measure. But with chains like Aman Resorts, who are anything but overtly focused on cost-cutting, doing it, perhaps there are a few who have purer motives than you're giving them credit for.

For all of those who view this approach as a tacky, cost-cutting measure, I'd venture to guess that there are a similar number who applaud it as environmentally responsible. There's probably an even larger group who won't give it a second thought.

If I owned a high-end hotel chain, I'd come up with an elegant dispenser solution. And, I'd put a card in the bathroom explaining the rationale, and offering a set of minis for anyone who would rather have them. I truly suspect that housekeeping would get few calls for them.