Staying at a hotel comes with those irresistible freebies like shampoo and soap. But what can you actually take home without getting into trouble? Understanding hotel policies on removing items can save you from accidental theft.
If you’re wondering what you can and can’t take, read on for a breakdown of standard hotel amenity practices.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You’re generally allowed to take consumable items like toiletries and food, but non-consumable amenities like hangers, appliances, and linens should be left behind.
Bathroom Toiletries
One of the most common items that guests wonder if they are allowed to take from a hotel are the bathroom toiletries. These items typically include small, unopened bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion.
Hotels understand that guests may need these items for their travels or simply prefer to use their own personal toiletries. As a result, it is generally acceptable to take these small toiletry bottles home with you.
Small, unopened shampoo, soap, lotion bottles
Hotels often provide guests with small bottles of shampoo, soap, and lotion as part of their standard amenities. These items are designed for single-use and are meant to be taken by guests. In fact, many hotels even encourage guests to take these toiletries home as a way to promote their brand and provide convenience to their guests.
So, if you find small, unopened toiletry bottles in your hotel room, feel free to pack them in your suitcase and take them home.
Bathrobes subject to more scrutiny
While it is generally acceptable to take small toiletry bottles, bathrobes are subject to more scrutiny. Bathrobes are considered to be part of the hotel’s property and are often more expensive items compared to the toiletries.
Some hotels do allow guests to purchase the bathrobes if they wish to take them home, but it is always best to check with the hotel’s front desk before assuming that it is okay to take the bathrobe.
Limit quantities to a reasonable amount
When it comes to taking toiletries from a hotel, it is important to be mindful and limit the quantities to a reasonable amount. Taking a few extra small bottles of shampoo or lotion is generally acceptable, but emptying the entire stock of toiletries from your hotel room would be considered excessive.
Remember, hotels provide these amenities as a courtesy to their guests, so it is always best to be respectful and considerate.
For more information on hotel policies regarding what guests are allowed to take, you can visit Hotels.com or reach out to the specific hotel you are staying at for clarification.
Food and Drinks
When it comes to what you are allowed to take from a hotel, the policy regarding food and drinks can vary. However, in most cases, hotels allow guests to take unopened snacks, candy, and non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar or provided in the room.
These items are typically included as part of the amenities and are meant for guests to enjoy during their stay or take with them.
Unopened snacks, candy, non-alcohol drinks
If you find some tempting snacks or beverages in your hotel room, don’t hesitate to indulge yourself. You can freely take unopened items like packaged snacks, chocolates, or bottled water. These are often complimentary and provided for your convenience and enjoyment.
So, go ahead and take them with you to enjoy later or to satisfy your cravings during your stay.
Uneaten portion of room service order
Another situation where you are allowed to take food from a hotel is when you have ordered room service but couldn’t finish your meal. In such cases, it is generally acceptable to take the uneaten portion of your order with you. This way, you can avoid any waste and enjoy the remaining food later.
Just make sure to pack it properly or ask the hotel for containers to take it away.
Avoid taking excessive quantities
While it’s generally acceptable to take certain food and drinks from a hotel, it’s important to be mindful and avoid taking excessive quantities. The hotel provides these amenities for your convenience and enjoyment during your stay, but it’s not intended for you to stock up your pantry or take advantage of the hotel’s generosity.
Taking a reasonable amount is considered appropriate and respectful to the hotel’s policies and other guests.
Remember, policies can vary between hotels, so it’s always a good idea to check with the hotel staff or consult the hotel’s website for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding taking food and drinks. Enjoy your stay and indulge in the treats that the hotel has provided for your enjoyment!
Items to Leave Behind
When staying at a hotel, it’s important to know what items you are allowed to take with you and what items you should leave behind. While it may be tempting to take home a souvenir or two, it’s essential to respect the hotel’s property and policies.
Here are some items that you should not take from a hotel:
Linens, towels, hangers, appliances
It’s common knowledge that taking linens, towels, and hangers from a hotel room is not allowed. These items are provided for your convenience during your stay, but they are not meant to be taken home. Hotel linens and towels are often marked with the hotel’s logo or name, making them easily identifiable.
Taking these items not only goes against the hotel’s policies but is also considered theft. Remember, you can always purchase similar items for personal use.
Tableware, glassware, cutlery
While it can be tempting to take home that fancy wine glass or a set of sleek cutlery, it’s best to resist the urge. Tableware, glassware, and cutlery are hotel property and are meant to be used during your stay only.
Taking these items can lead to additional charges on your bill or even legal consequences. If you fall in love with a particular item, consider asking the hotel if they sell them or where you can purchase similar ones.
Electronic items like alarm clocks
It’s not uncommon to find alarm clocks, docking stations, or other electronic devices in hotel rooms. However, just because they are there doesn’t mean you can take them home. These items are provided for your convenience and should be left behind for the next guest.
If you need an alarm clock or any other electronic device for personal use, it’s best to bring your own or purchase one separately.
Remember, taking items from a hotel without permission is not only unethical but also illegal. It’s important to respect the hotel’s property and policies, ensuring a positive experience for both you and future guests.
When in Doubt, Ask First
When staying at a hotel, it’s important to know what items you are allowed to take with you when you check out. While many hotels are lenient when it comes to certain items, it’s always best to ask the hotel staff for clarification rather than assuming it’s okay to take something.
This will help you avoid any potential misunderstandings or additional charges on your bill.
Policies may vary at boutique/luxury hotels
It’s worth noting that the policies regarding what you can take from a hotel may vary depending on the type of hotel you’re staying at. Boutique or luxury hotels, for example, may have stricter policies in place due to the higher value and exclusivity of their amenities.
It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s specific policies, which can often be found on their website or by contacting their front desk.
Better to request than assume okay
When it comes to taking items from a hotel, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and ask for permission first. Most hotels are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests, such as taking home small toiletries, slippers, or disposable items.
However, assuming it’s okay to take something without asking could lead to potential misunderstandings or even accusations of theft. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Offer to pay if item has significant value
If you find yourself wanting to take home an item from a hotel that has significant value, it’s best to offer to pay for it. This could include items such as bathrobes, towels, or even artwork. By offering to pay, you show respect for the hotel’s property and demonstrate that you understand the value of the item.
The hotel may decline your offer, but it’s always worth asking if you have your heart set on bringing home a special memento.
Be Mindful and Courteous
When staying at a hotel, it’s important to be mindful and courteous about what you are allowed to take with you when you check out. Remember, hotels provide amenities for your convenience and comfort during your stay, but not everything in the room is meant to be taken home.
Think about whether an item is a valuable amenity
Before packing your bags, consider whether the item you are eyeing is a valuable amenity provided by the hotel. Items such as toiletries, towels, and slippers are typically intended for your use during your stay, but taking them home would be considered inappropriate.
These items are often restocked for the next guest, and taking them can create inconvenience for both the hotel and future guests.
It’s worth noting that some hotels may have policies in place that allow you to take certain items. For example, some luxury hotels may offer branded toiletries that are specifically designed for guests to take home as a souvenir.
In such cases, it is always best to confirm with the hotel staff or refer to the hotel’s website for their specific policy.
Remember rooms are cleaned for the next guest
Hotel rooms are meticulously cleaned and prepared for the next guest after each checkout. This includes replenishing toiletries, restocking minibars, and ensuring all amenities are in place. By taking items that are meant to stay in the room, you are disrupting this process and potentially causing inconvenience for the next guest.
Additionally, hotels often keep track of inventory to ensure that each room is properly equipped. If items go missing regularly, it can lead to increased costs for the hotel, which may result in higher room rates for future guests.
Don’t deprive hotel of inventory
Hotels operate as businesses, and their inventory is carefully managed to meet the needs of their guests. Pillows, bed linens, electronics, and other room furnishings are not intended to be taken by guests.
These items are part of the hotel’s inventory and taking them would not only be considered theft but also deprive the hotel of essential resources.
Remember, hotels want their guests to have a positive experience, and taking items that are not meant to be taken can lead to additional charges on your bill or damage your reputation as a responsible guest.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and check with hotel staff if you are unsure about whether you can take a particular item.
Conclusion
While hotel freebies are tempting souvenirs, it’s wise to stick to consumables to avoid removing valued amenities. When in doubt, ask the hotel first or be prepared to pay. With mindfulness and courtesy, you can enjoy your hotel perks without causing issues.
