Travel Etiquette: 15 Things You Can-and CAN’T-Take From Hotels (Don’t Get Caught!)
You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered what is acceptable to pick up from a hotel room. 87% of guests admit to snagging something on their visit. There’s a temptation to pick everything from mini toiletries to plush bathrobes.
But before you slip those slippers into your bag, here’s the deal: Hotels notice, and you might end up with extra charges or an unexpected blocklist notification. You may not know the most commonly stolen items from luxury hotels, but guess what? It’s not TVs and MacBooks. Don’t risk an awkward or expensive misunderstanding about hotel souvenirs. We’ve got this guide that breaks down the do’s and don’ts.
Mini Toiletries
Those mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash? It’s okay to take them! Once opened, hotels can’t reuse them, and guests are encouraged to pack them up.
Disposable Slippers
The old comfy hotel slippers that were just a one-size-fits-all? They can go to your home guilt-free! They’re usually treated as single-use pieces at hotels, so you’re doing them a favor by not leaving them behind.
Pens and Notepads
If it has the hotel logo, it’s yours to take! Supplies, pens, notepads, and stationery are also clever branding tools hotels count on guests to use, spreading their name far and wide.
Coffee, Tea, and Packaged Snacks
Everything in your room (cosmetics, soap, shampoos, coffee pods, tea bags, sugars, and snacks) is on the house! Feel free to enjoy it if it’s not in the minibar with a price.
Postcards and Maps
Hotels often provide free postcards or neighborhood maps as charming little souvenirs of your stay. Don’t hesitate to grab one and take a piece of your trip home!
Bathrobes
Especially when that plush, cloud-like bathrobe in your hotel closet looks irresistible, don’t accidentally steal it! According to Wellness Heaven, bathrobes are among the top 10 most stolen hotel items, with 8% of hotels reporting that they ‘go missing.
Pro tip: If you like it, ask; most hotels will happily sell it! As Curt Asmussen of ObieHospitality explains, “It’s not encouraged to take these items but guests aren’t penalized in any way if they do.” Spare yourself the embarrassment of unexpected charges or, worse, a ban. It is always the comfiest policy, to be honest!
Towels
Towels are among the most commonly stolen items from hotels, but this so-called “harmless” theft has severe costs. To fight it, some hotels now sew RFID tags into towels to track what goes missing. Sneaky, right?
Pillows and Blankets
No matter how cozy hotel bedding is, it’s not meant to become a staple of your linen closet. And even without RFID tags, don’t be shocked by an awkward call or a hefty bill if those items go missing.
Electronics
Leave it where it is, especially if it’s plugged in or battery–powered (such as TV remotes, hair dryers, or alarm clocks). They are inventoried, and you’ll most likely be charged when one goes missing. Keep things simple and save yourself the bother!
Art and Decor
You’ve got to admire that stylish canvas above the bed, but don’t get any free souvenir ideas! Many hotels use RFID tags to track decor and prevent theft; think twice before putting it in your suitcase.
Hangers
You might think hotel hangers are the least likely target for thievery, but you’d be shocked. They tempt hard, but they’re in the room, part of the fixtures, and meant to stay in the closet. Let’s keep them hanging where they belong.
Bibles or Religious Texts
These items are here for your spiritual comfort unless the hotel says otherwise. For this reason, they should not be taken out of the room so that other guests may use them in the future. Some even advise you to take them as a gift, so always check twice!
Light Bulbs
Yep, light bulbs are hot targets, hotel thieves! According to a Wellness Heaven survey, 22 percent of hotels have had guests swipe bulbs from fixtures. As David Elton of Home Grown Hotels bluntly says, “People will steal about anything they can.” So, before you pocket that $2 bulb, think again if it’s not worth the awkward charge or a dimmable mood later on for future guests.
Furniture
Did you know people have stolen chairs, desks, and even mattresses? A survey finds five-star hotels are 9 times more likely to report stolen furniture than less luxurious hotels. Well, luxury comes along with sticky fingers.
Plants
Green thumbs, take note! Those delightful succulents and lovely plants in the hotel room are part of the decor, not free to please guests. Plant theft unexpectedly is a growing problem, as 9% of hotels have also reported missing greenery, says Wellness Heaven. David Elton of Home Grown Hotels confirms, “People will steal almost anything,” including plants.
So, before you “adopt” that snake plant, remember it might land you unexpected charges or even a spot on the hotel’s naughty list. But let’s be classy here and keep the flora where it belongs!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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