8 Hotel Amenities You Can Take vs. 5 You Shouldn’t
Staying in a hotel often means indulging in small luxuries that make your trip more enjoyable, from plush robes to premium toiletries. But when it’s time to check out, many travelers wonder what they’re allowed to take with them and what should be left behind. While some items are meant for guests to use and keep, others are part of the hotel’s inventory and taking them could result in additional charges.
Knowing the difference can save you from embarrassment at checkout and even prevent an unexpected charge on your bill. To clear up the confusion, here’s a breakdown of eight hotel amenities that you’re welcome to take—and five that you definitely should leave behind.
Hotel Amenities You Can Take: 1. Travel-Size Toiletries
Miniature bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion are some of the most commonly taken hotel items. These toiletries are intended for guest use and are typically restocked daily by housekeeping. Hotels fully expect guests to take them, especially since they cannot be reused once opened.
Some luxury hotels partner with high-end brands to provide premium toiletries, making them a great travel souvenir. In many cases, the hotel even prints its logo on the bottles, further indicating that they are complimentary. However, grabbing an entire stash from the housekeeping cart is frowned upon, so stick to the ones provided in your room.
2. Complimentary Slippers
Unlike robes, hotel slippers are usually single-use and designed for guests to take home. They are especially common in upscale hotels or resorts in Asia and Europe, where guests are encouraged to wear them indoors. Since they cannot be reused for hygiene reasons, most hotels are happy for guests to take them at checkout.
Slippers can be a great addition to your travel essentials, as they are lightweight and convenient for long flights or relaxing at home. Some hotels even provide more durable, high-quality slippers, which can be a nice keepsake from your trip.
3. Stationery and Pens
Hotels often provide branded notepads, postcards, and pens in guest rooms, all of which are meant to be taken. These small items serve as promotional tools, ensuring that guests are reminded of their stay whenever they use them.
A high-quality hotel pen can be a useful travel souvenir, while a postcard from the hotel can be a great way to send a quick note to loved ones. If you enjoy journaling about your travels, grabbing the hotel’s notepad is a practical memento.
4. Postcards and Brochures
Many hotels provide complimentary postcards or brochures showcasing local attractions, restaurant recommendations, and cultural insights. These materials are there for guests to use, and they can serve as helpful travel guides or keepsakes from your trip.
If your hotel has a concierge service, they may also have free maps or detailed city guides. These are particularly useful for exploring new destinations, and you can take them home for future reference or as a memory of your trip.
5. Tea and Coffee Packets
Most hotels provide instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, and creamer in the room, often alongside an electric kettle or coffee maker. These are considered complimentary and are meant for guests to enjoy. If you don’t finish them during your stay, you’re welcome to take them with you.
Some hotels even offer premium or locally sourced coffee blends, making them a great way to bring a small taste of your destination home. Just remember that while the coffee and tea are fair game, the mugs, glasses, and coffee machine should remain in the room.
6. Sewing Kits
Small sewing kits are a thoughtful amenity provided by many hotels, particularly in higher-end establishments. These kits typically contain a few needles, thread in various colors, a small pair of scissors, and extra buttons.
Since they are single-use items, hotels expect guests to take them if needed. They are especially useful for travelers who experience wardrobe malfunctions while on the go, making them a handy addition to any suitcase.
7. Shoe Shine Kits and Laundry Bags
Some business hotels provide shoe shine kits, disposable laundry bags, or garment care kits for their guests. Since these are considered convenience items rather than reusable amenities, they can be taken home without issue.
Laundry bags can be particularly useful for separating dirty clothes in your suitcase, while a shoe shine sponge or polish kit can help keep your footwear looking fresh throughout your trip. If you’re staying at a high-end hotel, you might even find a branded shoe care kit, which makes for a small but practical souvenir.
8. Mini Bottles of Hand Sanitizer or Face Masks
In recent years, many hotels have added hand sanitizer, face masks, and hygiene kits to their in-room amenities. These items are intended for guest use and are completely fine to take with you.
Some hotels even provide high-quality, reusable face masks with their branding, turning them into unexpected souvenirs. If you find hygiene kits in your room, they are typically single-use and meant to be taken.
Hotel Amenities You Should Leave Behind: 1. Robes and Towels
Hotel bathrobes and towels may feel luxurious, but they are not complimentary. These items are expensive for hotels to replace, and many now track them using RFID tags. If you take a robe, expect a charge to appear on your final bill.
If you love the robe, check with the front desk—many hotels sell them in their gift shop or online store. This way, you can enjoy the comfort of a hotel robe without any guilt.
2. Pillows and Bedding
While some guests are tempted to bring home hotel pillows or blankets, these items are strictly off-limits. Hotels invest in high-quality bedding to ensure guest comfort, and removing them disrupts future stays and leads to costly replacements.
If you fall in love with a hotel pillow or duvet, some hotels offer their bedding for sale, allowing you to recreate the experience at home without resorting to theft.
3. Hair Dryers and Irons
The hair dryers, irons, and other small appliances provided in hotel rooms are meant to be used during your stay, not taken home. Unlike toiletries, these items are part of the room’s permanent setup and are expected to remain in place for future guests.
If you need a travel-friendly hair dryer, consider purchasing a compact version before your trip. Taking the hotel’s appliance could lead to a charge on your account and inconvenience the next guest.
4. Glassware and Coffee Mugs
While the coffee and tea in your room are free to take, the cups, mugs, and glassware are not. These items are cleaned and reused for future guests, and taking them is considered stealing.
Some hotels offer branded mugs or glassware for sale in their gift shop. If you really want to bring one home, purchasing it is the best way to do so without any issues.
5. TV Remotes, Alarm Clocks, or Other Electronics
It might sound surprising, but some guests attempt to take TV remotes, alarm clocks, and other small electronics from their hotel room. These items are clearly meant to remain in the room, and their absence will be noticed immediately.
If you love the technology in your hotel room, take note of the brand or model and look into purchasing one for yourself. Removing these items is not only unethical but could also result in unexpected charges on your bill.
