Ever wondered why those hotel slippers feel like a slice of heaven on your feet? Maybe it’s the plush material, the novelty, or just the thrill of wearing something you didn’t have to buy. Nearly three-quarters of guests have walked out with more than just memories. While swiping toiletries is almost a travel tradition, the rules get murky when it comes to bigger items like robes or that chic throw pillow you’ve been eyeing. So, what’s fair game, and what’s off-limits?
Things You Can Take
Toiletries
Let’s start with the basics: those cute little bottles of shampoo and conditioner. These tiny trophies of your travels are perfectly okay to cling to. Hotels stock these with the understanding that visitors will use them or take them. Ever notice how they restock them daily? It’s because they’re meant to be enjoyed beyond your stay.
Slippers
Ever slid your feet into those ultra-comfy slippers and thought, “I need these at home?” Good news: you can have them! Inns usually provide these as disposable comfort items. Slippers are often replaced between guests, so they’re yours to keep. Think of them as a little luxury that extends your hotel experience back home.
Coffee and Tea
Those complimentary coffee pods and tea bags are fair game, so go ahead and grab them. Such things are meant to be consumed during your stay, but lodges understand that lodgers might want to take them home for later. It’s a small perk they’re happy to offer, adding to your travel experience. And let’s be real: hotel room coffee somehow tastes better, right?
Magazines and Brochures
Got your eye on that local magazine or travel brochure? Feel free to snatch it. These are meant to inform and entertain guests about the local area. Hotels want you to explore and collect these guides with you. Magazines highlight local attractions, restaurants, and events and are perfect reading material for your flight home.
Stationery
Hotels see these as marketing tools, hoping you’ll remember them every time you scribble a note. They’re there for your convenience, whether you’re jotting down a phone number or doodling during a conference call. Taking them home serves as a little reminder of your stay. And every time you use that pen with the lodging logo, it’s a bit of free advertising for them.
Things You Can’t Take
Towels
Grabbing those fluffy white towels might seem harmless, but it’s actually a big no-no. Lodgings need to keep these for all residents, which are costly to replace. Moreover, you probably wouldn’t want to deal with the awkwardness of explaining a missing towel.
Electronics
You know that handy hairdryer or nifty alarm clock that worked so efficiently when you used it? Hands off! These items are meant to stay put for every guest’s convenience. Swiping them disrupts the place’s setup and can lead to unexpected dues.
Decorative Items
Resist the urge to eye that chic throw pillow or cool art piece; those things are part of the space’s décor and certainly not up for grabs. Hotels put a lot of effort into decorating rooms to create a certain ambiance. Taking this stuff not only disrupts the aesthetic but can also get you into trouble.
Furniture
This might seem obvious, but it needs to be said: Whether it’s a chair, lamp, or even the bedding, these items are fixtures of the room. Your attempt to secure them is not just impractical but also theft. Hotels invest in quality furnishings to ensure comfort for all boarders. So, admire the furniture as much as you want, but leave that lamp in place.
Bathrobes
Ah, the plush bathrobe—a symbol of hotel luxury. As tempting as it might be to bring it with you, it’s a no-go. Lodges charge for missing robes, as they are intended to stay in the spot for future guests. They are part of the in-room experience, not a take-home souvenir. So, enjoy it while you’re there, but leave it hanging when you check out.
