What exactly can you take from a hotel room - and what is theft? Freebie rules explained
Guests have been taking toiletries from hotel rooms from time immemorial - but some guests are walking away with coffee machines under their arms.
Hotel rooms come with some complimentary items, such as shampoo and conditioner. But there can often be some confusion about what exactly is complimentary - and what is not.
No one wants to check out of their hotel just to be accused of theft. Here’s a list of what’s acceptable - and what most certainly is not - complied by experts at Cheap Air.
What you can take from a hotel
Toiletries
In hotels, toiletries are generally pretty nice and come from upmarket manufacturers. Hotels think of these cute, mini-sized treats as parting gifts for you.
Stationery
Since Covid, many hotels have not re-instated the ‘touch points’ of pen and notepad but if you happen to find one next to the bed, do help yourself.
Slippers
There’s nothing better than padding around a hotel room in a brand-new pair of slippers. Hotels can’t re-use them so they are happy for you to keep these as a moment for use at home.
Key cards
Some hotels have fancy keycards with the hotel’s logo or a local scene on them. It is perfectly acceptable to take these as a souvenir too, although the more eco-inclined hotels would prefer to recycle them, so it’s best to ask first.
What you can't take from a hotel
Towels
Hotels resue the towers for their guests, so they are not a gift. Hotels lose a lot of money from towel theft and some will pass on those costs to honest customers.
Artwork
Some hotels sell what’s in your room in reception, so leave the art in the room, and buy your own piece.
Mini bar
While it’s tempting to pour yourself a drink from the mini bar, the drinks don’t come cheap. Many guests have indulged in late-night snacks only to be hit with a bill for a very expensive chocolate bar.
Bedding
You will be billed if you take bedding from the hotel.
Bathrobes
While the slippers are free, the bathrobes are not. But, many hotels offer these for sale. If you want one, buy it. If you take it you’ll be billed anyway - probably at a much higher cost.
Electronics
Do not take the coffee maker. You’ll be hit with a hefty bill. The same goes for speakers, alarm clocks, and mini speakers
