Sure, hotel rooms can feel homely—cozy, comfy, and full of stuff that seems, oh, shall we just say, interesting to consider? But before you think of leaving with that comfy bathrobe or take a stroll with hotel slippers, I’d think again.
Let’s Begin with the Main Point: Just Because It is in Your Room, Doesn’t Mean You Can Take it Wherever You Want
Hotels expect some limits. and if you break those unofficial (or sometimes written) limitations, you will have fines—or at the very least, an awkward conversation when you check out.
Tableware? Stay at the Table
It’s not a picnic basket. The hotel cups and plates, or the fancy ceramic mugs in your room; they’re convenient, and nice, but they belong in that location. Whatever they do with them while you use them is their business. If they are in a hotel hallway or in transit to the hotel pool, you can’t use them.
Unless those items were noted to be disposable, don’t move the hotel flatware. Those items are usually part of a counted set, and when that one plate or cup (or both!) disappears off your table, they will charge you to replace it. Not the vacation souvenir you envisioned, I’m guessing?
That lovely pillow? Nope. And the blanket, sheets, or towels?
They’re fluffy. They smell like lavender. And yes, hotel linens look as if they were plucked from the pages of a magazine. But, none of these items should ever leave your room—literally.
Whether it’s to the balcony or pool, those perfectly cozy blankets or oversized towels are not beach gear. No hotel wants those items to leave for inventory, cleaning, or reuse. Even losing one item means they generally have to replace the entire set.
Bathrobes: The Ultimate Temptation from a Hotel
Spoiler alert: those soft white bathrobes are not complimentary.
While wearing robes to the spa or restaurant might not seem like an issue, most hotels prefer robes to stay in guests’ rooms. Each robe is assigned to each guest. If baths robes end up missing, you will be charged.
Batteries and Remotes—Don’t Get Any Ideas
Not only does messing with devices like the remote or unplugging electronics create frustration for the next guest, it also makes you THAT traveler. Take the charging cable you packed, not the one that’s attached to the minibar speaker or bedside lamp.
Hangers Are Not Souvenirs
It sounds silly, but hotel hangers disappear more frequently than you can imagine. And while they aren’t nothing special or even very high-tech, they do complete the room. If you use them, great—just put them back when you’re done.
Less hangers means the hotel has to replace them all the time, and that often leads them to get strange or weird solutions (you know, that one that doesn’t come off the rod?).
Decorative Items: Appreciate, Don’t Obtain
Whether it’s an eccentric painting, a stylish throw pillow, or a handmade table lamp — hotel decor is not a souvenir. You’d be surprised how many guests attempt to walk out with things that are glued on, bolted in, or naturally there to stay.
Not only will you be charge for anything missing, you will be complicating the cleaning crew’s job. Second, hotel often source these items from local artists, and are not easy to replace.
What Can You Take? Good Question.
Go ahead and pocket the extras. That tiny bar of soap, the travel-size shampoo, or the free toothbrush? If it says “disposable” or “for guests” writers its yours.
Just check what’s clearly marked before taking too much.
Respect Space = Respect Yourself.
It is a temporary shared space that allows hotels to manage each and every client with the same level of care and experience they are giving you.
So while that bath robe may feel as comfortable as your second skin, there are just some things that stay in your room.