Mini Toiletries and Soap
Individually packaged shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and soap are generally provided as complimentary guest amenities and can usually be taken with you.
Large refillable or wall-mounted dispensers are different. The product is there for you to use during your stay, but the dispenser itself belongs to the hotel.
Disposable Slippers
Lightweight disposable slippers provided for your stay are usually intended for individual guests rather than being washed and reused. In most hotels, they’re fine to take home.
This doesn’t automatically apply to higher-quality reusable slippers, however, so check if you’re uncertain.
Pens and Notepads
Branded pens, pencils and small notepads are commonly promotional items and are generally intended for guests to use and take.
A folder containing menus, hotel information or other reusable materials is different and should normally remain in the room.
Complimentary Coffee and Tea
Individual packets of coffee, tea, sugar, creamer and similar supplies are usually provided for guest consumption.
Just make sure they aren’t part of a separately priced minibar.
Things You Should Leave Behind
The general rule is simple: if the hotel expects to clean it, refill it or provide it to the next guest, it probably belongs to the hotel.
That includes towels, bath mats, sheets, pillows, blankets and duvets. However tempting that unusually comfortable pillow may be, it’s part of the room’s inventory.
Robes should generally stay as well. Some hotels sell their robes and bedding, so if you particularly like one, ask the front desk whether you can purchase it.
The same applies to reusable equipment such as:
- Hair dryers
- Irons and ironing boards
- Coffee makers and kettles
- Hangers
- Remote controls
- Alarm clocks
- Speakers and charging stations
And, of course, furniture, artwork, decorations, mirrors, lamps and bathroom fixtures are hotel property.
A useful rule: if removing something requires tools, there’s really no ambiguity.
Items You Should Check Before Taking
Bottled Water
Never assume bottled water is free simply because it’s sitting on a desk.
Some hotels provide complimentary bottles, while others charge for them. Check the label, minibar information, hotel app or room guide before taking one.
Snacks and Minibar Items
Chocolates, chips, nuts, soft drinks and other minibar products are generally chargeable unless they’re specifically identified as complimentary.
Some minibars can even detect when products have been removed, so check the pricing before treating anything as a welcome gift.
Magazines and Newspapers
A newspaper delivered specifically for you may be yours to keep, while magazines placed permanently in rooms may belong to the hotel or another provider.
When it isn’t clearly marked as complimentary, ask.
Religious Books
Don’t automatically assume a Bible or another religious book placed in a hotel room is intended to be taken. Policies can vary depending on the hotel and organization that supplied it.
If you’d like a copy, simply ask the front desk.
What Happens If You Take Hotel Property?
Hotels may charge guests for missing property, particularly items such as towels, robes, electronics or appliances. More valuable property can obviously lead to more serious consequences.
There’s also a practical reason hotels monitor these items. A missing hair dryer, remote or towel has to be noticed, reported and replaced before the room is completely ready for another guest.
If you accidentally discover that you’ve packed something belonging to the hotel, contact the property. Staff can tell you whether it needs to be returned or whether there’s a replacement charge.
What If You Really Love Something?
Ask whether you can buy it.
Many hotels sell the same robes, pillows, bedding, toiletries and other products used in their rooms. Some even have online stores or gift shops dedicated to hotel-branded merchandise.
That means you may be able to take home the exact pillow or robe you loved without wondering whether it was actually complimentary.
The Simplest Rule to Remember
Think of hotel-room items in three groups.
Usually okay to take: individually packaged complimentary toiletries, disposable slippers, branded pens and notepads, and clearly complimentary coffee, tea, snacks or drinks.
Usually leave behind: towels, robes, bedding, pillows, hangers, appliances, electronics, furniture, decorations and anything attached to the room.
Check first: bottled water, minibar products, magazines, religious books, premium toiletries, special welcome gifts and anything expensive or reusable.
Ultimately, there’s one rule that solves almost every questionable situation:
If you’re standing there wondering whether you’re allowed to put it in your suitcase, ask the front desk.
It takes a few seconds—and it’s considerably easier than discovering an unexpected replacement charge after you’ve checked out.