Ask the Etiquette Expert: What’s OK to Take From a Hotel Room (And What’s Off-Limits)?
This month is often busy with travel, both business and personal, and I’m hearing from reporters and readers about what’s OK to take from a hotel room (and what’s off-limits). Of course, common sense and courtesy should always go with you. Keep reading for my etiquette perspective on this travel dilemma.
Yours for the Taking
We all have our favorites when it comes to hotel freebies, and my pick is the high-quality, beautifully scented tiny bottle of body lotion that is part of the complimentary goodies that are already built into the cost of the room.
Other items guests may enjoy taking with them include the tiny bottle of shampoo, and conditioner, teeny soap that makes your carry-on smell delightful, and an assortment of sealed items like cotton balls, a sewing kit, and other items that don’t appeal to me, but are there should the need arise.
Note pads, postcards, the hotel logo pen, and plastic dry cleaning bags are other things guests are welcome to pack when leaving if they find themselves in need of a water repellent bag for their shoes, or a note pad to take inventory of all the items they wish to order when they get home.
Specialty coffee pods and tea bags are also popular if you want to enjoy the complimentary tea offered during your stay.
Please Leave Behind
The coffee maker is not on the complimentary list, regardless of how tiny it may seem on the counter.
Tempting but straight up theft are the plush, cozy robes, fluffy monogrammed beach towels, umbrellas, and darling little tea cups, spoons, and the teapot that came with your afternoon room service. I’ve often researched buying a set of my own at a more reasonable price than from the hotel.
Cocktail books are also off limits. Bath towels, hangers, and pillows are also a big “don’t”. If it’s bolted to the wall or hanging from a wire, it’s a definite no. The toiletries you are given are complimentary, and not the same as the ones that are refillable in the shower, or the candle still in the packaging that is displayed somewhere away from the freebies.
Play It Safe
Confusing items are the bottled water (unless it says complimentary), snacks not designated in the area you would think would be for charge at the mini bar, such as chips, candy, and mini bottles of bubbly, and linen laundry bags in the closet that are quite charming with a beautiful monogram on the front – still not free.
A Good Rule of Thumb
If there is a basket waiting for you, with your name on it, and a note from the hotel, the items are yours for the taking.
Be a Gracious Guest
If you find you have accidentally packed a table lamp and your conscience has gotten the best of you, you can always call the front desk and say, “Hey, I packed a couple of beach towels, and a duvet cover, would you like me to return them?” Often the answer is yes, and sometimes, no, but you never know until you ask, and you will feel better when the guilt of the offense is out in the open.
Most anything is likely available for purchase if you ask the management, but taking it without permission may result in an additional credit card charge at the end of your stay. The hotel staff does notice when things go missing; one towel adds up when every guest accidentally takes the fluffy new items, or the towel warmer off the bathroom wall.
You may also like Travel Etiquette: How to Be a Polite Hotel Guest.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
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