Whether taking a holiday, a trip to see friends, or staying away on business, a hotel will provide you with everything that you need for a relaxing stay.
This can include many complimentary items, and because of this, some people can become overenthusiastic and start to believe that they can take anything they want with them when they check out.
So, let’s take a look at some of the items that people regularly take from hotels but really shouldn’t!
Bathrobes
Soft and fluffy, it can be tempting to take the bathrobes in your room home with you, particularly if they are monogrammed and your name has the same initials as the hotel. However, they are hotel property and should be left to be cleaned so that future guests can use them.
Coffee Makers and Kettles
There’s no better way to start the day than with a delicious brew, and tea and coffee are usually provided to you for free when you stay in a hotel. However, the coffee makers and kettles found in your hotel room are not intended to be taken home with you.
Televisions
I get it—you picked up the remote, thinking it was your phone. Just return it to reception, and no harm, no foul. However, if you have found a way to smuggle out the television, then there is no excuse for doing that, and you should make sure you return it immediately.
Light Bulbs
It may be tempting to save a few bucks by taking the light bulbs from your room with you when you check out. But this is a false economy. As soon as the cleaner tries the light switch, you will be found out, and the manager will add the cost to your bill.
Room Keys
You shouldn’t take your room key with you and should hand it in to reception when you check out. However, it can be easy to forget and leave it in your wallet or purse. This isn’t the worst crime, and reception will generally have a plan in place to replace it.
Room Numbers
While taking your room key is forgivable, taking your room number is a whole different story. It may seem like a fun souvenir after a birthday or honeymoon, but the hotel management will not thank you for this, and you will likely receive a bill to replace it.
Umbrellas
If the weather isn’t the best during your hotel stay, then the reception will usually be able to provide you with an umbrella so that you can stay dry while you’re out and about. These are not for keeps, though, so you should make sure you hand it back on your return.
Artwork
The right artwork can really contribute to the ambiance in a hotel, so much so that you may consider taking it home with you. Yet doing this will leave an empty space for future guests and leave you feeling equally bad. Be considerate during your stay, and do not do this.
Toilet Brush
Taking a toilet brush from your hotel room home with you is equally dishonest and unhygienic. Yet, believe it or not, this actually happens in hotels across the globe. So please resist the temptation to take this with you when you check out so your conscience and suitcase remain clean.
Plants and Flowers
Many hotel rooms are decorated with potted plants or fresh flowers to keep the air smelling clean and add to the overall aesthetic. While it may be tempting for you to take these with you to brighten up your home, they are hotel property and should be treated as such.
Chandeliers
It’s hard to believe that anyone would attempt to do this, but yes, this actually happens. While you may think that a chandelier from your room or the communal area of the hotel might look nice in your home, these are not there to be taken, and it is likely that the police will be contacted very soon after if you choose to do so.
Shower Curtains
Your bathroom may need updating, and the shower is a great place to start. However, don’t start your makeover with a shower curtain from a hotel room. The hotel staff will likely find out as soon as they come to clean your room, and you will likely receive an angry phone call from reception.
Bed Linen and Pillows
Hotel bed linen and pillows are renowned for being some of the most comfortable and cozy you can find, particularly if you are staying in a luxury hotel. However, these items are not yours to take, and your credit card will likely be charged for them if you do this.
Minibar Items (Without Paying)
Purchasing drinks and snacks from the minibar is often really expensive, and because of this, you may be tempted to take some of these items without paying for them if you are hungry or thirsty. However, hotel staff keep track of these items, and you will be charged for them when they find out.
Towels
This happens so often that it is almost a cliché, and because of this, you may think that taking towels from a hotel room is fair game. However, in recent years, many hotels have put into place systems to prevent theft of their towels, and you will receive an angry phone call from the hotel reception if you do.
