Hotel etiquette: What you can (and can’t) take home from your stay

Checking out of a hotel or resort can be a surprisingly tricky moment for many travellers. Those tiny bottles of shampoo, soap, or lotion, the branded slippers, the notepad with the hotel logo — they all look like little freebies you could take home, but which items are actually yours to keep? Understanding the difference between complimentary items meant for single use and hotel property that must remain behind is essential not only to avoid unexpected charges or awkward conversations and side-eyes at checkout but also to respect the property’s resources. Taking the right items home can give you small keepsakes to remember your trip by — while taking the wrong things can lead to fines, billing disputes, or other complications like embarrassment.

Most hotels provide small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and bars of soap in guest rooms for your convenience. These single-use items are intended for guests, so it’s perfectly fine to take them home. They’re also handy for future trips and offer a convenient way to sample a product before committing to the full-sized version.

Most hotels offer complimentary items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, shaving kits, cotton buds, sewing kits, shower caps, or vanity kits. These items are also designed for one-time use. They always come in sealed packages so they are safe to use also.

Have doubts about this? Well, don’t worry, these hotel slippers are disposable, and will not be reused. So you can take them. They are, most of the time, comfortable and light weight. Many travellers even bring them along for flights or overnight stays elsewhere because they are comfortable and light. In some big hotels, you will find branded slippers, some with hotel logo, they can be a memorable souvenir.

Many hotels supply pens, notepads, postcards, and brochures with their branding. These are intended for guest use and as take-home souvenirs. Maps of local attractions, brochures for city tours, and other informational leaflets can also be taken. They also serve as practical reminders of your stay.

Small sachets of tea, coffee, sugar, creamers, and bottled water provided in the room are meant for consumption during your stay. If they are still unopened and you want to take them home, you can. These extras are stocked by hotels for guest convenience, and many travellers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy their favourite beverage later or pack it for travel.

A big NO. Though soft, fluffy, and tempting to take home, towels and bathrobes are hotel property, and not for you to take home. They are meant for repeated use by guests. Taking them without permission is considered theft, and hotels may charge you a hefty replacement fee if items go missing.

A big NO again. Bedsheets, pillow covers, pillows, blankets, and mattress protectors are all intended for guest use within the room only. Attempting to take any of these can lead to fines or legal action. Even if a hotel doesn’t notice immediately, many establishments track linen carefully and may bill your account later.

No, you cannot take them home. Hairdryers, irons, kettles, alarm clocks, lamps, or other room electronics are permanent fixtures or hotel-provided appliances. Taking any of these is illegal and can result in criminal charges. They are installed for guest convenience, they are hotel properties, and must remain in the room.

Items like mugs, glasses, cups, plates, spoons, and knives belong to the hotel. Even if they look like standard disposable items, many are durable and reused multiple times. Removing them counts as theft. So no, they are not to be taken home.

DO NOT take lamps, paintings, wall art, bath mats, curtains, or hangers. These are part of the property’s permanent setup. Some hotels track inventory for security and maintenance reasons, and theft of even small items can lead to billing, blacklisting, or police reports.