7 Things You Can Take from Your Hotel Room Without Worrying

Staying in a hotel can be one of the most enjoyable parts of any trip, whether it’s for vacation or business. The comfort of a plush bed, the luxury of fresh linens, and the convenience of room service make hotels feel like a home away from home. However, when it comes time to check out, many guests wonder if it’s okay to take certain items with them. While swiping the bathrobe or towels is a definite no-no, there are a few things you can pack up without guilt. Here are seven things you can take from your hotel room without worrying about getting charged.

1. Toiletries

Toiletries are some of the most commonly taken items from hotel rooms, and for a good reason. Hotels typically provide travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and soap for guests to use during their stay. These items are meant for your personal use and cannot be reused for the next guest, so taking them is perfectly acceptable. Some hotels even offer high-end or luxury brands, giving you a chance to try premium products without purchasing full-sized bottles. Just be sure to leave any larger, refillable bottles behind, as these are intended for reuse in the room.

2. Stationery

Notepads, pens, and postcards are classic hotel room staples that you can take without hesitation. Hotels provide these items as a way to promote their brand, so it’s common practice to take them as a keepsake. Often, these items have the hotel’s logo printed on them, making them a great souvenir of your stay. You might find a nice pen or notepad useful for jotting down notes during your trip or when sending a postcard back home. Taking these small items also helps keep the hotel’s name in your mind, serving as a promotional tool long after your stay.

3. Slippers

While bathrobes are usually off-limits, slippers are a different story. Many hotels, especially upscale ones, provide complimentary slippers for their guests. These slippers are generally intended for single-use due to hygiene reasons and cannot be reused for the next guest. Taking the slippers with you is completely acceptable and can even add a touch of hotel comfort to your home or future travels. However, if the slippers appear to be high-end or part of a luxury set, check for any notes indicating that taking them may incur an extra charge.

4. Coffee and Tea

In-room coffee and tea are standard offerings in most hotel rooms, and they are provided for your enjoyment. Small packets of coffee, tea bags, sugar, and creamer are restocked for each guest, so any leftovers are typically discarded when you check out. You can freely take these with you as a convenient way to enjoy a warm drink later during your travels. Hotels consider these items part of your stay, so there’s no need to leave them behind. Additionally, if your room includes individually wrapped snacks or condiments, feel free to take those as well—they are meant for your consumption.

5. Sewing Kits

Sewing kits are a handy item often found in hotel room drawers or bathroom cabinets. These small kits include essentials like needles, thread, and buttons, designed to help guests with quick wardrobe fixes. Hotels provide these kits for single-use purposes, and they are not meant to be reused. Even if you don’t need a sewing kit during your stay, it can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. These compact kits are perfect for keeping in your travel bag or purse, making them a useful item to take home without any guilt.

6. Magazines and Brochures

If you enjoy flipping through the magazines or brochures left in your hotel room, you might be pleased to know that you can usually take these items with you. Hotels provide magazines and brochures for guests as a source of entertainment and information about local attractions. They often include travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and advertisements for nearby activities, making them great resources during your stay. Taking these items home is a fantastic way to remember your trip or gather ideas for future visits. Just ensure you are not taking any special edition books or expensive magazines that the hotel might charge extra for.

7. Laundry Bags and Baskets

Laundry bags are typically found in the closet or bathroom of most hotel rooms, provided for guests who use the hotel’s laundry service. These bags are often disposable and designed for single use. Even if you don’t plan to use the hotel’s laundry service, taking the laundry bag can be quite useful. It’s perfect for keeping your dirty clothes separate from clean ones in your suitcase, making packing up easier and more organized. Since these bags are replaced after each guest, there’s no issue with taking one with you. It’s a simple and practical item that can help keep your travel essentials tidy.

Final Thoughts

Taking a few complimentary items from your hotel room can be a great way to extend the feeling of comfort and luxury even after you’ve checked out. While some items should definitely stay in the room, like electronics, towels, and robes, others are intended for guests to take and use. Items like toiletries, stationery, and slippers are usually safe to take with you, as they are provided for your personal use during your stay. So next time you’re packing up to leave your hotel, don’t hesitate to grab these small but useful freebies as a reminder of your trip. Safe travels, and enjoy your new collection of travel essentials!