Stepping into a hotel room always feels a bit exciting. The crisp sheets, tidy setup, and little extras make you feel like you’ve scored a short break from real life. You’ve paid for the stay, after all, so it’s natural to think some of those small touches might be yours to keep. Still, there are only 13 things you can take legally from a hotel room. There’s a fine line between what’s complimentary and what’s part of the room itself.
There are certain items are designed to go home with you; thoughtful amenities meant as small tokens of hospitality. Knowing the difference can save you from an awkward checkout moment or even a surprise charge later on. So before you start packing up your suitcase, here’s a clear guide on what you can (and definitely shouldn’t) take from your hotel stay.
Toiletries
Hotel toiletries are small, travel-sized hygiene products meant for guests to use during their stay and take home afterward. These items often include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and lotion. They’re perfect for keeping in your travel bag for future trips or emergencies. Many hotels feature quality brands, and some even partner with well-known skincare companies. Taking these items is completely acceptable because they’re intended for single-use or replacement after each guest checks out. They also serve as small reminders of your stay, combining practicality with a touch of convenience for your next adventure or overnight outing.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste are often found in hotel bathrooms or available upon request at the front desk. They’re especially helpful if you forgot to pack your own dental care items. These travel-sized kits are meant for personal use and can be taken home without worry. They come sealed for hygiene and are replaced after every guest. Keeping them for later use is smart, especially for travelers who move frequently. Compact and lightweight, they fit easily in a toiletry bag, making them a thoughtful and practical amenity for maintaining oral care while on the road.
Coffee, Tea, and Sugar Packets
Most hotel rooms include a small refreshment station stocked with instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, and sometimes artificial sweeteners. These items are placed for guests to enjoy during their stay or to take with them when leaving. The packets are individually wrapped and not reused, so it’s completely fine to pack them for later. They come in handy during travel delays or early mornings when you need a quick drink. Some hotels even include local or branded selections, making these small items a convenient and memorable part of your stay that’s both practical and perfectly permissible.
Creamers and Stirrers
Alongside coffee and tea packets, hotels typically include small containers of powdered or liquid creamer and disposable stirrers. These items are single-use and meant for guests to use freely. Taking the extras with you is entirely acceptable since they cannot be reused for the next visitor. They’re particularly handy for travelers who enjoy having their favorite drink ready wherever they go. The small size makes them easy to pack, and they can be useful during road trips, office days, or long flights. These simple items add convenience and a touch of comfort to your travel experience.
Snacks Labeled “Complimentary”
Some hotels leave small snacks in the room, such as granola bars, cookies, or chips, clearly marked as complimentary. These items are meant for guests to take or consume during their stay. It’s important to check labels or signage, as some snacks may be part of a minibar and billed separately. Complimentary snacks are a kind gesture from the hotel, often reflecting local flavors or brands. Taking them is completely acceptable since they’re included in the room rate. They’re perfect for quick energy boosts while traveling and make a thoughtful treat to enjoy later on your journey.
Stationery
Hotel stationery often includes notepads, pens, and sometimes envelopes embossed with the property’s logo. These items are placed in the room for guests to use freely, whether for jotting down reminders, writing postcards, or leaving notes. Since they are inexpensive and replaced for each new visitor, it’s completely fine to take them home. Many travelers like to collect branded pens or notepads as small souvenirs from their trips. They’re practical, compact, and useful for daily life, making them a simple yet thoughtful amenity that connects you to the memory of your stay long after checkout.
Postcards or Envelopes
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Some hotels include postcards or envelopes in the desk area or welcome folder, often featuring images of the property or local landmarks. These are intended for guests to use or take home, especially if they wish to send a quick note to family or friends. Because they’re printed for marketing and replaced regularly, it’s completely acceptable to keep them. Many travelers appreciate these as keepsakes or as part of a travel scrapbook. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and serve as charming reminders of your visit, capturing a small piece of the destination’s atmosphere and character.
Slippers
Disposable slippers are placed in many hotel rooms, particularly in mid-range and luxury accommodations. They’re designed for single use and replaced after each guest, making them perfectly fine to take home. These slippers are often soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear around the room or while traveling. Some hotels feature branded versions, which can serve as a small souvenir. They’re especially useful for future trips, spa visits, or even at home when you want something easy to slip on. Taking them is both practical and expected, as they cannot be reused for hygiene reasons.
Sewing Kit
A small sewing kit is a thoughtful addition found in many hotel bathrooms or drawers. It usually contains a few needles, assorted thread colors, buttons, and safety pins — handy for quick clothing repairs during travel. These kits are intended for guests to use and keep, as they’re inexpensive and replaced regularly. They’re especially useful for business travelers or those attending events who might need to fix a loose button or small tear. Compact and lightweight, they fit easily into a purse or luggage, making them a practical and welcome item to take home after your stay.
Vanity Kit or Shower Cap
A vanity kit or shower cap is a small, complimentary item commonly placed in hotel bathrooms. The vanity kit might include cotton pads, cotton swabs, nail files, or hair ties, while the shower cap is usually individually wrapped for hygiene. These items are intended for single use, so taking them home is completely fine. They’re convenient for travelers who might need them later, especially during long trips. Compact and disposable, they save space in your toiletry bag and come in handy for quick grooming needs. Their practicality makes them a thoughtful touch that guests can freely keep.
Mini Hand Sanitizer or Wipes
Many modern hotels now include small bottles of hand sanitizer or packets of disinfecting wipes in guest rooms. These items are meant to promote hygiene during travel and are designed for guests to use or take. Since they are single-use or travel-sized, it’s completely acceptable to pack them when leaving. They’re especially useful for cleaning hands or surfaces while on the go, making them a smart addition to any travel kit. Compact, lightweight, and practical, these items reflect the hotel’s attention to guest comfort and health, while giving you something helpful to keep for later use.
Promotional Materials
Hotels often place promotional brochures, local attraction guides, or branded booklets in rooms for guests to read and take. These materials highlight nearby restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural landmarks. They’re meant to be informative and are replaced regularly, so it’s perfectly fine to take them home. Many travelers keep them as references for future visits or as souvenirs that capture the spirit of the destination. These materials also showcase the hotel’s partnerships with local businesses, helping guests explore the area more easily. Compact and colorful, they serve both a practical and sentimental purpose for travelers.
Bottled Water (if Complimentary)
Many hotels include bottled water in guest rooms, though it’s important to check whether it’s complimentary or part of the minibar. Complimentary bottles are intended for guests to drink or take with them. They’re often replaced daily and serve as a convenient hydration option, especially after long travel days. Some hotels even feature eco-friendly or locally sourced water brands. Taking the complimentary bottles is completely acceptable, as they’re part of the amenities provided for your comfort. They’re practical for sightseeing, flights, or road trips and reflect thoughtful hospitality toward guests’ basic travel needs.
Because Towel Theft Isn’t Classy.
So, the next time you’re packing up after a stay, you’ll know exactly what’s fair to take and what should stay behind. It’s not about trying to get extra value out of your room; it’s about making the most of what’s already meant for you. Those small, useful items can come in handy later and remind you of a great trip without crossing any lines.
Hotels expect guests to enjoy certain things and move on, leaving the rest for the next traveler. When you know the difference, you can check out with confidence, suitcase zipped, and no second thoughts. And who knows, traveling responsibly might even make your next stay a little sweeter, with memories worth keeping instead of misplaced souvenirs.
