When you stay at a hotel, what your basic rate covers and what you might be charged for as “extras” depends on the property. Typically, the base rate includes your stay in the room and related taxes, while some hotels may add resort fees for amenities such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, or access to facilities like the fitness center, swimming pool, or even property-owned bikes. Others may include some or all of these at no additional cost, so it is important to check what is covered versus what incurs a fee.
However, when it comes to in-room amenities, the distinction between what is included and what is not can be less clear. In fact, when it is time to check out, you may be surprised to learn that certain small items provided for your comfort are typically complimentary and can be taken home without charge. The general rule is that if an item is offered for free use during your stay, it is usually yours to keep.
Pen and paper
It’s common practice for hotels to provide a pen and paper, usually placed near the desk in your room, for notetaking. If you want to take home the pen and notepad, feel free to do so. Not only are they nifty souvenirs that are usually printed with the hotel’s logo, but it’s always a bonus to have an extra pen and pad with you in your travel bag. You can often find writing paper and envelopes for your personal use, too.
Bottled toiletries
Hotel guests are also welcome to take home mini-size shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and body washes, although their availability doesn’t translate to an invitation to raid the housekeeping cart. The only toiletry items you are permitted to take with you are the items that are left over in your own hotel room. If you want more, call the front desk for extras. As savvy travelers know, having an extra set of shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and body wash in your travel bag is always a win.
Disposable foot slippers
Wrapped single-use slippers may be provided in hotel rooms for guests’ comfort and convenience. These slippers can be taken with you, whether you’ve worn them or not. If they are opened, they will be discarded by the hotel staff, so feel free to reuse them at home or the next time you travel. Often, they are a fun souvenir when they are emblazoned with the hotel’s logo.
Newspapers
As a courtesy to guests, some hotels deliver a newspaper outside room doors so that guests can keep up with local news and national current events. If the newspaper isn’t delivered to your door, you can often call down to guest services and ask to have the newspaper brought to you. Feel free to take those newspapers with you upon checking out, too.
Sewing kits
Wardrobe mishaps can happen at any time, in any place. When they happen while we’re traveling with a limited supply of clothing in our suitcases, being able to fix that broken button popping off your sweater or that small tear in your T-shirt is all the more critical. To help you mend your clothing in a pinch, most hotels place a free sewing kit in rooms. If you don’t have a sewing kit handy in your room, contact the front desk or housekeeping, who will happily supply one for free if the hotel provides these kits.
Postcards
If postcards are part of the stationery items in your desk setup, which generally includes a branded note pad and a pen, you can feel comfortable using the postcards to mail to your friends and family while you’re away or to bring home as a souvenir. Be sure to read any notices about these extras in your room, and take note if the hotel charges for them. Most hotels assume that if postcards are displayed on a desk and assembled with paper and pen, guests will use them or bring them home.
Disposable paper goods
If there are paper cups, plates, and/or plastic utensil sets in your hotel room, they are free to use and to take with you. You usually can find these items placed near the microwave or the refrigerator. These items are provided to guests as a courtesy for in-room use, including for meals that you order to your hotel room. Once you check out of your room, you can take unused paper goods with you. Often, having these disposable items in your carry-on can prove helpful while you’re on the road.
Complimentary beverage items
Typically, you can take home things like coffee packets or pods, creamer, sugar packets, and tea bags at no charge to you. These items are provided as a courtesy and are continuously restocked by hotel staff to make your hotel stay more enjoyable. Again, the protocol is to use only what’s allocated in your hotel room, not what’s on the housekeeping cart.
Vanity items you've requested from the hotel
If you’ve forgotten small items such as soap, a comb, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, a toothbrush, a razor and/or shaving cream, your hotel will often provide these to you upon request. If the hotel staff gives you any of these courtesy items, you’re permitted to take them with you when you leave.
Designated water bottles
Many hotel chains will leave one or two bottles of water in your room that are clearly labeled as free for your use. These are often left for you to use in a coffee maker or for bottled drinking water. In other cases, there’s a sleeve on a bottle of water where it explains that you will be charged for using the water. Be sure to take time to read notices in your room.
If you are uncertain of your hotel’s bottled water policies, call the front desk for clarification. If the bottles of water are “included” in your room rate, you can take them with you when you depart. If you want more complimentary bottles of water, check with the front desk; do not take them from housekeeping carts.
Sample-size hand sanitizer
Hand-sanitizing stations are now commonplace in hotels around the world as properties continue to prioritize cleanliness and guest health. To promote this practice, some hotels leave sample-size hand sanitizers for guests to use both inside and outside the hotel. If you are unsure about the hotel’s policy, inquire about it at the front desk. If these travel-size products are stocked in your room, it’s more likely than not that they are a gift from the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What small items can you legitimately take from a hotel room?
You can usually take small, complimentary items left in your room, such as pens and notepads, sample-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap), single-use slippers, newspapers delivered to your door, sewing kits, postcards, and disposable paper goods. These are provided for guests and are normally free to take when already stocked in your room.
Are hotel slippers free to take?
Yes, wrapped, single-use slippers provided in your room are intended for guest use and are fine to take with you. If slippers are reusable, branded, or meant to be laundered, assume they are not complimentary unless the hotel explicitly says otherwise.
Are the tiny shampoo bottles and soaps free to keep?
Yes, travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar soap already in your room for guest use are generally complimentary and okay to take home. If you need more than what is provided, call the front desk or housekeeping rather than taking items from staff carts.
What hotel items should you never take?
Never remove towels, bathrobes, sheets, pillows, electronics (TV remotes, hairdryers), lamps, decorative items, artwork, or furniture. These are hotel property, and taking them can lead to charges or theft allegations. Items in the minibar or clearly labeled for sale will also be billed.
Is bottled water always free?
No, some hotels provide complimentary bottled water, while others charge for bottles placed in the minibar or fridge. Check for labels or price tags, and when in doubt, ask the front desk to avoid surprises at checkout.
If you need a sewing kit, toothbrush, or razor, should you just help yourself?
If a sewing kit or single-use toiletry is already in your room, you may use and take it. If it is not there, call guest services or housekeeping and request one. Most hotels provide these on request at no extra cost. Avoid taking items from staff carts or storage areas.
Could taking the wrong thing end up on your bill?
Yes, hotels often add charges for removed non-complimentary items to your folio, and larger items can result in incidentals or even police reports in extreme cases. If you accidentally pack something that belongs to the hotel, contact the front desk before checkout to resolve it quickly.
How can you quickly tell what is complimentary and what is not in your room?
Look for labels, price tags, or notices (especially on bottles and minibar items), scan the minibar area for pricing, and read any welcome materials in the room. When unsure, call the front desk—it is the fastest way to avoid surprises. Polite communication also protects housekeeping staff from being blamed for missing items.