The Hotel Toiletries Verdict

Obviously hotel toiletries are a big business and when it comes to a hotel deciding what toiletries they’ll stock a lot of consideration and debate occurs. When it comes to a guest visiting a hotel they want to get the best bang for their buck. Now there’s clearly a defined line between what guests can and can’t take from hotels but if you’re a little foggy on the details we’ve broken it down for you.

What you can take from a hotel room

If its complimentary, you can nab it. This includes everything from the mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, coffee packets, sugar and mints. In fact, here at VANITY GROUP we encourage you to take home the toiletries you find in the bathroom, after all they’re the perfect reminder of your stay. However, we do not recommend raiding the housekeeping cart, that’s just a little bit too greedy.

If you’ve been wearing the cosy hotel slippers all weekend and can’t bear to part with them, you’re in luck. Hotels throw away used slippers, so they’re the perfect freebie to take home.

Another group of items you can grab from the hotel room is stationery. Pens, paper, postcards and envelopes are a gift to you. These items are branded by the hotel and seen as free advertisement when taken by guests.

What you can't take from a hotel room

No matter how soft the bedsheets are, taking them means that you're likely to face a hefty charge on your room bill. Same goes for towels and pillows, although if you're a really big fan make sure to ask reception as they might give up where they sourced them from.

Unlike hotel slippers, bathrobes are a no-no. Despite how luxurious and inviting they are, these big fluffy garments are very expensive for the hotel to replace, so you'll likely be charged.

Guests often take towels, irons, hairdryers, light bulbs, plants, books and even batteries, and while some of these items seem easy to grab, they belong to the hotel and are meant to stay in your room. If you're ever in doubt about whether or not something is able to be taken home, just give a quick call to the front desk to double check.

How to buy hotel toiletries

If you've fallen in love with the toiletries and items in your hotel room, most hotels give you an opportunity to purchase the goods through an online store. This is the ideal solution for travellers who can't bear to part with 1000-thread count sheets or the decorative canvas art. These sites offer everything from the haircare shampoo in your bathroom to the lamp on the bedside table, so that you can bring the comfort of luxury travel into your home. The best part is you don't have to sneakily try to pack the items into your suitcase and incur that hefty housekeeping charge.