Staying in a hotel comes with tiny joys—fresh sheets, cozy lighting, and the thrill of temporarily living in a space you don’t have to clean. But even the most comfortable hotel room comes with boundaries. While some amenities are meant to be enjoyed freely, others are only borrowed for the length of your stay.
To keep your trip stress-free—and avoid mysterious charges showing up after checkout—here are 15 things you should definitely leave behind, no matter how tempting they may be.
1. Bathrobes
Hotel bathrobes have a magical ability to make you feel like a relaxed, slightly fancier version of yourself. But despite their soft charm, they are not freebies. Hotels often purchase high-quality robes that cost far more than we expect, which is why walking out with one will almost certainly result in a charge.
If you truly can’t part with it, many hotels sell brand-new versions—minus the questionable history of being worn by dozens of strangers.
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2. Towels
Yes, they’re fluffy. Yes, they’re plentiful. But no, you can’t take them. Hotel towels are part of the property, and disappearing towels cost hotels a surprising amount each year.
If you fall in love with a particular towel’s texture, simply ask where the linens come from. Many hotels proudly share their suppliers, and you might end up upgrading your home bathroom without risking an extra fee.
3. Electronics
Alarm clocks, TV remotes, speakers, digital assistants—every hotel room has a small collection of gadgets that might seem easy to slip into a bag. But taking them is no different from picking up electronics from a store and walking out without paying.
If you find a gadget you love, make a note of the model so you can buy it later—legally, and without a criminal record attached.
4. Pillows and Bedding
You may have slept unusually well, but that doesn’t mean you should take the bedding home as evidence. Pillows, sheets, duvets, and mattress protectors are all hotel property.
If you want to recreate the hotel-sleep experience, just ask the staff for the brand. It’s surprisingly common for hotels to partner with bedding companies, and you might be able to purchase the exact same set.
5. Furniture
It sounds absurd, yet it happens: guests have been caught attempting to take lamps, chairs, side tables, and even artwork. Hotels notice missing furniture immediately—and replacing it can be costly.
If the room decor inspires you, photos and product names are guilt-free souvenirs.
6. Artwork and Decorative Pieces
The art in your room is meant to be admired, not adopted. Many hotels commission pieces from local artists, which means the décor has real value.
If a particular piece catches your eye, the front desk may tell you who the artist is. Some hotels even sell prints, allowing you to bring home a legal, beautiful reminder of your trip.
7. Coffee Makers and Kettles
That cute little coffee maker or sleek electric kettle is strictly a temporary companion. Removing it causes inventory issues—and may prompt hotels to charge you or even block future bookings.
If you love how it brews your morning drink, look for the model online. Many are surprisingly affordable.
8. Minibar Items You Didn’t Pay For
Anything inside the minibar comes with a price tag. Even if it’s just a small chocolate bar or tiny bottle of soda, taking something without paying is guaranteed to appear on your final bill.
If you want midnight snacks without the markup, take a quick walk to a nearby store instead.
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9. Slippers (Sometimes)
Slippers fall into a strange in-between category. Disposable slippers wrapped in plastic? Usually yours to keep. Thick, reusable slippers? Usually not.
If in doubt, just ask the front desk. Hotels won’t judge you—they’ve heard much stranger questions.
10. Cutlery, Plates, and Mugs
Small dining items occasionally “wander off” in guests’ luggage, but they aren’t meant to leave the room. Hotels often have limited stock, especially in rooms that include small kitchenettes.
If you admire the design, asking about the brand is always the better move.
11. Hairdryers
The hairdryer in the bathroom might be powerful and convenient, but it still belongs to the hotel. Taking it could leave the next guest stranded mid-hairstyle and put an unnecessary charge on your bill.
If you actually prefer the hotel hairdryer over your own, jot down the model number and treat yourself later.
12. Room Keys
Plastic keycards may look like fun souvenirs, but hotels reuse them. Not returning them causes minor but annoying disruptions in the system.
If you want a keepsake, many hotels offer postcards or branded merchandise—both far better than a key you weren’t meant to keep.
13. Light Bulbs
Yes, people do this. And yes, hotels definitely notice. Light bulbs are part of the room setup and are not meant to be swapped, removed, or taken home.
If you like the lighting, ask about the brand, lumens, or color temperature so you can recreate it at home—without becoming “that guest.”
14. Ironing Equipment
Irons and ironing boards may seem boring, but they are expensive to replace. Taking one (or even the fabric ironing-board cover) counts as hotel property theft.
If you find an iron you truly love—and that’s a rare and special moment—take a photo of the label. The internet will do the rest.
15. Safe Contents (Even If Left Behind by Accident)
Hotel safes are meant to protect valuables, but occasionally guests forget items inside. It might feel tempting to keep what you find, but it’s considered lost property—not treasure.
Hand anything you find to the front desk. It’s the right thing to do, and hotels always appreciate honesty.
16. Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories
This one might sound like a joke, but hotels have reported guests attempting to take items like showerheads, soap dispensers, curtain hooks, and even entire toilet paper holders. These pieces are permanently installed for a reason—they’re part of the room’s structure, not decorative souvenirs.
Even smaller accessories, like countertop trays or cosmetic mirrors, fall under the “please don’t pack this” category. Removing them causes damage, interrupts future cleaning schedules, and can lead to repair or replacement fees.
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A Simple Rule to Remember
If it’s designed to be reused by future guests, it stays. If it’s disposable, consumable, or clearly marked as complimentary, it’s probably fine to take. When unsure, asking is always safer than assuming.
Travel becomes much smoother—both ethically and financially—when you leave hotel rooms exactly as you found them (minus the crumbs, ideally). Safe travels!
Featured image: Freepik.
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