Things in Hotel Rooms That You Can’t Take: What to Leave Behind

When checking into a hotel, there’s always an undeniable excitement in the air. The fresh sheets, neatly arranged toiletries, and pristine amenities almost beg to be enjoyed. But for travelers, there’s a common misconception about what they’re actually allowed to take with them. Many hotels provide complimentary items for guest use, but there’s a clear boundary between what’s intended as a keepsake and what needs to stay put.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the most common items in hotel rooms that you cannot take—and the reasons behind it. This guide will help you navigate your stay with ease and avoid any unexpected fees or awkward conversations at checkout.

1. Towels, Bathrobes, and Linens: The Essentials That Stay Put

Hotels invest a lot in creating a luxurious bathroom experience. Those plush, white towels, cozy bathrobes, and high-thread-count sheets are a core part of it. However, here’s why these items must stay behind:

• Expense: Quality linens, robes, and towels are costly, often designed to withstand frequent laundering while still providing a touch of luxury. These items are an investment for the hotel, and taking them impacts their operational costs.
• Cleaning Costs: Hotels already pay high cleaning fees for these items, using industrial-grade detergents and high-temperature washing cycles. Missing towels or robes often trigger replacement fees, and they are far from cheap.

Tip: If you really love that robe, check with the front desk. Many hotels actually offer new robes for purchase so you can bring home a fresh one without any worries!

2. Electronics: The In-Room Conveniences to Use Only There

In-room electronics like alarm clocks, TVs, charging stations, and even mini-refrigerators are definitely off-limits for travelers to take. Here’s why:

• Expensive Technology: These items are not only costly to replace but are also customized for hotel use, often with branding or unique features for that specific room.
• Technical Setup: Electronics in hotel rooms are configured to function in that particular environment. They often come with preset channels or personalized settings that cater to the room, so taking them would render them nearly useless outside.

Instead of taking electronics, inquire if the hotel has a spare USB charger or similar items you can use during your stay.

3. Bedding and Pillows: Comfort Items That Are Costly to Replace

A lot of time and research goes into choosing hotel bedding, from ergonomic pillows to down-filled duvets and custom mattresses. It’s a cozy luxury, but it’s strictly a “for-hotel-use” setup.

• Sanitation Requirements: Bedding items are specially sanitized for multiple guest use. Taking them disrupts this system and adds unnecessary laundry and restocking costs.
• Expense and Custom Design: Many hotels partner with bedding companies to design signature mattresses and pillows that reflect their brand’s comfort standards. Not only are these expensive, but they’re often not easily replaceable.

4. Furniture and Decorative Items: Essential for the Hotel’s Aesthetic

From lamps to artwork, a hotel room’s decor is carefully curated to fit its unique theme. These pieces are integral to the room’s ambiance, and taking them would be like removing a piece of its personality.

• Uniqueness and Cost: Many hotels commission art pieces or purchase one-of-a-kind decor to distinguish their space. They’re meant to enhance your experience during your stay, not to serve as a souvenir.
• Heavy Replacement Fees: Due to their custom nature, decor and furniture come with hefty price tags. Hotels frequently inventory these items, so missing ones may lead to charges well above the cost of the stay.

If you’re interested in a piece of art, ask the hotel if they have similar pieces for sale or if they can connect you with the artist.

5. In-Room Appliances: Coffee Makers, Kettles, and Hair Dryers

Many travelers appreciate the convenience of having an in-room coffee maker or hairdryer. But these items, which seem easy to pack away, are definitely not for guests to take.

• Dedicated to Guest Convenience: These appliances are added to rooms to make guests’ stays more convenient and comfortable—not as freebies to take home.
• Maintenance and Replacement: Even small items like kettles and hair dryers come with specific power settings and hotel branding. Replacing them is costly, and the hotel would rather not foot that bill repeatedly.

Pro Tip: If you love the coffee or tea brand in your room, often you can buy some from the hotel gift shop or request information on where to purchase it.

6. Glassware, Mugs, and Dishware: Essentials That Aren’t Souvenirs

Wine glasses, mugs, and other dishware found in hotel rooms may seem like convenient keepsakes, but these items are essential for daily operations and must stay behind.

• Replacement Costs: Even a small ceramic mug is costly to replace if taken regularly. Hotels must keep these items fully stocked for incoming guests.
• Custom Branding: Many hotels offer branded glassware and dishware, and these items are often chosen to fit the room’s aesthetic and to prevent waste from disposable items.

However, hotels often offer branded merchandise, like mugs, for sale in the lobby shop or online. It’s a nice way to remember your stay without taking from the room!

7. Bibles, Books, and Stationery: What You Can Take and What You Should Leave

In many hotels, you’ll find books, religious texts, and notepads provided for guest use. Here’s what to know:

• Stationery: Some stationery items like branded pens and notepads are usually complimentary and are acceptable to take.
• Religious Texts and Books: Typically, Bibles and other religious books provided by organizations (like Gideons) are there for all guests to use. These should remain in the room.

Need a pen or a notepad? Usually, that’s totally fine! But leave behind any hardcover books or other media meant for shared guest use.

8. Pillows and Mattress Toppers: Big Comfort Items to Leave Behind

Hotels invest heavily in providing the best sleep experience, and while pillows or mattress toppers might seem easy to pack, these should stay put.

• Custom Bedding: Many hotels partner with bedding companies to create unique products. Taking these items affects other guests’ experiences and comes at a significant cost to the hotel.
• Hygiene Requirements: Pillows and mattress toppers are often hypoallergenic and sanitized for multiple uses, and they are difficult to replace on short notice.

Why Some Hotels Charge Extra Fees for Missing Items

If you’ve ever seen a hefty charge added to your bill for a missing item, you’re not alone. Hotels do regular inventory checks to ensure each room is fully stocked, and items that frequently go missing are billed accordingly. Replacement costs, reordering fees, and restocking are more expensive than you might think, and they add up quickly.

The bottom line is this: most items in your hotel room are there to enhance your experience while you’re there. If it seems like something you can’t typically find in a hotel gift shop, it’s probably intended to stay in the room.

To make the most of your stay without leaving a mark, ask the hotel staff if there’s anything you’d like to purchase. More and more hotels are offering their signature bedding, branded mugs, and even luxury toiletries for sale, so you can bring a piece of your experience home the right way.