Most guests check into a luxury hotel and stick to basic expectations, even after paying high nightly rates. In reality, many useful items and small luxuries are included in your stay but go unnoticed because travelers assume they’re off-limits. Hotel staff expect guests to use—and often take—certain amenities. A 2023 survey by Wellness Heaven found that many visitors mistakenly take items they shouldn’t while leaving behind perks that are intended for them. Below is a clear guide to what you can reasonably use or take when staying at higher-end hotels.
Toiletries
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Hotel shampoos, conditioners, soaps, body washes and lotions are provided for guest use and are commonly intended to be taken home. Many properties purchase these items in bulk and replenish them between guests, so taking the sealed or unused bottles reduces waste and aligns with how hotels manage supplies. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the front desk or housekeeping, but in most cases these small bottles are fair game.
Shoe-Shine Kits
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Small shoe-shine kits, typically found in drawers or closets, are often meant for single use and are replaced after each guest. These kits usually include a sponge or foam applicator and a polishing cloth. Since housekeeping inventories and restocks them regularly, taking these kits with you is considered acceptable and won’t raise an eyebrow.
Stationery
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Notepads and pens branded with the hotel logo are placed in rooms to be used—and often to be taken. Hotels view these small items as inexpensive marketing that travels with guests. Carrying a branded pen or pad can subtly promote the property, so it’s widely accepted that guests pocket them as souvenirs or for later use.
Coffee and Tea
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In-room coffee and tea stations—coffee packets, tea bags, single-serve hot chocolate, sugar sticks and stirrers—are stocked for guest use and are typically replenished after each stay. Taking what’s already in your room is acceptable. However, avoid clearing items from communal or staff-only stations in the lobby or breakfast area; those are meant to serve multiple guests and staff may rely on them.
The Bible
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Many hotels place copies of the Bible or other religious texts in nightstands through organizations that donate them specifically for guest use. These books are intended to be taken by guests if they wish, and hotels generally do not pay for them. If you value having one, feel free to take it with you.
Disposable Slippers
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Lightweight, disposable slippers provided in many rooms are intended for single use and are frequently discarded after a guest checks out. These are not the washable, reusable terry robes or slippers some hotels launder between guests; they’re inexpensive, throwaway items that you can take without worry.
Sewing Kits, Razors, and Cotton Swabs
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Toiletry extras like disposable razors, cotton swabs, toothbrushes, nail files and small sewing kits are standard offerings in upscale hotel bathrooms. Management budgets for these items knowing many guests will take them. These small conveniences are priced into the cost of your stay and are meant to be used or taken as needed.
Promotional Items and Dry-Cleaning Bags
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Branded amenity bags, dry-cleaning bags and other small promotional items left in your room are typically provided for guests to use and take. Upscale hotels sometimes include branded tote bags, local products or seasonal gifts as part of a welcome amenity. If a bag or small item is visible in the room on arrival, it’s usually intended for your enjoyment.
Complimentary Champagne and Gifts
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Some luxury hotels provide complimentary amenities that aren’t advertised on the booking page. During busy check-in periods or as part of special gestures, properties may offer small gifts such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, welcome chocolates or locally sourced treats. These are usually a goodwill gesture from the hotel and meant for guests to enjoy or take home.
Sunscreen at the Pool
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Many resort hotels, especially in beach and tropical destinations, provide complimentary sunscreen at pool or beach concierge stations as part of the outdoor guest experience. At all-inclusive or high-end resorts, these products are often stocked and included with your stay. Travel-size sunscreen may be available to take back to your room, but policies vary by property, so a quick question to the pool concierge will clarify whether you can take a small bottle.
Overall, many small hotel amenities are intentionally provided for guest use and often for guests to take home. When in doubt, ask a staff member—housekeeping or the front desk—and they’ll confirm which items are complimentary. Respect shared or communal supplies and avoid taking bulk items from public stations, but otherwise don’t hesitate to enjoy the little extras your hotel has thoughtfully supplied.