33 Travel Etiquette: What You Can And Can’t Take From Hotels And More

Traveling opens the door to new experiences, but even the most seasoned globetrotters can stumble over the finer points of hotel etiquette. From what’s fair game to pack in your suitcase to what’s strictly off-limits, knowing the unspoken rules can make all the difference.

With a mix of humor, common sense, and a few insider tips, this guide unpacks the dos and don’ts that help you stay respectful—and stress-free—wherever you check in. Ready to travel smarter and avoid any awkward surprises? Let’s dive in.

1. Mini Shampoos

Ever wondered about those cute little shampoo bottles? They’re yours to keep! Hotels expect guests to take them. These mini toiletries are complimentary. They are replaced after every guest’s stay. Feel free to pack them in your suitcase, guilt-free!

If you’re wondering why hotels provide them, it’s simple. These items are a part of the hospitality experience. They offer convenience and a touch of luxury. Travelers love collecting them as souvenirs. Some even make art with them!

2. Towels

Towels are tempting, but they’re a no-go! Hotels keep inventory of their linens. Taking them can result in extra charges. Enjoy their fluffiness during your stay, but leave them behind.

Hotels wash and reuse towels, making them a sustainable choice. Swiping towels can disrupt this cycle. Plus, you wouldn’t want to carry damp towels home!

3. Bathrobes

Some hotels gift them, while others don’t. Always check with the front desk before packing one. If the hotel charges for bathrobes, you’ll find it listed in the room directory. These cozy garments often come with a hefty price tag. Save yourself from unexpected expenses by confirming first.

If you love hotel bathrobes, consider buying them. Some hotels sell their signature robes. It’s a nice way to recreate the luxury hotel experience at home.

4. Toiletries

These are usually complimentary and safe to take. Toiletries include soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. Hotels replenish them after each guest departs.

However, don’t assume everything in the bathroom is free. Items like razors or toothbrushes may be chargeable. Check the in-room guide for clarity.

5. Pillows

A big no! Hotels count them as part of their inventory. Taking pillows home can lead to charges on your bill. While tempting, carrying pillows is impractical. They’re bulky and can disrupt your travel plans. Enjoy them while you stay, but leave them behind as you check out.

If you fall in love with your pillow, inquire about purchasing one. Hotels sometimes sell their bedding, allowing you to enjoy them at home without the hefty bill.

6. Stationery

We all love a good pen! Hotel stationery is typically complimentary. Feel free to take the notepad and pen. Branded stationery serves as a marketing tool for hotels. It’s a way to keep their name in your mind even after your stay. Plus, it’s practical for jotting down travel notes or reminders.

However, taking entire packets or bulk items may not be appreciated. Always consider what’s reasonable. A single set is usually fine, but hoarding is not ideal.

7. Batteries

Another no! Batteries from remotes or alarm clocks are off-limits. Removing them can disrupt the next guest’s experience.

Hotels consider these items part of the room’s fixtures. Taking them could lead to charges or inconvenience. They enhance your stay, but should remain in the room. If you need batteries, ask the front desk for assistance. They might offer spares or guide you to the nearest store.

8. Umbrellas

These are for borrowing, not keeping! Most hotels provide them for guest use, but they’re meant to be returned. If caught in a downpour, feel free to borrow one. Just ensure it makes its way back to the stand. Failure to return can lead to charges.

Consider purchasing a hotel umbrella if it’s a must-have souvenir. Some hotels offer branded ones for sale. This way, you stay dry and avoid rainy-day regrets.

9. Books

Hotel books are a delightful touch, adding warmth to your stay. But they’re not freebies. Enjoy them during your visit, but leave them behind.

These books are for all guests to enjoy. Taking them can deprive future guests of the pleasure. Plus, they’re often part of the hotel’s decor.

10. Coffee Mugs

These are usually not for keeps. Hotels use them as part of room service. Taking them can result in extra charges.

These mugs are cleaned and reused for the next guest. Enjoy your coffee, but leave the mug behind. Consider it a part of the room, just like the furniture.

11. Artwork

Adorning the walls, hotel artwork adds charm, but it’s not a souvenir. These pieces are part of the room decor. Taking artwork can land you in hot water with the hotel. They often have significant value and are intended to enhance the guest experience.

So, you fell in love with a piece. Consider purchasing a print. Many hotels partner with artists to offer prints or replicas for sale. This way, you can take a piece of the decor with you, guilt-free.

12. Curtains

They may add elegance to your room, but they belong to the hotel. Removing curtains is a major no-no! They’re tailored to fit the room and are part of the hotel’s investment. Taking them could lead to significant charges and difficulties.

If you love the fabric, ask the hotel for sourcing information. You might find similar styles available for purchase elsewhere. Enjoy their beauty during your stay, but leave them to frame the room for future guests.

13. Clocks

They are handy, but they’re not for taking. Clocks belong to the room’s fixtures. Removing a clock can inconvenience the next guest, and your wallet. Charges may apply if hotel property goes missing.

Instead, use your own device for timekeeping. Or, if you fancy the clock, inquire if similar models are available for purchase. This way, you can keep time without losing money.

14. Slippers

Hotel slippers are generally safe to take home. They’re often provided for guest comfort, and hotels expect them to be taken.

However, always double-check with the hotel policy. Some high-end hotels reuse slippers. In such cases, taking them without checking could lead to charges.

15. Glassware

This is not complimentary. Glassware is meant for in-room use only. Hotels provide these for your convenience, but they’re cleaned and reused. Taking them can result in extra charges.

If you love the design, see if the hotel offers similar pieces for sale. This way, you can enjoy a stylish sip without the extra fee. Remember, it’s part of the room’s charm, not your suitcase.

16. Bed Linens

Luxorious, for sure, but not for taking. Hotels account for bed linens meticulously. Taking linens can lead to charges and disrupt hotel operations. They are cleaned and prepared for incoming guests.

Inquire about purchasing options if you love the feel or design. Many hotels offer their bedding for sale, allowing you to recreate the experience at home legally.

17. Remote Controls

The TV remote is a staple in hotel rooms, but it’s not a memento. They’re necessary for the next guest’s enjoyment. Removing a remote can lead to inconvenience and charges. Hotels consider them essential room fixtures.

Enjoy your channel-surfing, but leave the remote behind. If you love the model, consider finding a similar one for your own home. This way, you can enjoy seamless channel changes without extra costs.

18. Hangers

These things are practical during your stay, but they’re meant to remain. Taking hangers can result in charges. Hotels use specialized hangers, often locked, to prevent removal. They’re part of the room’s supplies.

Consider purchasing similar ones if you need them. They can be found in home goods stores. Enjoy their utility during your stay, but leave them to hang around for future guests.

19. Mirrors

Essential room decor, but definitely not for taking. They’re part of the room’s permanent fixtures. Removing a mirror is impractical and can result in hefty charges. They’re designed to stay put, enhancing the room’s aesthetic.

If you admire the style, ask the hotel for sourcing information or where to purchase similar designs. Enjoy your reflections during your visit, but leave the mirror to reflect on other guests.

20. Iron And Ironing Boards

Defintely not for keepsakes! Iron and ironing boards provided for your convenience but must remain.Taking them disrupts service for future guests and can lead to charges. They’re part of the standard room amenities.

Use them to keep your outfits sharp, but ensure they stay. If you like the model, search for a similar one for home use. This way, you can keep wrinkles at bay without any expense.

21. Hair Dryers

They are a staple in hotel bathrooms but are not to be taken. They’re intended for in-room use only. Removing them can cause inconvenience for the hotel and lead to charges. They’re part of the provided amenities.

If you love the device, seek out a similar model for home. Enjoy the convenience as you dry your hair, but leave it for the next guest to use.

22. Televisions

I’m sure I don’t have to stress this one out too much. Televisions aren’t for taking. They’re essential fixtures in the room. Removing a TV is impractical and can lead to severe charges. They’re secured for in-room entertainment.

Enjoy your shows, but leave the TV on the wall. If you love the model, consider purchasing the same for home use. This way, you can enjoy entertainment without an inflated bill.

23. Light Bulbs

They are for illuminating your stay, not your suitcase. Light bulbs are essential room components. Taking them can result in inconvenience and charges. Hotels consider them necessary fixtures.

If you need bulbs, purchase them elsewhere. Enjoy the well-lit room during your stay, but leave the bulb in its rightful socket.

24. Bibles

Common in hotel drawers, placed by religious organizations. They’re meant to stay. Taking a Bible can deprive future guests of its access. They’re intended as a comfort for those who wish to read.

Know that most religious organizations offer bibles for free if you need one. Leave the hotel’s copy for others to find solace in.

25. Lamps

These are room fixtures, not souvenirs. They’re meant to provide light during your stay. Removing a lamp is impractical and can lead to hefty charges. Hotels consider them essential decor.

If you love the design, seek similar styles for purchase elsewhere. Enjoy the ambiance they provide, but leave the lamp to light up other guests’ stays.

26. Safes

It should go without mentioning, but here it goes. Sare for securing your valuables, not for taking home. They’re fixed fixtures in the room. Removing a safe is a major no-no and can lead to serious charges. They’re an integral part of hotel security.

Use the safe to store your items during the stay, but ensure it remains. If you need a safe, consider purchasing one for home use.

27. Curtain Rods

Just like curtains, these are part of the room’s decor and structure. Curtain rods are not to be taken. Removing them is impractical and can lead to costly charges. Hotels consider them permanent fixtures.

If you like the design, ask about purchasing similar rods. Enjoy the room’s elegance during your stay, but leave the rods in place for future visitors.

28. Key Cards

These are essential for your stay, but they’re meant to be returned. Taking them can result in inconvenience and charges. Hotels reuse them for security purposes.

Fancy keeping one as a souvenir? Ask the hotel if it’s possible. Some may allow it, but always check to avoid unexpected fees.

29. Mini Bars

A tempting treat that comes with a price tag. Items are not complimentary. Consuming mini bar items leads to charges on your bill. They’re provided for convenience, not free indulgence.

If you enjoy a particular item, purchase it from a local store. This way, you can enjoy your favorite snacks without an inflated bill.

30. Hotel Room Number Plaque

The room number plaque marks your temporary abode, but it isn’t a souvenir. Although they might look appealing with their sleek designs and historical importance, these plaques are essential for hotel operations. Taking one might disrupt their system and confuse future guests.

While it’s tempting to grab a physical memory of your stay, consider capturing the moment with a photograph instead. This way, you leave the marker in its place, ensuring the next guest finds their room without hassle. Remember, it’s the memories, not the plaques, that hold the true value of your travels.

31. Mystery Mini Plant

Hotel rooms sometimes feature charming mini plants that add a touch of nature to the decor. These green companions are not just decor items but part of the ambiance hotels strive to create for guests. While their petite size might make them seem easy to pocket, they are meant to stay.

Taking these plants disrupts the room’s aesthetic and deprives future guests of their natural charm. If you find yourself charmed by its presence, take a moment to appreciate its resilience and design instead. Perhaps invest in a similar plant for your home as a reminder of your travels.

32. Room Service Menus

That laminated or leather-bound room service menu on your nightstand? It’s meant to stay. These menus are reused and updated by hotel staff and often reflect seasonal offerings or pricing. Taking one might seem harmless, but it can inconvenience housekeeping and future guests.

If you really loved the food selection or the menu design, snap a photo for your travel scrapbook instead. Want a keepsake? Ask the front desk—some hotels offer printed souvenir menus upon request.

33. Decorative Throw Pillows

Those stylish throw pillows on the bed or couch may look like perfect souvenirs, but they’re strictly part of the decor. Unlike regular pillows, these are often custom-made or designer pieces, chosen specifically to match the hotel’s interior theme.

While it may be tempting to sneak one into your bag, it’s best to admire them in-room. If you’re drawn to the pattern or texture, ask where they’re sourced—you might find similar options to style your own space at home.