What You Can (and Can’t) Take From Your Hotel Room, According to Hospitality Insiders

Dana Johnson, general manager of Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee, doesn’t mince words. “Take the soap!” Why? Per Johnson, hotels spend a considerable amount of time selecting bath products, sometimes collaborating with artists or brands to create something unique. “You’re absolutely meant to enjoy these as a guest, so don’t feel any shame in stashing them away in your luggage,” she says.

At Saint Kate specifically, that “something unique” is the “Erase Bar”—a pink soap shaped like a rubber eraser, designed by local artist Niki Johnson and inspired by Andy Warhol’s Pop Art movement. “It’s always the first item to be taken from our rooms,” Johnson adds, “we’re thrilled for it.”

Travel advisor Laura Kempe swears by a few practical keepsakes; she always grabs a shower cap, a toothbrush, and a pen from her hotel room. “Personally, I don’t use a shower cap, but I love grabbing them because they’re so versatile,” she says. “My favorite way to use one is by wrapping it around my shoes when packing—it keeps your luggage clean, and you can toss it once it loses its shape.” Extra toothbrushes, she adds, make great scrubbers for sinks or sneakers.

Those little bottles of shampoo and body wash on the bathroom counter? They’re not just for show. “Mini toiletries are absolutely fair game,” says travel advisor Ryan Ali. “Hotels expect you to take them—especially when they feature nice brands or local scents. They’re great for travel days or a little reminder of your trip back home.”

Fellow travel advisor Aleksandra Coric agrees. “Leaving behind the mini Aesop, Le Labo, or Jo Malone products set out just for you would be a mistake. Take it home, use it, and let it remind you of your trip!”

Some hotel freebies are equal parts nostalgic and practical, like hotel stationery, a favorite collectible for Coric. “I have a great pile [of postcards] at home waiting for a spot in my gallery wall,” she says. According to Ali, notepads and pens are also appropriate to take with you. “I love keeping a hotel pen in my bag. It’s like a small travel souvenir that actually gets used.”

Both Ali and Coric agree that wrapped slippers are yours for the taking, so as long as they’re clearly single-use. Most hotels include them as comfort items for guests, and they make perfect companions for lazy mornings at home. But they’re even better on long-haul flights, especially if you’re flying coach or comfort class. “Nobody wants to wear their boots for nine hours while their ankles swell in the middle seat,” says Coric. “Take the hotel slippers and toss them once you land.”

Ali adds that premium resorts often go a step further. “Premium resorts will also embroider your name and even personalize them,” he says. What clearer sign that they’re yours for the taking?

According to Coric, towels (which she counts among the most frequently stolen items at hotels) are strictly off-limits, as are hangers and robes. These may seem minor, but they’re part of a larger system that keeps hotels running smoothly. “Taking inventory affects the team at the hotel and results in needing to spend more time and money to get ready for the next guest,” she explains. “The cost will be passed down to you in the end.”

And those plush robes? She gets it: “There’s nothing like a hotel robe,” she says. “But you know it’s not free.”

“Décor and design details are part of the property’s story, and they’re meant to be shared by every guest,” says Johnson. At her property, these include touches like record players, books, and in-room instruments. “We’ve had guests fall in love with our [in-room] ukuleles and vinyl, which is why we sell them in the gift shop.” Still, she admits she’s flattered when guests want to take a little piece of Saint Kate home. “That’s how you know it’s good design,” Johnson says. “When guests want to keep a piece of it forever.”

The same holds true for dishware: The temptation is understandable, especially at beautifully designed hotels. But as Ali points out, it’s best to admire, then leave it behind. “While hotel dishware can be lovely, enjoy it while you’re there,” he says. “If you really want one to take home, ask: Many hotels sell branded items as souvenirs.”

Intrigued by that Dyson hair dryer or sleek Bluetooth speaker? Resist the urge to nab it. A good rule of thumb: if it’s plugged in, it’s not yours to take.

According to Kempe, hair dryers are among the most common items she sees with notes indicating they’re for in-room use only—and that guests will be charged if they’re removed. “Yes, that Dyson hair dryer is amazing and dries your hair instantly,” she says, “but leave it at the hotel and add it to your Black Friday list to continue the luxe experience at home.”

Whether it’s a bar of soap molded by a local artist, a postcard that doubles as artwork, or a pair of disposable slippers, hotels offer more take-home touches than most guests realize. And if you’re ever unsure about what’s up for grabs, all you need to do is ask. It’s the easiest way to avoid an unexpected charge.