10 Things You Can Take From a Hotel and 10 You Can’t

We’ve all been there—checking out of a hotel, eyeing that cozy bathrobe or those tiny bottles of luxury shampoo and you wonder, “Can I take this?” Before you stuff that fluffy towel into your suitcase, let’s clear up what’s okay to take and what you should absolutely leave behind.

Here’s a breakdown of common hotel items and which ones you can ethically take as souvenirs, plus 10 items that you shouldn’t attempt to.

Take: Mini Toiletries

Those little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion? They’re yours for the taking. Hotels provide these as part of your stay, and since they can’t be reused for the next guest, feel free to toss them into your bag.

However, some high-end hotels may offer full-sized toiletries. If you see those, you should leave them behind as they’re meant to be used during your stay and not taken home.

Can’t Take: Towels

Even though hotel towels might feel like the softest fabric you’ve ever used, they’re not up for grabs. Towels are part of the hotel’s linen inventory, and taking them can result in additional charges. Plus, many hotels track their linens—so stealing them could lead to a hefty bill.

Take: Notepads and Pens

Most hotels place branded pens and notepads in the room, and they’re considered promotional items. The hotel expects you to take these as a reminder of your stay, and who knows, that pen could come in handy when you least expect it.

Can’t Take: Robes

As tempting as it is to snag that luxurious robe, it’s a no-go. Robes are expensive hotel property, and while they’re there for your comfort, you’re expected to leave them behind when you check out. If you really love it, some hotels sell robes in their gift shop or online.