A guest leaves their valuables on a bed at a hotel room during their stay. Picture: Unsplash
Travellers often find themselves basking in the luxury of hotel amenities, from plush towels to aromatic shampoo. But have you ever been confused about which items you can take home as souvenirs?
It’s a question that many guests ponder, and often the answer is not as straightforward as one might think.
Chica Travel (@MsLeloB) recently tackled this topic in an enlightening podcast episode featuring Laurie Burr, General Manager of The Royal Livingstone Victoria by Anantara, on YouTube.
The discussion aimed to clarify the unwritten rules regarding hotel amenities and help guests navigate what they can legitimately take with them after a stay.
“Internally as a hotel, we sort of have a general rule, it is not a written rule, on what is seen and deemed fair to move along with a guest who has paid for that room,” Burr explained.
While many items are readily available for guests' use, certain things resonate with the deeper etiquette of hospitality.
According to Burr, the items guests are often inclined to take include smaller toiletries such as shampoos and soaps.
“It’s quite common that guests would help themselves to these items,” he noted, suggesting that it is widely accepted to pack these miniatures after enjoying a stay.
However, the boundaries blur with larger items. Burr explicitly categorised towels and bathrobes as “a no-no”, arguing that these items are meant for guests to enjoy during their visit, similar to when renting a car.
“When I rent a car, there is a spare tyre in the back should I get into trouble. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that I have to leave with the tyre when I hand the car back,” he explained, drawing an apt comparison to emphasise that privileges come with responsibilities.
This discussion serves as a reminder that while the comforts of a hotel room can feel like home, the items that enhance that experience are typically not meant to be souvenirs.
Understanding these general etiquette rules enriches the travel experience and fosters a respectful relationship between guests and hotel staff.
Next time you check into a hotel and find yourself eyeing that plush bathrobe, remember Burr’s sage advice – some amenities are meant to be enjoyed at the moment, not packed away for later.
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