Travel agent reveals the hotel room freebies you should never trust – even if it means bringing your own from home
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned about using free hotel toiletries whenever they travel.
Some travellers like to leave their lotions and potions behind when going away, and save space in their bags by using the shampoo and conditioner supplied by their accommodation.
However, this is a mistake, according to travel agent Hannah Westphal, owner of byHannah Vacations.
She said she would never use the ones kept in refillable bottles in hotels, as she can never be sure what people have put in them.
She said: “I have to admit, I would never use those refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles in the shower.
“It’s a bit off-putting not knowing exactly what’s in those dispensers.
“There’s always the worry someone might have refilled them with something… and believe me, I’ve seen hair removal creams and God knows what else.”
Instead, Hannah recommends that all tourists bring their own toiletries to avoid any potential shower mishaps caused by pranksters.
However, she did say that toiletries that come in securely locked dispensers that cannot be tampered with are usually okay as well.
She continued: “Some toiletry pumps have a design that makes them look securely locked.
“You actually need to unlock them to refill, which prevents guests from altering the contents of the ones already in the hotel room.
“So, you definitely can use them.”
However, with guests not knowing exactly what type of dispenser will be in their room until they arrive, Hannah’s advice is to always be prepared – or to ask for new bottles when checking in.
She added: “It might be wise might be wise to bring your own miniature toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, for your trip.
“For those who forget to bring their own, the best thing to do is to head to reception and enquire about any spare ones they might have.”
For some people, Hannah’s claims might ruin one of the major perks of their holiday, taking home freebies from their hotel.
What items can you take from your hotel
These are the items you are and aren't allowed to take from hotel rooms.
Mini toiletries – yes
Feel free to take all of the mini shampoo and conditioner bottles home with you, as well as the tiny sewing kits.
Hotels are starting to introduce larger bottles in bathrooms – fixed to walls so they can’t be nicked – which will be shared by guests.
Other hotels, such as UK chain Artist Residence have full-sized bottle that if taken, will see you charged.
Slippers – yes
Hotels expect you to steal the cheap white slippers in plastic packaging that sit inside the hotel wardrobe, as they never re-use them.
In fact, staff encourage guests to wear them in their bedrooms as the floors are usually quite dirty.
Jacob Tomsky, the author of Heads In Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles and So-Called Hospitality, told Sun Online Travel: “The dirtiest
part of a hotel room are the carpets.
“Yes, they are vacuumed but they will almost never get a shampoo and a deep clean as there are constantly people staying in the rooms.”
Stationary – yes
By all means, take the branded pen and paperback notepad from your hotel room.
But leave anything that looks more permanent, like a leather-bound pad, behind.
Dressing gowns – no
In the past, guests were quite open about their pilfering of bathrobes from hotels.
But in recent years, most properties have made it quite clear that a missing robe will be added to the cost of the room – the warning usually comes on the clothes hanger.
Pillows – no
This one should be obvious, but in case it isn’t, hotels do not want you to take their pillows home.
But people do still nick them – according to the Mail, one London hotel has had so many thefts that they have been sending invoices out to thieving guests.
But they needn’t worry, as there are other items they’re entitled to take with them from the room when checking out.
William Hanson, the television etiquette expert, previously revealed the exact items that it’s perfectly okay for holidaymakers to put into their bags when staying in a hotel.
In a video he shared on social media last year, he said: “Basically, anything small, so things like the dental kit, the shaving kit…that’s absolutely fine.
“The hotel slippers, fine to take home, indeed these say ‘love me, use me, take me home’.”
However, items like mugs, glasses, crockery, bedding and dressing gowns were not okay to pack in your bag, according to William.
Meanwhile, this hotel expert revealed the popular safety hack she swears by when staying away from home.
And this TV travel expert revealed the clever way she makes more room in her hotel room.