What is allowed and what is not

The irresistible temptation that accompanies us when we travel is probably the little souvenirs we take home from our vacation hotels. We are not just talking about postcards or pens, but things that are de facto property of the hotel. From fluffy bathrobes to the hotel’s whimsical design, the range of potential souvenirs for some guests seems endless. But what are the consequences of this “memorial game”?

Hotels with a pulse always strive to provide an unforgettable experience for their guests. They shower her with little touches ranging from pens to fancy toiletries.

So-called “goods takers” can look forward to some of these free add-ons. Travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are meant to go, as well as coffee, sugar, and sweets. Slippers, which are thrown away after use, and stationery can also be taken as souvenirs.

However, it is not automatically meant to drag everything into a hotel room. This includes towels, hair dryers, pillows, blankets, and even wall clocks and remote controls. “If a guest enjoys something so much they want to take it home, they can do it if they’re willing to pay,” says Robert Threlkill, general manager of Conrad Miami, aptly.

Stuffed wild boar head

In fact, there have been cases where guests have taken their love of souvenirs too far. A survey of 1,000 hoteliers revealed that towels, bathrobes, and hangers are the main items missing in 65 percent of hotels.

From a stolen piano in an Italian hotel to lost flower arrangements in the Maldives, the stories hoteliers have to tell can elicit a smile of amusement or leave them dumbfounded. The case of a French guest who wanted to steal a stuffed wild boar’s head is particularly curious.

If you are not sure if you are allowed to take something out of the hotel, it is best to ask.