When packing before departure, a good 80 percent of overnight guests end up with one or the other item in their suitcase that actually belongs to the hotel.
In most hotels they can be found in the room, closet or bathroom: small objects that the hotel makes available to its guests.
These include, for example, the kettle with coffee and tea bags, the soft slippers, or bathrobes and cosmetic accessories such as shampoo or shower gel.
All of these things are designed to make guests' stay more comfortable - as long as they have booked the room.
However, a current
Expedia
survey clearly shows that almost 80 percent of all hotel guests often "take something".
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More than every second hotel guest puts the cosmetic products provided in their suitcase with them.
This is where most hotels turn a blind eye.
© blickwinkel/Imago
From flip flops to tea and coffee – what do guests love to steal from hotels?
Unsurprisingly, miniature personal care products are among the most commonly carried items, along with pens and notepads.
But there are also guests who pack bathrobes and towels.
The most popular (unauthorized) holiday souvenirs are:
personal care products | 56 percent |
pens and notepads | 29 percent |
snacks | 23 percent |
slippers | 18 percent |
tea and coffee | 17 percent |
bathrobes | 14 percent |
towels | 13 percent |
According to a spokesman for the
German Hotel Association (IHA),
some hotel guests went a step further.
They sometimes end up with room decorations such as pillows, but also light bulbs or pictures in their luggage.
In terms of cosmetic products, however, something could change in the future.
Because the EU Commission has presented a proposal to curb packaging waste.
It could soon be the turn of the mini shampoos in hotels.
Take slippers and the like with you: is that allowed?
Here the clear answer is: no.
From a purely legal point of view, all items in the room, even the small ones, belong to the hotel.
Anyone who takes any of it away commits theft, which could also be reported.
But: In practice, a theft is often difficult to prove.
For example, some guests leave the room doors open when they check out and everyone would theoretically have access.
The situation in hotels with a wellness area is often confusing: who received a bathrobe, was it handed in and if so, where?
Was a second towel ordered?
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In everyday life: Are hotels turning a blind eye?
The fact is that numerous hotels record millions in damage every year from thieving overnight guests.
Nevertheless, most hotels turn a blind eye, especially when it comes to the smallest items such as pens or bathroom cosmetics and slippers.
If you are unsure - and do not want to commit theft - simply ask at reception whether such things can be taken away.
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In the meantime, some hotels, which also know what things keep ending up in the guests' suitcases, have their own shop.
The original towels, bathrobes or even room decorations can then be purchased there.
The biggest advantage here: the items are new and buyers can be sure that no other guest has worn them.
List of rubrics: © blickwinkel/Imago