15+ Things You Should Never Take Home From Hotel Rooms (And 8 Things You Totally Can!)

That sleek desk lamp in your hotel room is definitely giving off the chicest of vibes, but they belong at the hotel and NOT in your home. Sure, it might look nice on your nightstand, but trust us - it’s way more trouble than it’s worth. Unless you're ready to pay for it, just admire it from afar and leave it behind.

Ahh, hotel robes - so fluffy, so luxurious, so… not yours. Unless your hotel specifically says they’re complimentary, taking one is straight-up stealing. Some hotels even have tracking chips sewn into the fabric (seriously), and you don’t want your relaxing spa day to turn into a crime scene, do you?

Yes, they’re soft. Yes, they smell like a spa. No, you can’t take them. Hotels have to replace stolen towels constantly, which is why some even count them before and after each guest! They're costly, so if you really love them, check the gift shop before you leave - some hotels actually sell them!

Yes! Those mini shampoos and conditioners are absolutely yours to take! The price tag? Next to nothing. Hotels expect you to snag these freebies - in fact, they'll probably be offended if you don't. Plus, they’re great for travel or just to have on hand when you need a backup! No shame in taking these little gifts of luxury.

Believe it or not, people really do steal hotel sheets, pillowcases, and even duvets! But unless you want to recreate the most boring heist in history - and pay a pretty penny for the pleasure, too - leave them where they are. Housekeeping WILL notice, and you WILL be charged.

Some high-end hotels use incredibly expensive pillows, and yes, guests have tried to sneak them out. Similar to the robes, some hotels actually put tiny RFID tags inside them, so unless you want to explain to airport security why your luggage is setting off an alarm, it’s best to leave the pillows behind.

Okay, hear us out - some hotels do provide disposable slippers, which you can definitely take. But if they’re the plush, reusable kind with the hotel's logo on it, they’re meant to stay. Of course, if you're ever in doubt, you can always ask the front desk - or prepare for an awkward checkout conversation.

Those cute notepads and pens by the bed are totally fair game. Hotels stock them up by the hundreds, and they’re practically begging you to take one home. Plus, it’s a nice little memento of that overpriced but amazing stay! Grab one guilt-free and keep a piece of your hotel experience with you - without the hefty price tag.

Who’s out here swiping TV remotes? Turns out, more people than you’d expect. But unless you want to be the reason the next guest can’t binge-watch late-night movies in peace, just leave it where it belongs. No one wants to call the front desk at midnight because you decided to take a souvenir. Keep your hands to yourself, and let everyone enjoy their lazy hotel nights!

This one happens way more than you’d think, and honestly, we have so many questions. Are people secretly collecting them? Is there some underground black market for hotel alarm clocks? Whatever the reason, just don’t do it. No one needs that many alarm clocks, and the next guest probably doesn’t want to wake up late because you swiped theirs.

Who even thinks to steal curtains? We have no idea, but apparently, it happens. If you’re that obsessed with the hotel aesthetic, maybe just snap a picture instead of swiping the drapes. Besides, sneaking out with a full set of curtains isn’t exactly low-key, and nobody will think you're a hero for doing so.

If your hotel provides a sewing kit, it’s yours to keep! These tiny lifesavers are perfect for on-the-go fashion emergencies, whether you're fixing a rip or reattaching a button. No need to feel bad - they’re there for you to use. Just snag it and be ready for whatever wardrobe malfunctions come your way!

If you’re trying to smuggle a hotel chair (it happens), you might have bigger problems than just an overpriced minibar. Seriously, how do you even pull that off? Are you stuffing it in a suitcase? Walking out like it’s yours? Either way, just leave the furniture where it belongs - big or small. If you love it that much, maybe visit an actual furniture store instead!

Yes, this is a real thing that happens. People have actually tried wheeling mini-fridges out of hotel rooms like it’s no big deal. If you think you can casually stroll through the lobby with a fridge under your arm, please film it - because we need to witness that level of confidence. But seriously, just don’t. Hotel staff have seen it all, and you’re not as sneaky as you think.

Hotels provide hairdryers for convenience, not as a parting gift. Plus, they’re usually attached to the wall, so unless you’re willing to rip out half the drywall, it’s really not worth the effort. Just bring your own or buy one like a normal person - hotel staff will definitely notice if theirs suddenly goes missing.

Got a fancy coffee machine in your room? Take the pods with you! Most hotels actually encourage you to take these, especially if you’re staying in a high-end resort. These are usually priced at $1 to $3 each, so go ahead and snag as many as you can. Enjoy that overpriced latte at home!

Obsessed with your in-room Keurig? That’s great - but it’s not yours to take. Good news, though: you can buy one instead of attempting to smuggle it out like some caffeine-fueled outlaw. Seriously, just hit up a store and get your own - way less risky, and you won’t have to explain why there’s a coffee maker sticking out of your suitcase.

Believe it or not, guests have actually tried to steal framed art off hotel walls. No, you’re not in Ocean’s Eleven. And yes, you will get caught. It’s not some slick heist - more like a very obvious crime. Just appreciate the art while you’re there, and leave it for the next guest to enjoy. You’re not fooling anyone!

We get it, some hotel rooms have amazing lighting. But unscrewing the bulbs and sneaking them into your suitcase? That’s next-level bold. Seriously, it’s a lightbulb, not a souvenir. Just take a photo if you love the vibe so much, there's no need to commit a “light” crime over it - no matter what Ross Geller says!

Some hotels leave cool matchbooks for you to keep as souvenirs. No charge here - these are freebies you can grab without any issues. They're a fun little memento to take home, so feel free to collect them during your stay! Just don’t get carried away with the rest of the hotel’s amenities.

If you’re even thinking about stealing the hotel safe, please take a long, hard look at your life choices. Who do you think you are, James Bond? You're not a master thief nor a spy, so just leave the safe where it is! Chances are it'll come with a pretty hefty fine on your final bill.

At this point, we’re just listing things people have actually tried to take, and honestly, we have so many questions. Who thought, "Hey, I could totally steal that bathroom mirror"? What’s the plan here? Are you opening a hotel supply store? We need answers, because some of these choices are next-level wild.

Yes, this has actually happened. A couple in Japan once tried to roll up a hotel mattress and smuggle it out. Can you imagine trying to explain that to security? "Oh, we just thought we could use a spare mattress, no big deal!" That’s a whole new level of bold - and a surefire way to get a lifetime ban from a hotel chain.

It’s small, it’s practical, and it’s practically begging to be taken - and here's the good news, you can! Don’t feel bad about tossing one of those in your suitcase; hotels won’t charge you for these, and you never know when you might need an emergency shower cap at home or on your travels.

We get it — maybe your room number had some sentimental value (honeymoon suite, anyone?). But unless you want future guests wandering the halls, totally confused, trying to figure out where they’re supposed to be, just leave it on the wall. It’s not a keepsake, it’s an important part of the hotel!

This is just cruel. Imagine being the next guest, all settled in for some TV time, only to find the remote does absolutely nothing. Now you're stuck flipping through channels manually like it’s 1999. Do better - leave the remote where it belongs so everyone can enjoy their stay, remote in hand and ready for binge-watching!

Fun fact: Hotel Bibles are provided by organizations like the Gideons, and while they’re technically free, the hotel expects them to STAY in the room. If you really want one, just ask the front desk - they’ll probably give you one for free! No need to "borrow" it - just a little request, and you’re good to go!

Hotels often provide these cute laundry bags to keep your dirty clothes organized. And guess what? They’re actually yours to take! As long as it’s not a designer one, you can totally snag one for your future travels. It’s a small souvenir that’s actually useful - no need to feel guilty about it! They're also super easy to pack, too.

You know those sleek, fancy hangers that always seem to be in your hotel closet, just waiting for you to hang up your clothes and make them feel ten times more expensive than they actually are? They’re sturdy, stylish, and oh-so functional. But let’s just get this out of the way: don’t even think about taking them.

Ah, the throw blanket. Soft, warm, and oh-so-inviting, it’s the kind of thing you can’t resist snuggling up with after a long day of exploring. But as tempting as it is to snuggle that cozy little throw from the bed or sofa, it may also be tempting to take it home with you too - DON'T!

Stealing a trash can? That's next-level wild. But yes, it happens. Just picture someone awkwardly stuffing a trash bin into their suitcase, thinking, "No one will notice this." Spoiler alert: they’ll totally notice. Maybe just leave the trash can behind and find a more normal souvenir.

These little bathroom cups might seem insignificant, but they’re actually meant to be taken. You won’t even notice when you grab them - they’re perfect for rinsing your mouth or even using as mini shot glasses. Totally guilt-free! Hotels provide them for convenience, so feel free to take a couple without a second thought.

Hotel phones are weirdly appealing to some people. Maybe they want a souvenir of their room service calls? Who knows. But unless you’re ready to deal with hotel security and the phone company on the other end, just admire it from a distance. It’s not exactly a collector's item, and there are much easier ways to get a cool keepsake!

It sounds absurd, but we’ve all seen those hotel wall hooks people try to rip off. They’re meant to stay on the wall, and no matter how functional you think they are, just remember - they belong to the hotel. It’s not a free home improvement project, leave them where they are!

That's right, it's not just the curtains that are in danger — the actual rods are too. Do people think hotel-quality curtain rods are some kind of hidden treasure? Is there a black market for them we don’t know about? Seriously, our minds really do boggle! However, we would love to see someone try to put them in their luggage.

At this point, we’re convinced some people are trying to fully rebuild their bathroom at home using stolen hotel parts. Towels, showerheads, soap dispensers - you name it. Are they planning a “hotel chic” bathroom renovation? Either way, just leave the hotel’s bathroom essentials where they belong. No one needs a secondhand toilet roll holder!

It’s literally just a bucket. Why do people take them? Who knows. But unless you’ve got the money to cover a theft fine, just leave it where it is. It’s not a rare treasure, and there’s no need to start a collection of hotel ice buckets! Just enjoy the ice, then let it stay behind for the next guest, and go pick up your own!

Hotel mugs. They’re tempting, aren’t they? After a long day of travel or relaxation, you grab a coffee in that cute little mug with the hotel logo on it and go sip it on your balcony in peace. It's practical, it’s charming, and hey, it's the perfect size! But don't do it - don’t take that mug home with you.

Let’s be real - irons are tempting. You want that crisp, clean look for your big dinner or meeting, and that shiny hotel iron seems like the perfect solution. But don’t even think about taking it! Hotels obviously notice when these go missing, and trust us, it’s not worth being rugby tackled as you try to exit the hotel.

If you’re walking out of a hotel with a decorative pillow stuffed in your suitcase, you might need to rethink your life choices. These aren’t freebies - they’re part of the room’s furnishings, just like the curtains or the chairs. Hotels keep track of their linens and décor, and if that cute little throw pillow goes missing, you can bet they’ll charge you for it.