Whether you’re staying in a luxury lodge in the Kruger, a boutique hotel in Cape Town, or a budget-friendly spot in Johannesburg, knowing what you can (and should) take from a hotel room is essential.
Some items are complimentary and meant to be taken, while others are best left behind…
Nine things you should always take from a hotel room
1. Toiletries
Most hotels provide complimentary shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. These are single-use items, so feel free to pop them in your bag. Perfect for travel or even keeping in your car for emergencies!
2. Tea and coffee
South Africans love a good cuppa, and most hotels provide rooibos, regular tea, coffee sachets, and even hot chocolate. Since these are for your convenience, there’s no harm in taking any leftovers.
3. Sugar and sweeteners
If you prefer a specific sugar or sweetener, keeping these handy for your next trip or home use makes sense.
4. Slippers
If your hotel provides disposable slippers, they’re yours to keep! They make great travel companions for long flights or keeping feet clean at home.
5. Sewing kit
Many high-end hotels often include a small sewing kit. These are lifesavers when you need a quick fix on a broken button or loose hem.
6. Notepads and Pens
Branded pens and notepads are practically souvenirs! Keep them for work meetings, your home office, or just for jotting down shopping lists.
7. Bottled water
Some hotels provide complimentary bottled water, especially in warmer regions. If it’s labeled “free,” take it – it’ll be useful for your travels.
8. Vanity kits
These often contain cotton pads, earbuds, and nail files – small but useful items that come in handy at home.
9. Postcards and brochures
If you’re visiting a tourist spot, brochures and postcards often feature beautiful South African landscapes. Great as keepsakes or to share with friends!
Five things you should leave behind in a hotel room
1. Towels and bathrobes
Yes, they’re soft, fluffy, and feel luxurious – but they’re not free! Hotels reuse these for multiple guests, and taking them could result in an extra charge on your bill.
2. Pillows and bedding
It may be the best pillow you’ve ever slept on, but it belongs to the hotel. Bedding, including sheets and duvet covers, is also meant to stay behind.
3. Hairdryers, irons and other appliances
These are provided for your convenience, but they are definitely not giveaways. If you’re caught taking them, you might face a hefty fine.
4. Decorative items
That stylish lamp, framed artwork, or fancy vase might look great in your lounge, but they are part of the room’s decor. Taking these could be considered theft, and no one wants a call from hotel security!
5. Minibar items
Unless specifically stated as complimentary, minibar snacks and drinks are not free. Some minibars even have sensors that automatically charge you when you remove an item. Rather grab a snack from a local shop – it’ll be much cheaper.
What’s the craziest thing you took from a hotel you stayed at? Let us know by leaving a comment below
