10 Things That Keep Getting Stolen From Hotel Rooms

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Staying in a hotel is one of the small pleasures of traveling. Freshly made beds, fluffy towels, and nicely stocked bathrooms make the experience feel a little more luxurious than everyday life at home. But when checkout time comes, some guests end up packing a little more than just their luggage.

According to a survey by vacation rental platform Deluxe Holiday Homes, hotel staff say items disappear from guest rooms more often than you might expect. The survey gathered responses from more than 1,200 hotel employees and property owners, asking them which items guests most frequently take from hotel rooms.

The results show that the problem is surprisingly common. In fact, the hospitality industry estimates that missing items from guest rooms cost hotels around $100 million each year in the United States alone. From obvious choices like towels to more surprising items like remote controls, here are the 10 things that keep getting stolen from hotel rooms.

Pillows

Many hotels invest in high-quality pillows designed to give guests a comfortable night’s sleep. When travelers discover a pillow they really like, some decide to take it home. While tempting, most hotels actually sell the same pillows through their gift shops or websites.

Towels

Towels are the item hotel staff say disappear the most often. They are easy to pack into luggage, and many guests enjoy the soft, high-quality towels hotels provide. Because of this, hotels end up spending a significant amount of money each year replacing them.

Related: The Best Towels for Airbnb that Guests Will Love

Bathrobes

Hotel bathrobes are another item that frequently goes missing. Many hotels provide plush robes to add a touch of luxury to the guest experience. While some guests assume they are complimentary, most robes are not meant to be taken off and can be fairly expensive to replace.

Hangers

Hangers may seem like an unusual thing to steal, but they are surprisingly common items that disappear from hotel closets.

Many hotels use sturdy wooden hangers that are nicer than the ones people have at home. Because they are lightweight and easy to tuck between clothes, guests sometimes pack them without much thought.

Toiletries

Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, conditioner, and lotion are often taken from hotel rooms. Smaller travel-size products are sometimes intended as complimentary items, which can create confusion about what is acceptable to take. As a result, guests frequently leave with more toiletries than they arrived with.

Blankets

Blankets are another item that hotel staff report going missing. Although they are bulkier than most items on this list, some guests still manage to pack them into suitcases. Hotel blankets can be surprisingly costly, especially at higher-end properties.

Hair Dryers

Hair dryers also occasionally disappear from guest rooms. Some hotels provide better-quality dryers than those travelers may have at home. Even though they are larger items, they still sometimes find their way into luggage.

Pens

Hotel pens are among the smallest and most commonly used items. Many guests assume these are free to keep, especially when they feature the hotel’s name or logo. Because they are inexpensive, hotels usually expect that some will go missing.

Dishes

Plates, cups, and glasses sometimes disappear from hotel rooms as well. In some cases, they may simply get broken or thrown away, but other times, they are packed up by guests. While not the most common item to go missing, replacing dishware still adds to hotel expenses.

Remote Controls

Remote controls might be the most surprising item on the list. They sometimes get accidentally packed along with personal electronics or simply go missing during a guest’s stay. When that happens, hotel staff must replace them before the next guest arrives.

While most travelers would never intentionally take anything from a hotel room, missing items are a regular challenge for hotels.

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