When booking a hotel stay in the UK or abroad, the basic rate covers the room and related taxes, but many hotels offer an extensive array of complimentary amenities that can significantly enhance the travel experience and provide unexpected value. These perks range from practical items that guests can take home to unique services that add luxury and convenience to a stay. Understanding what is typically provided at no extra charge can help travellers maximise their budget and enjoy a more comfortable visit. This article details the free items and services available at hotels, based on information from various travel and hospitality sources.
Many hotels provide complimentary toiletries and personal care items for guests to use during their stay. According to one source, hotels maintain collections of complimentary items that extend beyond basic toiletries, with some properties offering amenity kits containing essential items like toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, and deodorant, available upon request from the front desk. High-end properties may stock luxury bath products, such as Molton Brown toiletries, and guests can often request additional quantities during their stay. Some hotels even provide specialized skincare items like face masks, moisturizers, or after-sun care products. For business travellers, many hotels maintain supplies of common emergency items like sewing kits, stain removers, or shoe shine services. It is generally acceptable for guests to take home the mini-size shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and body washes provided in their room, as these are considered complimentary. However, guests are advised not to raid the housekeeping cart; only items left in the personal room are permitted to be taken. If more toiletries are needed, guests should call the front desk for extras.
Beyond toiletries, hotels often provide other small items that guests can take home as souvenirs or for practical use. These include pen and paper, which are commonly placed near the desk in the room for notetaking. Taking the pen and notepad is considered acceptable practice, as they are nifty souvenirs usually printed with the hotel’s logo. Writing paper and envelopes are also often available for personal use. Tourist brochures and maps are another resource guests can take, as they are meant to help navigate and discover local spots. Unused coffee creamers and sugar packets are typically free to take, as they often get discarded otherwise. Hang tags and room keys can also be taken, provided they do not have a hefty charge or appear particularly fancy; they can serve as fun souvenirs or keyring additions. Hotel stationery and business cards are also intended for guest use and can be taken without concern.
Some hotels offer unique entertainment and activity perks that are complimentary for guests. Board game libraries have become increasingly common, offering everything from classic family games to modern strategy board games. These are ideal for rainy days or quiet evenings, and some properties even organise free game nights for guests to socialise. For outdoor entertainment, many hotels provide free equipment for activities like stargazing or bird watching, such as telescopes, binoculars, and field guides available upon request. Other properties provide vinyl record players and curated record collections, adding a unique soundtrack to a stay. For instance, Hard Rock Hotels offer a "Sound Of Your Stay" programme, through which guests can request a DJ turntable to experience music as it was intended to be listened to, along with 10 iconic records. Some upscale properties, such as Rancho Valencia and Ocean House, offer guests the chance to test drive luxury vehicles during their stay at no extra charge. Urban hotels like The Bowery Hotel and The James New York maintain fleets of complimentary bikes for guest use, often equipped with locks, helmets, and maps of recommended routes. Some hotels have also partnered with ride-sharing services to offer exclusive discounts or credits, which may include complimentary rides within a certain radius of the property.
Food and beverage perks extend beyond the standard complimentary breakfast offered by many hotels. Numerous properties host free evening wine receptions or happy hours, providing guests with complimentary drinks and light appetizers. Some hotels embrace local food culture by offering regional specialties as complimentary treats, such as freshly baked cookies, seasonal pies, or local beverages. These offerings often rotate to showcase different local producers and seasonal ingredients. For families, several hotel chains offer "kids eat free" programmes that extend beyond breakfast to include lunch and dinner at on-site restaurants. These programmes typically apply to children under a certain age when dining with paying adults. Many hotels also feature 24/7 beverage stations offering complimentary coffee, tea, and flavoured water, and some provide free snack bars stocked with fresh fruit, granola bars, or other grab-and-go items.
Other complimentary services and items include Wi-Fi, though one source notes that unless guests ask for the password, they may not be connected. Some hotels offer a "pillow menu," where guests can request specific types of pillows for a better night's sleep; for example, The Benjamin in New York City provides a five-foot body pillow upon request. For business travellers, magnetic card keys may be provided. Some hotels also offer complimentary yoga mats. It is important to note that while some amenities are included in the room rate, others may be subject to resort fees. Hotels should spell out which offerings are included and which incur an added fee. The general rule for take-home items is that if something is provided complimentary, it is free for guests to take.
Conclusion
Hotels offer a wide range of complimentary items and services that can enhance a guest's stay and provide practical value. From toiletries and stationery to unique entertainment and food and beverage perks, many of these amenities are available simply by asking or are intended for guest use. Travellers, particularly those from the UK, can benefit from understanding these offerings to maximise their travel budget and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable hotel experience. Always check the hotel's policy on included amenities and fees, and remember the general rule that complimentary items are often free to take home.