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Mar
Hyatt actually invites you to steal their bath amenities.
This reminds me of Holiday Inn’s towel amnesty But presumably Hyatt’s permission here means ‘take the ones with you that are in your room’ and not, however, ‘raid the housekeeping cart which they’re in the supply closet’.
Do you take hotel bath amenities with you? Which hotels offer the most theft-worthy ones?
Beth said,
SpringHill Suites has Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner. Yes, please.
gomike said,
Portico® Quince + Bergamot
Steven Frischling said,
Does anyone not go home with hotel bathroom amenities ?
Gene said,
I wouldn’t call taking something you’ve paid for “theft”. That includes minis from the InterContinental minibar, but that’s a whole other argument…
Travis Swanson said,
Used to. But as a crew member staying at hotels most of my life, that got old pretty fast.
Matt said,
Of course! It’s a tradition for me to bring home bath amenities from business trips for my wife. Anything different from what we already have squirreled away in the guest bathroom is what I go for.
Generally, the nicer hotel, the more theft-worthy. Bonus points if it is one of her preferred brands.
I only steal the set in my room, not from the cart, though.
Mike said,
Paid Room includes toiletries. Just because I like to smell on my trips gives me the right to not smell at home.
LOVE the goodies
Jason said,
I’m in agreement with Gene. Those items were included with the rate of the room. It’s not theft if you have paid for it. Would they cut me a discount if I were to bring my own toiletries and not touch the ones that they ave provided? Not likely.
I find the Hyatt video a little low-brow.
Clay said,
Hotel de Paris in Monaco. They have La Prarie products.
Emile Quek said,
Take them and donate to your local church for the homeless…
Al said,
Agreed. Why use the word steal.
Will said,
Park Hyatt Tokyo’s Aesop line is pretty good
VM said,
Yes, I do take the amenities that I paid for!
W Hotel : Bliss
Edition: Aqua di Parma
Le Meridien: Hermes
Bill G said,
Yeah, I pay for a hotel 100 nights/year but think of all the money I save on shampoo when at home!
Stoshbygosh said,
I donate mine to Ronald McDonald House where they are appreciated for families that are staying there.
Jane said,
I collect them and when I have a nice amount I donate it to the local womens shelter. They are quite happy to receive them and I feel I have paid for them anyways.
Tom said,
Taking home shampoo, soap, etc is not stealng. They are a consumable intended to be used by the guest. Now towels are a different thing. Normally the towels even at the nice place are so rotten why would anyone want to take them home? I don’t want to even use them there not to mention at home.
Dave said,
Yes indeed. I have been taking amenities for many years.
When I have a large enough collection, I carry the bag over to a local shelter for abused women and childen. Many, if not most of these individuals have no access to these types of upgraded items.
Randal L. Schwartz said,
Don’t they just throw these things away anyway? I mean, what would a hotel do with a half-used bottle of shampoo otherwise? They can’t leave it for the next guest.
Now, on the other hand, I practically live in hotels, and for the rare times I’m home, I haven’t purchased any basic toiletries in years because I have all these half-shampoos from the road.
theblakefish said,
I miss the ginger bath amenities…
PJ said,
Holiday Inn’a Bath & Body Works lotion.
Scottrick said,
I no longer have room to put them anyplace. I make a special exception only for certain ones you can’t find at other properties, like the coconut-scented amenities at the HR Maui.
Lark said,
A person in our office has a box in their cubicle, and asks everyone who travels to pick up UNUSED bath amenities and drop them in the box. When it get full, they drop them off at the local homeless shelter.
Bulgari products are nice, but the only one I bring home these days are from Fairmont: Le Labo Rose 31. (I even went and bought some on line we like it so much – man is it expensive! Much more than Pert!
)
Mohan said,
Taking towels or stuff from the mini bar without paying is stealing. Taking shampoo, conditioners, soaps and lotions, which my wife has been doing for 25 years is not. You paid for all this stuff when you paid for your room.
Ram said,
I always make my confessions in private, and to the proper authorities.;)
Tony said,
I work with a Non Profit group, and I take all the of toiletries each day and place them in the bag, I get a nice collection of them. I have gotten a couple of co-worker to do the same thing, I see them every 6 weeks, needless to say, I bring an extra luggage to get them home.
mikeschu said,
Generally I’ll take it home only if I’ve used it. This is typically limited to bar soap, which goes into the bathroom to use at the sink.
john said,
Yeap. I’m currently enjoying Bvagari products from Rangali Island
RJ Brown said,
Ritz Carlton are hard to beat
DaninSTL said,
To me it’s like the amenity kits on airplanes. I take mine home but I don’t steal my neighbors.
Also after awhile I don’t need the stuff at home. For example I don’t take the HIX shampoo home because I don’t want to smell like cinnamon (which it does on purpose).
MrAOK said,
I’d hardly call taking shampoo “stealing.” Then again, I have put the shapoo from one day away, so I get additional to take on a two night stay
MrAOK said,
P.S. Because I the soaps remind me of traveling and I haven’t been traveling much, I sometimes think of buying a collection of travel soaps. The cost isn’t that high, but the shipping kills you. http://www.bigordersavings.com/
Benny said,
I definitely do. Most recently stayed at the Park Hyatt and took the bath products. Great stuff!
Gizmosdad said,
I used to only take home the remainder of what I started using, and would leave the rest alone. But last year I started taking 1 bar of soap and 1 shampoo for each stay, and at the end of the year, I donated the pile of toiletries to a local homeless shelter.
I spent over $12,000 last year on hotels, in return, they are “donating” soap and shampoo to my local shelter…
Robert Hanson said,
The real stealing is that being taken from US taxpayers by the US government[google the title for the full article}:
“Spending $50 Mil For TSA Uniforms Shows Washington’s Lunacy
With the automatic spending cuts, known as the sequester, cutting only 2 cents per dollar out of the bloated federal budget, a budget that’s grown 71% faster than inflation over the past two decades, the federal scaremongers are rushing around putting padlocks on control towers at the nation’s airports.
Just two days before the automatic federal spending cuts took effect, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it had awarded a $50 million one-year contract for new uniforms for airport screeners, clothes that will manufactured partially in Mexico.
I checked Wrangler’s website and I can’t see how the government’s cost could total $1,000 per employee, especially on a $50 million order with truckload deliveries.
Buying just one item at a time on the website, not 50,000, Wrangler Hero cargo pants are $19.50, a Hero jacket is $19.99, Hero shirts are $10.99.
Add the socks, one belt, one sweater and two ties to the price of the six shirts and the two pairs of trousers and I get a total bill of $186 per screener for the whole deal, $814 less than the $1,000 the taxpayers are paying.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the sequester will force furloughs at the TSA and is warning of increased waiting times at airports, plus there might be no one in the control towers, but the good news is that the non-furloughed screeners who are still at work will look mighty fine.”
Jayson said,
Yes, I take home what I paid-for.
Daryn said,
I don’t like that you call it “stealing”. It’s not in the least bit stealing. If I’m paying $100+ or $200+ for one single night in a hotel room you’re damn right I’m gonna be going home with a tiny travel-sized bottle of shampoo and conditioner.
Walkin said,
I don’t think it’s stealing since I paid for it, but yes. I’ve not had to buy soap from a store in years.
Kathy said,
Do they reuse the opened products if you leave them in the bathroom?
Sue said,
I only take ‘solids’ like soap and emery boards, etc., that don’t take up precious space in the stupid plastic baggie still required for liquids in carry-ons.
I thought that having a Global Entry card would eliminate the need for a plastic baggie – but since it is random, I can’t take the chance of carrying on a bunch of ‘liquid’ shampoos, unfortunately…
Kevincm said,
Saying all this… I still think I’m one of the few people in the world who is going to miss Hyatt’s White Ginger….
MyTravels said,
Agreed, the tread title is mileading. (or a poor attempt at sensationalism).
I never thought of giving to shelters, that’s a great idea!!
Patrick said,
God, do I have an enormous stash of these things, along with free samples I’ve received from product purchases over the years. It never occurred to me to bring the stash to a women’s shelter. Thanks to the comments of your readers, I will do that first thing tomorrow!
Jorge said,
I never did, until TSA instituted the liquid restriction. They are the best for travel
Hotels expect us to take them.
now that shelter idea is wonderful !
Neal said,
It is definitely not stealing. I do about 75 nights a year in nice hotels – mostly SPG, and I bring home all the unused, unopened extra toiletries, regardless of brand, and I donate them, through collection barrels we have at my synagogue, to one of our local food pantries. The hotel maids will just throw away any “leftovers” when they do the final departure cleaning, and this practice – one that many of us seem to have adopted – allows the less fortunate in our society to receive necessary hygiene items that they couldn’t otherwise afford.
oleg said,
I have done it a few times, but generally don’t.
it is surprising to see so many comments about doing it regularly. I also don’t see Gary’s title as anything but accurate. Your room rate is based on some average consumption of toiletries in the room, not you cleaning them out of every consumable. Do you also take the coffee packs? Or if you’re having some food at a cafe, do you also grab ketchup packets to take home? Those are lower value items, and ultimately the establishment won’t care about it, but it’s certainly not the normal expectation.
Carl P said,
“and this practice – one that many of us seem to have adopted – allows the less fortunate in our society to receive necessary hygiene items that they couldn’t otherwise afford.” Get over yourself!
Carl P said,
I really don’t think the “steal” was meant to be serious.
Antonio C. said,
My favorites are:
1) L’Occitane at the Regent Singapore.
2) Aigner at Grand Hyatt Dubai
3) Hermes at La Cigale, Doha
And yes, I take them from my room, not from housekeeping carts
)
kevino said,
It would be criminal not to take home an item that you had opened in your stay, as to not to would almost certainly result in it being thrown away, and clearly you thought it worth using in the first place.
If not opened by you, then if worth using elsewhere, particularly if it is the right size to have in a TSA travel kit, then why not, it is included in your room price anyway, and saves you later further expense.
Taking just because it is there however, without intending to actually use it, does little to save the planet.
AX9465 said,
One complete set of toiletries is included into the daily room rate (reasoning: price per night is usually the same for 1 night stay and multiple night stay). Therefore it is acceptable to take full set of personal toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/shower gel/lotion/toothbrush/comb/etc.) as items you paid for (similar concept to take home part of you dinner if you ordered too much and was unable to eat).
Having said that I always take only something I may need during my next hotel stay (almost all hotels stock shampoo, many do not provide conditioner/shower gel – so these go into the bag)
AX
Jim L said,
To all of you who are offended by Gary’s casual use of the word “steal”, and especially to #35 Robert Hanson, who unsuccessfully attempted to hijack an otherwise attempt at an interesting/lighthearted thread, I say (and quote): “Lighten up, Francis.”.
P.S. Our office, like #23 Lark above, has a basket for these things, which are donated to a women’s shelter.
Kat said,
Oh, heck ya…I’ve been doing that for many years and no I don’t consider it stealing. I know it may sound tacky but I usually collect them throughout the year and when I travel to Europe to see my relatives (LOTS of relatives), I use them in gift baskets. It’s amazing how many items, hotels, stores, etc., just give away with purchase or freebie coupons (like free bath & body products). If I’m not going to use it, then give it to someone who will; or donate it.
wade said,
@robert hansen – you are a 100% certifiable kook
silver springer said,
I second the vote for Aesop at Park Hyatt Tokyo as my favorite. Just stayed at Hyatt Hua Hin and loved it but did not feel the need to take the White Ginger amenities.
Eric said,
The new Ritz Asprey Purple Water found it’s way back to my house. . .
Robert Hanson said,
We are being threatened with the slowing down of TSA lines due to laid off agents, and the closing of control towers, “because of the sequester”. Meanwhile the government is spending $50 Million for new uniforms, paying 5X the retail rate despite a massive order. And you find that is of no interest, but the question of whether or not to take a tiny shampoo from a hotel room is an important matter. And you think I’m the kook?
islandgoddess said,
I always take the bath products and then give them away in Third World countries along with colored pencils, stickers, post-it notes, and the like. Kids love them and they are light and easy to carry in luggage. Also, I volunteer at a food pantry and the folks there love the small toiletries, especially the seniors who sometimes don’t like bigger, heavier bottles and also don’t travel as much anymore. For them, the small toiletries are a luxurious treat!
Here is why you always tip housekeeping... - First2Board | First2Board said,
[...] Gary at View from the Wing had a fun post yesterday about Hyatt’s new promo encouraging people to “steal” their amenities. Well, I don’t generally steal them, but I DO have a tip: always tip your maid, especially when you are fond of a certain brand of toiletry. [...]
DaveS said,
The toiletries are intended to be used up by the person staying in the room. They are part of the price you pay, and it is not stealing if you take along what you do not use right then and there.
Mark said,
I don’t steal them, Lucky. If I like them I will take them since I paid for the room and they are, therefore, mine.
Greg said,
Its funny, I always take the Hyatt Portico soap bars. I actually like them MORE then the new ones. I don’t take the new ones as much as they seam cheaper.
ED said,
I take the toilet paper too. And I’ll tell you why. There have been too many times when I actually ran out of it! So the extra roll, sometimes 2 roles, really come in super handy. Plus I wash areas or each new room with alcohol to avoid getting sick, and the toilet paper is a requirement.
And there was once a time when I got the runs before a business meeting, and rather than fiddling around with the airline lounge stall to get a roll released because it’s easier to use, the toilet paper in my bag literally saved my life.
Could careless if anyone disagrees, but my behind is clean and a disaster was averted.
And yes, I take the hotel amenities. IC’s Elemis and Conrad’s Acca Kacca are my favorites. In fact the IC’s used to have Elemis at 50ml each, now they are 30ml.
Disappointed that Hilton switching from Crabtree and Elevyn to Peter Thomas Roth. The aroma-therapy from C&E blue stuff was one of the top reasons I chose Hilton. Although PTR is good, I rather C&E doubly more. Embassy Suites use C&E, but they are not the aroma-therapy release, instead some sort-of coconut crap.
Thanks.
ED.
Jack said,
The best of the best:
— sandalwood soap from Amanjiwo (other than the soap, Aman products are not portable due to their ceramic or glass containers)
— REN at Rocco Forte hotels and Carlisle Bay
— Thann at Benesse House (also in ANA’s first-class Suite lounge)
— Blaise Mautin at Park Hyatt Paris
— T Plantation at One Aldwych
— in-house lemon-green tea products at Explora lodges in Chile
— Aesop at some Park Hyatts and Nimb Copenhagen
— La Prairie at Four Seasons Milano
— Miller Harris at Crosby Street and other Firmdale hotels
— bath products from the Bauer Palazzo in Venice (which are actually made from the botanical gardens of a women’s prison on the neighboring Giudecca — not for sale anywhere)
OK but not great:
— L’Occitane at Four Seasons (better than their old in-house brand, but very tired; milk soap smells terrible; props to Four Seasons for at least going with the paraben-free line)
— Davi at Peninsula (ugly packaging; moisturizer has a funky scent)
Terrible due to overpowering scents:
— Hermes, anywhere
— Bulgari White Tea, anywhere
NTD said,
Just came back from a stay at the Parker Palm Springs, technically a Le Meridien / Starwood property (though about as far from a chain as you can get). They’re legendary in Southern California for providing a true haul for guests: 3.3 oz each of Penhaligon’s shampoo and conditioner, Molton Brown body wash, and Bulgari moisturizer, a mini-jar of Blistex, Hermes hand soap, and L’Occitane body soap. They’re pretty generous with refreshing the products, too. What I love about the Parker is that, rather than source all of their products from one provider, they’ve picked and chosen among the best.
Hyatt encourages you to steal their toiletries! said,
[...] View from the Wing, Hyatt has released a new video that actively encourages you to steal their new in-room [...]
The Hyatt Regency Austin’s View of the River from a Confirmed Suite - View from the Wing said,
[...] conditioner, soaps, and bath gel even. And of course everything was replenished daily. Since Hyatt invites you to steal their bath amenities, that’s very [...]
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