The basic premise of a hotel is you "rent" the room and all its contents. This includes towels, sheets, tv etc as well as furniture.
However there are exceptions. While a mini-bar makes clear that these items are not included in the basic room rate, what about the toileteries usually supplied? Also things like notepads & pens usually placed in the room for guests' use.
So the basic premise above DOES have some exceptions, as there are clearly certain items in the room which the guest is expected to use / take away with them. Where the line is drawn depends on individual morality. I would happily take pens/pads/shampoos/sewing kits etc from a hotel room, but probably wouldn't take a towel. (although packing breakables as mentioned above does spring to mind as one exception where I might consider this)
-- Mike
I think the rule of thumb is that you can take a consumable item. There are two types of consumables.
- Those that you eat or drink, i.e. minibar. usually, you are charged for them.
- Those that are consumed when used (externally), not eaten or drunk (consumed internally).
I have taken pens, notepad(s), toiletries, matches, disposable shoeshine mitten, it's good for one or two uses hence consumable and unusual coffee or tea bags. Notepads, toiletries, as well as sewing kits and coffee or tea bags, even though they are consumed internally, fall in the first category. Minibar stuff and coffee/tea bags are in the second category. Pens are borderline, although,. there maybe people who might not want to use a pen that has been used by a prior guest.
Towels, sheets pillows, blankets, and hospital style beds with a wired control are not consumables in the scope of this topic,
viz. hotel amenities.
I worked for a company that encouraged us to bring toiletries from hotels and donate them to a charity organised by the company. I thought it was tacky for a company, not the employees.