You know it is theft, you're just looking for rationale.

I was at the Westin in Montreal this past summer I unintentionally packed a dress with one of their nice wooden hangers still on it, that I somehow confused as my own. (read: I was rushing to check out, and threw everything in the suitcase without looking/thinking).

A few days later I noticed a charge of $26 on my card and called the hotel to inquire. They said it was a charge for the missing hanger. They do an inventory after every check out, which includes a hanger count.

They kindly offered to refund the charge if I sent the hanger back, but were also willing to take me at my word, if I said that I didn't take it. Anyway, out of *HONESTY*, I decided to woman-up and admit that I had taken it, albeit accidentally. After realizing that the shipping and handling costs of returning it would total more than what the charge of the hanger (and it's a very nice wooden hanger), I decided to keep it. (perhaps a little Joan Crawford-ish)

However, I do understand them charging me for the item, even though I had not meant to take it. (I now make sure I don't commit hanger-jacking when I pack out).