I found this article on Travel and Leisure about the top stolen items from hotels. My guess would have been the shampoo and soap but those are not in the list.
Based on reports and industry insights, here are the top 5 items most frequently “liberated” from hotel rooms:
1. Towels (Especially Bath & Hand Towels)
Why they’re targeted: They’re practical, often plush, and a tangible reminder of a comfortable stay. Guests might justify it by thinking, they have so many, or it’s just a towel.
The reality: Hotels factor a certain amount of linen loss into their budgets, but excessive theft still impacts operational costs and sustainability efforts. Those souvenir towels are quickly replaced at the hotel’s expense.
2. Batteries (from Remote Controls)
Why they’re targeted: This might seem odd, but it’s incredibly common. Guests often need batteries for personal devices (kids’ toys, flashlights, small electronics) and the remote control is a convenient, immediate source.
The reality: While small, this creates an immediate inconvenience for the next guest and a maintenance task for hotel staff, who then have to identify the dead remote and replace the batteries. It’s a constant, low-level drain on resources.
3. Hangers
Why they’re targeted: Similar to towels, hangers are practical home items. Guests might need a few extra for their own closet or find the hotel’s specific style appealing.
The reality: Hotels specifically purchase certain types of hangers (often with anti-theft rings) for durability and consistency. Replacements add to operating costs, and it’s a constant headache for housekeeping to ensure enough hangers are available in each room.
4. Lamps & Light Bulbs
Why they’re targeted: This one is a step up in audacity. Guests might like a lamp’s design or simply need a bulb for home. It’s harder to conceal but still happens with surprising frequency.
The reality: Lamps are significant assets. Their theft or even just the bulbs impacts the room’s functionality, requires immediate replacement, and represents a much higher financial loss than a towel or a battery.
5. Artwork & Decorative Items (Smaller Pieces)
Why they’re targeted: Guests might genuinely like a small piece of artwork, a decorative vase, a unique trinket, or even framed photos from the room. The desire for a unique “memento” outweighs the ethics.
The reality: These items often contribute significantly to a room’s aesthetic and ambiance. Their disappearance forces hotels to replace bespoke or curated pieces, which can be expensive and difficult to source, disrupting the intended design scheme.
These are part of the guest experience. The items on the “most stolen” list, however, cross a line into deliberate theft, even if perceived as minor by the perpetrator.
The Cost of “Borrowing”: While hotels often absorb minor losses, persistent theft contributes to higher operational costs, which can indirectly impact room rates. It also creates extra work for already stretched housekeeping and maintenance teams.
Ultimately, a hotel stay is a transaction where services and amenities are provided for a fee. Taking items that aren’t complimentary, no matter how small, is a breach of that trust and impacts the hotel’s ability to provide a seamless experience for future guests. So, next time you’re packing, maybe just admire that lamp, and buy your own batteries.