“Don’t you have enough of that stuff?”Asks my exasperated husband, cringing as I loot the hotel amenities on our travels (again), knowing what the answer will be (again). “I’m only taking the stuff we’ll use,” I add, not breaking my stride. Shampoo, soaps, sewing kits, and more, all up for grabs. So why should you take the stuff the hotel leaves for you? Well, here are five reasons why!
1. Some of it’s really good!
Neutrogena, L’Occitane, Cowshed – who can pass that up? In our hotel in Taipei, we got Bliss products – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, body lotion. When I got home, I wanted to see how much that same travel package would be - $28! Holy cow!
2. Sometimes, it’s better than the stuff you might buy for yourself.
I wouldn’t normally spend $28 on a half dozen one-ounce samples, so getting those things are nice little souvenirs!
3. You use it for a bunch of different stuff!
In addition to things like shampoo and soap, I take the shower caps. They make great shoe covers for packing, you can wrap things that might leak. or even put your foreign currency in a shower cap so you don't have to fish around for it. Oh yeah, and you can use it as a shower cap too! As for shampoos and lotions - You can use those great travel sizes while you’re on your trip, or, if you have space, take it to use on your next trip instead of buying travel sizes at a store.
4 You get to try new products.
I tried a face wash that I got as a hotel amenity. While I wouldn’t actually spend the money on myself, it’s a nice treat and might also make a nice gift (Hubby: that would be what’s called a hint!)
5. You can put them in your guest room.
When you have visitors, your house guests may have forgotten something. Luckily, you’ve got a varied stash of whatever they might need for them to choose from. Besides, they may think you went all fancy schmancy on them if you offer them some really awesome amenities.
What NOT to take!
Robes, hangars, hairdryers. Things that are obviously not intended to be taken. I know a number of hotel housekeepers who said it’s not uncommon for people to take lamps! YES! You know, the lamps that are on night stands in your hotel room? Yeah, those! Are you kidding? Put the lamp back. Stick with the shampoo.
Are you like me and take the hotel amenities? What do you take? Let me know on Facebook or in the comment section below!
