Thirty-three percent of Americans Admit They Steal From Hotels

Hotels.com recently published a report highlighting the habits of travelers around the world – specifically – what we steal from hotels! Hotels know that people are going to take certain things, and in fact, some things are meant to be taken. Toiletries, for example, are there for the taking.  Now, no one’s saying you should raid the housekeeping cart, but the bottles in your room are there for your use – and if you like them, and take them home, you’re more likely to buy the brand.

But what about the other amenities in the room?  The robes, the coffee/tea, the bedding…would you take those?  Well, 33% of Americans surveyed by Hotels.com admitted to stealing one or more items from a hotel.  Globally, 35% of travelers admitted to taking more than just the toiletries.

You might be surprised by the results.  While a majority of hotel guests globally (65 per cent) say they’ve never pilfered an item from a hotel room, Danish travelers come out on top as exceptionally honest with 88 per cent saying they’ve never pocketed a hotel amenity. Here’s how the rest of the countries surveyed rank… assuming the respondents were honest…

While more than a third of global travellers have stolen hotel amenities, there are a few niceties that guest are willing to pay for according to the Hotels.com survey: a room with a view (29 per cent) and a balcony (17 per cent) came out on top.

The Hotels.com Favorite Hotel Amenities Survey also revealed that free Wi-Fi is king when it comes to must-have hotel amenities.

• 34 percent say free Wi-Fi is the number one factor in choosing a hotel even on leisure stays.
• 56 percent of respondents said free Wi-Fi is their number one must-have when travelling for business.
• 66 percent indicated free Wi-Fi is the amenity they most wish would become standard at all hotels in 2013.

Creature comforts of home and food are also high on the priority list for travelers according to the survey:

• 23 percent chose high-end coffee makers as their top modern in hotel room amenity.
• 43 percent said complimentary bottled water is the most appreciated simple amenity.
• Happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks is 42 percent of global travelers  favorite newly offered hotel service amenity.
• 23 percent cite unlimited free food and beverages as their most missed comfort from home when travelling.

Have you ever taken something from a hotel?