You arrive at your luxury hotel for a much-needed getaway and settle into your magnificent, comfortable room.
Admire your hotelier’s attention to detail and the beautiful amenities they have provided.
As you lie back and relax in your cloud-like robe, you think about how wonderful it would be to experience this softness and comfort at home. Surely your robe comes complimentary and you can take it home, right?
Simon Steele, general manager of the Lake District luxury hotel Armathwaite Hall, reveals the answer, plus the rules on other hotel gifts. He also reveals the strangest objects that guests have tried to take.
You can bring: toiletries
Simon Steele (above), general manager of the Lake District’s luxury Armathwaite Hall hotel, reveals the rules surrounding hotel gifts
Do you feel guilty about leaving your hotel with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner or body lotion in your luggage?
There’s no need.
Simon comments: ‘Of course, you can take disposable mini toiletries in luxury hotels. In fact, we encourage you to try them or take them home and enjoy them. Quality hotels usually offer quality products!’
Lorela Movileanu, Spa Manager at Armathwaite Hall, offers additional insight into how toiletries are selected in luxury hotels.
She says: ‘We offer miniatures of Temple Spa in our hotel rooms. It’s a little touch of luxury and lets our guests know they are only experiencing the best. If you love free toiletries in your room, we also offer Temple Spa amenities in our spa, so you can stock up on full-size products before you leave.
You can bring: slippers
Simon comments: ‘Of course, you can take disposable mini toiletries in luxury hotels. In fact, we encourage you to try them or take them home and enjoy them.’ Above – Armathwaite Hall
Do you want to put those hotel slippers in your suitcase? That’s very good.
Simon comments: “Our slippers adapt perfectly to your foot for unrivaled comfort, which is why we don’t reuse them.”
Do not bring: robes and towels.
Bathrobes and towels are often stolen from hotel rooms, but according to Simon, they are prohibited.
He says: ‘For our guests we only buy the softest, best quality bathrobes. “They add to that luxurious AA Red Star hotel experience we offer, but that means they can’t be taken home.”
What if you’re looking to get your own hotel-style robe to recreate your luxury experience at home? Simon says: ‘Our luxury robes offer a superior level of comfort that is almost indescribable. They are perfect for lounging after a shower and you will be happy to know that they can be purchased.
“Our robes are also embroidered with our hotel’s initials, AHH, so you can remember your special stay with us.”
Do not bring: electrical devices
Bathrobes and towels are often stolen from hotel rooms, but according to Simon, they are prohibited. Above – Armathwaite Hall
Most hotel rooms will have basic amenities such as kettles and hairdryers. But the more luxurious your accommodation, the higher your expectations and the better the facilities.
You can expect everything from coffee makers to luxurious hair tools at boutique hotels, but be sure to leave them behind.
Simon says: ‘We know that in-room amenities are essential for our guests. But they must remain in our rooms so that all our guests can enjoy these extra special touches.”
Simon adds: ‘In the past, some guests have tried to take light bulbs and remote controls. While these items are small and portable, they are not easily replaceable, so please consider future guests and leave them where they are.’
Bonus Pro Tip: Don’t Steal Ornaments
So what is the most unusual item a guest has tried to take from Armathwaite Hall?
“A bulldog ornament, called Winston, from our reception,” laughs Simon. ‘We couldn’t believe what we were seeing! It is very unusual for guests to attempt to remove objects from outside the room.’
Does that mean Winston will never be seen again?
Simon adds: “Don’t worry, Winston is safe and sound at home. We spoke to the enthusiastic wedding guest and found there was a clear misunderstanding, so back to welcoming our new guests arriving at the reception!” !’