Many hotels offer loads of free amenities that sound appealing at first glance. However, these complimentary items aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Here are 20 hotel amenities most likely to disappoint and to be avoided.
20. In-Room Kettles
When you find a kettle in your room, don’t assume it has been washed. If it has water inside, assume it’s dirty. Plus, there’s no telling what the last guest used it for. If there isn’t a way for you to properly wash the kettle yourself, definitely skip. Even if there is, you may want to seek your tea elsewhere.
19. Free In-Room Toiletries
Sure, it might be nice to have that small bottle of moisturizer, lotion, or whatever that is provided free in your room. However, there’s a good chance it could have expired long ago. Creams typically expire after 6-12 months. If you don’t see an expiration date, you might want to skip using these items.
18. Drinks From the Minibar
Drinks from the minibar are very convenient and the hotel is hoping you’ll take advantage of it. Whatever beverage you consume will usually cost you more than triple what you’d pay at a store. In most cases, it’s easy enough to stop somewhere on your own and get the same bottle or bigger for about a quarter of the price.
17. Complementary Hotel Toothbrush
The complementary toothbrushes and other toiletries offered by hotels appear to be new and unused in a safe-looking package. But how sure can you be of that? How can you be certain these things haven’t been resealed? You’re going to put this in your mouth. You want to know where it came from. Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush.
16. Vending Machines
This is another major ripoff at hotels. Their vending machines are convenient for a late-night snack, but you pay a premium for that convenience. A small bag of chips will cost you what a large bag would cost at a grocery store. You know you’re going to snack, so make a store stop and save yourself from wasting money.
15. Ice Machine
Ice machines are typically found on numerous floors at hotels for free. However, many travelers fail to consider whether the water is safe to drink in the area where they are staying. Although some ice machines may be operated with purified or filtered water, do you really know for sure? Does the machine look like it ever gets cleaned?
14. Ice Bucket
If the ice bucket in your room is not in a sealed plastic bag, be wary. You never know what the previous guests did with it. It’s probably not clean. If you don’t have a way to wash it, skip it. If the ice bucket is in a plastic bag, is it sealed? Or was it just wrapped in plastic?
13. Complementary Shampoo and/or Conditioner
Shampoos and conditioners only stay effective about a year or two after opening. Look to see if these complementary bottles list an expiration date. While it’s tempting to take advantage of a free offer, travel-size bottles from the store are cheap and will only set you back a few bucks.
12. Gym Equipment
The quality of hotel gyms can vary wildly. Inspect to ensure there isn’t any rust on the machines or loose equipment that could cause an injury. Next, inspect for cleanliness. Before you suit up and head down to the gym, take a visit first and give the facility a quick inspection. When you do work out, bring an extra towel.
11. Free Drinks
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive hotel, many will offer an unlimited, free supply of alcohol. First, those free drinks are likely to be watered-down or use generic brands, some that are poorly filtered (headache ahead). But secondly, there is the temptation to over-indulge. Winding up with a monster hangover or feeling sick can ruin an otherwise great vacation.
10. Valet Parking
Even though many hotels offer free on-site parking, many also have a valet option. This prompts a tip that nullifies your free parking. This unnecessary step might cost you up to $20 per instance. If you can skip the valet, fine. But if not, it could be cheaper to park elsewhere, even though less convenient.
9. Swimming Pool
Many hotels proudly boast of their “complimentary indoor or outdoor swimming pool.” But that doesn’t guarantee that their pool is clean or well-maintained. Alternately, it could be over-chlorinated. Plus, at a family-friendly hotel, you’re likely to have a bunch of splashing, screaming kids in the pool with you. Everyone knows about kids having the urge “to go” while in the pool.
8. Computers
There could come an instance in which you need to use the hotel’s computer to access something important to your itinerary or whatever. But using the hotel computer can be risky. It’s likely tracking everything you do. You can’t be sure someone hasn’t installed keystroke logging software. Avoid connecting any of your devices or drives to a hotel’s computer.
7. Free Snacks
Many hotels offer free snacks. But since this is something going on in your body, be wary. Make sure to check for an expiration date. If one isn’t listed, skip it. Even if it isn’t expired, it may be a cheap, low-quality product. Make sure to also read the list of ingredients. Again, if not listed, definitely skip.
6. Scented Pillows
Many hotels offer scented pillows as a free addition, with pleasant aromas such as lavender or coconut. However, these can be problematic for sensitive people or light sleepers. The scent can be so overpowering it will wake you during the night. Some highly sensitive people could potentially have an allergic reaction.
5. Phone Chargers
Many hotels offer complimentary phone chargers or adapters, some even built into power outlets or furniture. However, using these is a bad idea for many reasons. You never know the quality. They may not work, or worse, could damage your device. Plus, hackers load malware onto charging stations at hotels and airports to steal personal information. Only use your own charger.
4. Shower Caps
Even though shower caps are mostly useless and irrelevant, some people still find them important enough that hotels continue to offer them. But this is a “personal” item, (like underwear or a toothbrush) – you don’t know what’s going on with someone else’s head (lice, sores, etc.). If you need one, bring it with you, but skip the complimentary shower caps.
3. Board Games
This complimentary item seems like a great perk. What could possibly be wrong? For one, the game and its pieces can be loaded with germs. Many sources claim that hotels do not clean or wash their board games regularly – if at all. Unless you want to spend the time doing the cleaning yourself, it’s best to skip the free games.
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2. Landline Phone
Many hotels still offer landlines in every room. This may seem like a good backup plan, especially in places where it’s hard to get a signal, or for those times when you’ve run your cell phone battery down. But these landline phones are loaded with germs. You definitely should clean and disinfect it if you plan to use it.
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1. Complimentary Soap
The issue with complimentary soap is not that it’s expired, but that it may be irritating from a dermatological standpoint. Hotels often provide soaps that are overly fragrant and can irritate sensitive skin. It’s best to bring or purchase the soap you use regularly. A rash or skin-related issues while traveling are no fun.
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