What You CAN Take From Your Hotel Stay, According To a Hotelier

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There’s something about staying in a hotel that brings out a different side of us. The change in environment, vacation vibes, or the sheer luxury of a 5-star resort has a way of helping us unwind and forget about the stress and worries of our everyday life. It helps us regain our focus, find new perspectives, and discover all the marlovous adventures to be had. It’s not just a vacation – it’s a mental health-cation that we all need from time to time.

And of course, when check-out time comes around, you know you’re tempted to take a little somethin’ somethin’ from the hotel home with you. Whether it’s as a souvenir of a great time or you’re in the Ross Geller mindset of “it’s included in the room charge,” hotels are used to seeing items find new homes when guests check out. While some are definitely intended for guests to take away, others … not so much.

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We asked you, our dear readers, what you think is appropriate to take from hotels and you said:

Ok, I think we can all agree that you should NEVER assume that the artwork in your room can be taken home as a souvenir, but what do lifelong professional hoteliers have to say on this subject of unofficial souvenirs?

We spoke with Billy Jin, my handsome husband and General Manager of Pullman Kaifeng Jianye Hotel, one of Accor Hotels’ many luxurious properties all over China.

It’s a quick train ride from Beijing, and with 260,000 square meters of luscious gardens, pools, playgrounds, koi ponds, and even hotel peacocks, it’s the perfect weekend getaway resort for Beijing’s families.

The chart below lists items that can be taken (Yes) and items that should not be taken (No). According to Billy, if you take the (No) items with you when you check out, you’ll be charged…

If you’ve ever been skeptical about whether something can be taken from the rooms, you’re not alone! In fact, it’s such a common question that Pullman Kaifeng Jianye Hotel has created a card for their guests that lists what’s for taking, what’s for borrowing, and what’s available for purchase. Pretty nifty idea!

Having previously worked in the hospitality industry, I've heard my fair share of interesting guest stories. Everything from guests leaving out leftover durian (which totally stinks up the room...) to guests having "accidentally" taken the entire mini fridge in their upon their departure. Not the contents of the mini-fridge... the actual fridge.

So of course, I had to ask him what the craziest thing is that guests have tried to take from the hotel during his long career in hospitality. And, true to his professionalism, he shared an eye-rollingly sweet story.

“Mr. Zhang came for a short vacation with his family by car during the winter of 2022. Unfortunately, his car got stuck in the snow close to the hotel. Two staff members from the Concierge and Security teams helped Mr. Zhang to restart his car and spent half an hour of their personal time cleaning up the snow. A few days later, after Mr. Zhang checked out, he gave the two staff members his personal handwritten calligraphy work to express his gratitude. The beautiful work was written in Shou Jin Ti, a style originated by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty 900 years ago in Kaifeng.”

I guess in this case, the only things taken from the hotel were fond memories.

About

Pullman Kaifeng
Jianye Hotel

Located in the heart of Kaifeng, the ancient capital of the Northern Song dynasty, Pullman Kaifeng Jianye Hotel offers 186 rooms on 260,000 square meters of urban park. With each step, the change of scenery transports you to a world of art, history, and luxury. Pullman Kaifeng Jianye Hotel houses contemporary artworks throughout the property that reflect the aesthetics of the Song dynasty culture and history.

The Hotel is located just opposite of Millennium City Park and it takes only a brisk five to 30 minutes’ drive to explore even more of Kaifeng’s local intangible cultures and ancient monuments, such as the Iron Pagoda and the Great Xiangguo Monastery.

To get in touch, email them at [e-mail] for questions and booking.

Images: Mina Yan, Pullman Kaifeng Jianye Hotel

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