Skip the minibar and grab these hidden hotel freebies instead
As hotel prices continue climbing in 2025, savvy travellers are always on the lookout for ways to stretch their vacation budget. Most guests focus on scoring room upgrades or complimentary breakfast, but many of them overlook numerous free items that may be sitting just behind the front desk.
“travellers usually don’t realise just how many complimentary items hotels are happy to provide – and all you need to do is ask,” says Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, which offers secluded log cabins near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. Having spent years in hospitality and observing guest interactions across various accommodation types, Edwards has discovered numerous hidden perks that can make a stay more comfortable without additional costs.
Below, he lists seven complimentary items and services most guests forget to request during their hotel stays.
1. Device Chargers
Most hotels maintain collections of phone chargers and adapters left behind by previous guests. These are typically available to borrow at no cost, covering most devices, from iPhones and Androids.
“I’ve seen hotels with entire drawers dedicated to forgotten chargers,” Edwards notes. “They’re much happier lending them out than letting them gather dust.”
2. Toiletry Essentials
Beyond the standard bathroom amenities, hotels stock a wide range of toiletries not displayed in guest rooms. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, combs, and even sewing kits are commonly available upon request.
“These items remain behind the front desk to prevent unnecessary waste, but are readily available for guests who genuinely need them,” explains Edwards. “Luxury properties may even stock high-end skincare products and specialty items like sunscreen in beach locations.”
3. Sleep Aids
For travellers struggling with unfamiliar beds or noisy environments, hotels offer various sleep-aiding items. Sleep masks, earplugs, white noise machines, and specialised pillows can significantly improve rest quality.
Edwards says: “Some properties even provide herbal teas or aromatherapy products specifically formulated to promote relaxation. Room location requests – away from elevators, ice machines, and high-traffic areas – are another often-overlooked free option for light sleepers.”
4. Fitness Equipment
In-room workout options have become increasingly popular, especially for guests uncomfortable with shared exercise spaces. It’s common for hotels now to stock portable fitness equipment that can be delivered directly to guest rooms.
“After the pandemic, more hotels started offering in-room fitness options,” explains Edwards. “You’d be surprised how many places now keep yoga mats, resistance bands, and even small weights that they’ll bring right to your door.”
5. Entertainment Options
Many hotels maintain libraries of entertainment options that go unused simply because guests don’t know to ask. Books, board games, and playing cards can often be borrowed to add to in-room entertainment.
“This service is particularly common in family-friendly accommodations but exists in various forms across most establishments,” Edwards says. “Some boutique hotels even curate locally-themed games and books to give guests a taste of the region’s culture.”
6. Printing Services
“While business centres exist in a lot of hotels, reception staff can often handle small printing tasks at no charge,” Edwards explains. “Boarding passes, tickets, and brief documents can usually be printed at the front desk rather than incurring business centre fees.”
Many hotels will also mail postcards or small items for guests as a courtesy, saving travellers the hassle of finding a post office during their trip.
7. Transportation And Local Items
Beyond the hotel walls, complimentary amenities often include transportation options and local necessities. Properties often maintain bicycles, umbrellas, beach equipment, or shuttle services that guests can use freely.
Local maps, guidebooks, and insider recommendations represent another category of free perks that add to the overall travel experience. “Some hotels even have arrangements with local attractions for complimentary or discounted tickets not advertised unless specifically requested,” Edwards adds.
How To Ask For These Freebies
The most effective approach is simply making a polite request at the front desk. Timing these requests during less busy periods, at mid-morning or mid-afternoon rather than during check-in rushes, typically results in more personalised attention.
“The key is being friendly and direct,” advises Edwards. “A simple ‘I was wondering if you might have…’ will usually get what you need without any awkwardness.”
Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, commented: “Hotels intentionally keep a lot of these perks under-promoted for practical reasons. If they advertised everything freely available, demand would skyrocket, costs would increase, and they’d eventually have to cut these services. It’s a balancing act – they want satisfied guests who feel they’ve received value, but they can’t offer unlimited freebies to everyone.
“Hotels tend to prefer the goodwill that comes from solving a guest’s problem in the moment. It creates a more memorable impression than simply listing amenities in the room directory.”