Etiquette expert explains what you can and can't take from a hotel room

In a time where hotel prices seem to be going through the figurative roof, most of us want to get our money's worth out of the experience.

Although you've all hopefully been taught that taking things that aren't yours isn't OK, there appears to be a fine line between stealing or simply keeping the things that come in your hotel room.

Now, we certainly can't believe everything that Friends tells us, considering the hit comedy show also convinced a generation of people that peeing on a jellyfish sting was genuinely a good idea.

But Ross was a doctor after all, even if it was a doctor of dinosaurs, so perhaps we can trust his advice when it comes to taking items from hotel rooms, as he memorably filled his bag with hotel reception apples before trying to head home.

Who doesn't love the tiny bottles of shampoo? (Getty Stock Images)

Since many hotel prices have gone up in recent years, you'll probably want to make your stay worth every penny - and who can turn down some free soap or toothpaste?

Fortunately, for those cases where you might not be entirely sure what you can take and what you might end up getting a hefty bill for, an expert has laid it all out.

Etiquette guru Diane Gottsman told The Independent that toiletries are usually safe to take, with hotelier Brandon Crudup suggesting that the slippers are also fine to slip into your luggage.

Diane said: “My favourite hotel freebie is the high-quality, beautifully scented tiny bottle of body lotion that is part of the complimentary goody selection built into the cost of the room.

“Other items guests enjoy taking with them include the tiny bottle of shampoo, and conditioner, and the teeny soap bar that makes your carry-on smell delightful.”

We've obviously all been eating the little chocolates put on our pillows and anything that's purposely left for the hotel guest is also A-OK to take home if you have room.

It's probably worth leaving the safe as well (Getty Stock Images)

Diane added: “Notepads, postcards, the hotel logo pen, and plastic dry-cleaning bags are other things guests are welcome to pack when leaving.

“Specialty coffee pods and tea bags are also popular if you have a similar coffee maker at home, or want to enjoy the complimentary tea offered during your stay.”

There is some confusion around items in or around the mini-bar, as you might be charged for bottled water or something such as champagne or crisps, so it's always best to double-check those if you want to avoid any unwelcome surprises on your bill.

But obviously, you cannot leave the room completely bare, so anything that's hung on the wall or stuck in place definitely isn't worth nabbing.

Brandon said: “Robes, while very popular, are generally not complimentary. If you take one, it will usually be added to your bill. If you do want a robe, most hotels have extra dead stock available for purchase.”

He also added bedding, towels, batteries, coasters and remotes to his list, while Diane suggested that the coffee maker and any cutlery should also stay put.

If in doubt, just ask.