Bed fines: 5 hotel rules everyone ignores
Which hotel rules are most often broken and what the penalties can be (photo: Freepik)
Hotel rules may seem simple, but it’s often the little things that lead tourists to end up with a fine or an unpleasant talk with the front desk. Some habits that seem harmless actually cause hotels serious losses.
RBC-Ukraine gathered the five most common rule violations guests make in hotel rooms — and what they might have to pay for.
Improper use of bed linen
Many travelers believe that small stains from makeup, cream, or wine can be easily washed out - unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Violation: using towels or sheets to remove makeup, wiping shoes, or leaving stains from hairspray, self-tanner, or dye.
Hotel linens are mostly white, and chemical stains can sometimes be impossible to remove, even with professional cleaning.
Consequence: guests may be charged the full price of the damaged set. Always use towels and sheets only for their intended purpose and do not take them outside the hotel room.
Attempting to “upgrade” the minibar
Some tourists try to swap expensive drinks for their own or secretly take items.
Violation: replacing alcohol with cheaper alternatives or returning bottles after the sensor has recorded them. Most guests don’t realize that modern minibars are equipped with sensors, and any changes are automatically tracked.
If you don’t plan to use the minibar, ask for it to be sealed or for the drinks to be removed.
Using household appliances for food
Sometimes guests heat their own food using an iron, hairdryer, or immersion heater.
Violation: using unauthorized heating devices in the room, which carries a high risk of short circuits or fire. Consequences may include a fine or even eviction. Always use only appliances allowed by hotel rules.
Taking towels, robes, and other hotel property
Common items like towels or robes belong to the hotel. Guests also cannot take dishes or remote controls.
Violation: removing bath towels, robes, pillows, blankets, and sometimes cups or remotes. The penalty is usually a fine equal to 100% of the item’s value.
Disposable items such as soap, shampoo, shower gel, shower caps, slippers, or coffee/tea packets can be taken as souvenirs.
Careless handling of the electronic key
The key card is an important security tool.
Violation: leaving the key on the beach, demagnetizing it, or losing it. Such violations usually incur a fixed fine (typically 100–500 UAH) for reprogramming the lock and issuing a new key.
Always carefully read the hotel’s rules, usually provided in a folder on the desk or on the door of the room.
Following these simple rules helps avoid fines and inconveniences, making your stay more comfortable.
Sources: Forbes Travel Guide, Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, Booking.com were used in preparing this material.
