Hotel Freebies: The Perks You Never Knew Were Free
Thereâs something so satisfying about uncovering a good travel hack, especially when it means getting more without paying more. And when it comes to hotels, the world of complimentary perks is sneakier (and better stocked) than most guests ever realize.
We all know the basics: the tiny shampoo bottles are yours to take, but the robe? That oneâs a maybe. But the truth is, plenty of hotels have a stash of free amenities that they donât exactly advertise⊠Theyâre not sitting out. They're not printed on a cute little card.
Theyâre just⊠there. Quietly. Just waiting for the guests who know what to ask for and who have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, thereâs more than meets the eye.
So if youâre the kind of traveler who loves feeling insider-y, like you know things, little things that make a big difference, this oneâs for you. No elite status, no schmoozing, no awkward âis this included?â energy. Just a few questions that can unlock a better stay⊠for free.
The Toiletries Trick
(I Donât Even Pack a Toothbrush Anymore)
Packing light is an art, and my toiletry bag is the first place I cut corners when I know Iâm staying at a nicer hotel. Why? Because Iâve learned that I can always request a dental kit as soon as I arrive, and nine times out of ten, theyâll hand over the full set: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. I never bother packing my own anymore. One quick request to the front desk and boom, more room in my bag and fewer liquids for TSA to question.
But it doesnât stop at dental kits. Hotels often stock a secret stash of free essentials just waiting behind the front desk. Weâre talking:
Shaving kits,
Sewing kits,
Deodorant,
Combs,
Nail kits,
Makeup wipes,
Sanitary products,
EarplugsâŠ
You name it. Itâs like a secret menu for your face and body. And if you're at a luxury property? Some even offer hair straighteners or curling irons on request (yep, beyond the standard hair dryer).
Late Checkout (And What to Do If You Canât Get One)
Late checkout is one of the most underrated travel luxuries. And the good news? You donât have to be a loyalty member or a VIP to get it. If you ask early and kindly, hotels can often extend your checkout time by an hour or two, especially if itâs not a full-house day. That extra hour can make a big difference if youâre a âtake-my-timeâ packer or catching a later flight.
But what if they canât give you a late checkout? Many hotels will still store your luggage safely for the day, and still give you access to the propertyâs amenities (pool, spa, gym, lounge) until you're ready to leave.
And some hotels even have dedicated âhospitality suitesâ or departure lounges for guests with late flights. These sometimes include lockers, a comfy seating area, and showers so you can freshen up before heading to the airport. Itâs such an underrated bonus, and it makes a huge difference after a hot day of sightseeing or pool-hopping.
House Cars & Shuttles (a.k.a. The Best Uber Alternative Ever)
Some hotels will hook you up with a free shuttle to the airport or nearby attractions - super handy! But others take it up a notch with a house car: a hotel-owned ride thatâll drop you off anywhere within a set radius, totally free. Weâre talking sleek SUVs, blacked-out sedans, sometimes even a vintage convertible if the hotelâs got a flair for drama.
Always ask the front desk if thereâs a shuttle or house car in rotation. Theyâre usually first come, first served, so itâs worth checking early!
Skipping rideshare fees and rolling up in the hotelâs Escalade = priceless đ.
Custom Pillow Menus
If youâre picky about pillows (because sleep is sacred), many hotels actually offer more than the standard-issue fluff. Think memory foam, hypoallergenic, firm, cloud-soft, aromatherapy-infused, and even cooling gel options. Just call the front desk and ask: âHey, do you happen to have any alternative pillow options?â and theyâll send one up that suits your sleep style way better.
Because if thereâs one thing we donât play around with, itâs good sleep. And if thereâs a fluffier, firmer, cooler pillow just a phone call away? You have the power to ask for it.
Wake-Up Calls (Not From a Robot)
If your alarms feel more like gentle suggestions than commands, try the classic hotel wake-up call. Itâs way harder to snooze a human voice calling your room at 7:00 a.m.
Many hotels, especially those with a strong service culture, still offer wake-up calls from the front desk staff. No robots, no pre-recorded messages - just a real person making sure you actually get the F up! Perfect for anyone who can sleep through their 40th alarm (you know who you are).
Free Water (The Non-$9 Kind)
Hydration is key, but hydration shouldnât cost you an arm and a minibar panic. Hereâs what most people donât realize: a lot of hotels provide complimentary bottled water, you just have to know which bottles are free. Sometimes theyâre labeled poorly, or placed away from the minibar trap zone, which makes things confusing.
Your best bet? Ask at check-in which water is complimentary. Some hotels restock bottles daily, and others have free refill stations, water coolers, or bottles available at the gym, spa, or front desk. And if you're staying in a more eco-conscious hotel, they might even lend you a glass bottle to fill and reuse during your stay.
Slippers, Bathrobes, and Umbrellas⊠Yours? Maybe.
While robes are often for in-room use only (and not complimentary to take), slippers almost always are. Theyâre meant to be single-use, so donât be shy, toss them in your bag before you check out!
Many hotels will even give you a fresh, packaged pair if you ask. Same goes for travel umbrellas, especially in rainy cities like Paris, or Vancouver, youâll find hotels often lend or gift them as a thoughtful amenity.
SKAIS tip: Always ask before taking anything. Some boutique hotels will comp the item as a gift for special guests or celebrations⊠but some places will charge $$$. Better to check than to guess!
Kidsâ Kits & Pet-Friendly Extras (Theyâre VIPs Too)
Whether your travel buddy is a tiny human with a dash of energy or a four-legged friend with very strong opinions about hotel carpets, donât sleep on the perks designed just for them. You might be surprised at how many hotels roll out the red carpet for them too.
Letâs start with the kiddos. Some hotels go all out with welcome kits that feel like a party in a bag: think coloring books, sticker packs, puzzles, and sometimes even milk and cookies (which should be available for everyone, not just the under-10 crowd). At family-focused resorts or boutique stays that lean playful, you might even score tiny robes. There is nothing more adorable than a tiny human in a fluffy robe pretending to order room service.
And for the furrier travelers: pet-friendly hotels have seriously stepped up their game. Many now offer plush pet beds, water bowls, and welcome treats at check-in. Some even go next level with things like:
Custom name tags
In-room pet menus (yes, thatâs a beef bowl for your dog and tuna tartare for your cat)
Pet-sitting or dog-walking services
Local dog park or walking trail maps
"Yappy hour" (not making this up)
It depends on the property, of course, but if you tell them ahead of time, theyâll usually go out of their way to prep something thoughtful for your +1, whether they bark or babble. Hotels love a heads-up. It makes them feel prepared and gives them the chance to sprinkle in a little magic.
Moral of the story? Your child or pet may not have a credit card, but that doesnât mean they canât travel in style. Let the front desk know theyâre coming.
Streaming, Movies & Digital Magazines
Gone are the days of paying $19.99 for a movie you fell asleep halfway through. These days, many hotels offer complimentary access to Netflix, HBO, Hulu, or even YouTube Premium right from the TV, sometimes already logged in, no exâs account required. Some let you cast from your own device, and a few even lend out iPads with streaming apps.
Bonus: check if your hotel offers digital newspapers or magazines via PressReader. That means hundreds of titles (i.e.: fashion, travel, news) you can flip through for free on your phone or tablet.
Whether you're working remotely or just in the mood to binge White Lotus in peace, itâs always worth asking whatâs included.
Free Activities, Rentals, and Wellness Perks
You know that mysterious âresort feeâ or âdestination chargeâ that shows up on your bill like an uninvited guest? Turns out, it might actually be hiding some fun.
A lot of hotels use those fees to cover extras, but they donât always tell you what youâre entitled to unless you ask. Think: beach cruisers or city bikes, guided yoga or Pilates, local walking tours, beach chairs, umbrellas, even cooking classes or wine tastings. Some properties go all out with mixology demos, sunrise meditations, or access to digital fitness platforms.
The catch? These perks usually need to be reserved ahead of time⊠and theyâre rarely advertised at check-in.
So next time you see that little fee tucked onto your folio, ask the front desk what it includes. You might just score yourself a morning yoga flow, an afternoon bike ride along the beach, or a sunset tasting session, without spending an extra dime.
Ask, and You Might Receive (A Lot)
So next time youâre checking in, donât be shy, channel your inner savvy traveler. Ask about late checkout, amenities, activities, and anything else that might quietly be up for grabs.
Worst case? They say no. Best case? You score free slippers, a minty-fresh toothbrush, a luxury car ride to brunch, and a guilt-free shower before your red-eye.
Not bad for zero extra dollars.
Because the world of hotel freebies? Itâs basically a secret club, and one youâre totally invited to. These perks arenât just about saving money (though yes, love that for us), theyâre about upgrading your stay in the easiest way possible.
At the end of the day, hotels are in the business of hospitality, they want to make you comfortable. So go ahead and ask. Your fluffier pillow, beach cruiser, or unexpected welcome cookie might be waiting just behind the front desk.
And hey, if theyâve got it? Itâs yours.
