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“Is the coffee in the hotel rooms free?” might be the first thing that comes to mind when you are relaxing in your beach-view hotel with a cup of coffee in your hand. And we do have the answer to this question here in this post.
Coffee and vacation go hand in hand. But do all hotels provide free coffee or a complimentary coffee maker in each room? Let’s explore!
Is The Coffee In Hotel Rooms Free?
Normally, you do not need to pay for the coffee in your hotel room, as it is a complimentary item provided to the guests for a better service experience. In the rooms of any decent hotel chain, complimentary coffee and tea are provided.
But with the smaller hotels, that might not be the case. They may or may not provide you with a complimentary coffee but don’t worry you will get free water to drink.
Mostly Coffee and Tea(among other freebies) are provided free of any extra charge in many hotels.
The charges are usually already included in the room rate.
But, in some small hotels or homestays, there might not be freebies available since their budget is not as high as the larger hotel chains.
In most hotel rooms one can find a small basket that holds different types of freebies.
Along with these, they provide an electric kettle or coffee maker to make coffee on your own.
In any case, you will not be charged to use a hotel coffee maker. So once you pay your room rent the coffee is free for you.
Do All Hotels Provide Free Coffee?
Most hotels do provide free coffee. It is one of the basic items that are present as a gratis in most reputable hotels. But in many cases, the charges for these free coffee packets are already adjusted in the room rate.
However, even though some charge for coffee and tea, it doesn’t mean those who provide for free, really don’t put any charges. Most hotels include charges of “free stuff” provided in a room, into the room rate itself.
So, in other words, when it comes to free coffee, you are probably already paying for it.
When one consumes freebies like coffee or tea it doesn’t mean hotel owners go into loss.
This is because they have already estimated how many cups of coffee and tea generally one can consume. So, if one doesn’t use those complimentary items it provides profit to hotels.
Is Hotel Coffee Free For Non-Guests?
Non-guests are not permitted to consume hotel coffee. It is a privilege for in-house customers. Thus, only guests are eligible for freebies because they have already paid a lump sum through room charges. People other than guests can consume hotel coffee, but only if they pay the bill.
However, if a hotel customer invites a nonguest to visit him in his room, they might be permitted to enjoy the complimentary coffee. But visitors who wish to meet hotel guests must register at the front desk.
Various hotels also serve those who are just to query about the rooms with coffee and cookies. Even though they may not book a stay there, this is considered a good hospitality technique by many big chains. Additionally, this is a method of promoting the standard of their services and attracting visitors.
Do Hotels Charge For In Room Coffee?
No, especially the huge hotel chains, typically don’t charge for a cup of coffee and tea. To welcome their guests, they either offer hot coffee or instant coffee and tea sachets. Additionally, hotels offer complimentary coffee vending machines in the lobby or hallway.
Although there is no additional charge for coffee in hotel rooms, it is still a good idea to ask the hotel staff what other freebies are available to avoid any unwanted extra charges.
The items available in the room are not labeled, so it’s not easily possible to differentiate between the free items and the chargeable ones.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you order coffee via room service, you may have to pay separately for it as it is included in the food charges.
The food charges are handled separately by the hotel management team unless you opt for full board, half board, or all-inclusive packages.
Can You Take Coffee From A Hotel Room?
Yes, you can take the coffee packets that are provided in your room with you. There are many things (freebies) given by hotels that you can, without a doubt, take home with you. Coffee and tea are two of them.
However, this does not mean that you can take the coffee machine with you as well. You can brew coffee and have it in the lobby of the hotel unless there is any restriction, or you can enjoy it in your room’s peace.
There are a lot more freebies that can be taken by the guests, such as stationery items. These include pens, diaries, etc., on which the logo and name of the hotel are printed.
Hotels don’t stop guests from taking this kind of stuff along with them, as it works as cheap advertising.
There is no bad thing about taking home what you get complimentary with your room!
Can You Drink All The Coffee You Want In A Hotel?
Most of the time, it is up to the hotel to decide how many cups of coffee they are going to give away for free. Usually, only one cup of coffee or tea is provided by some hotels, and additional cups are charged for.
The free cup of coffee may or may not be included in the breakfast. Some hotels offer their guests as many for free. It is best to check with the help desk staff or read the terms and conditions before making a hotel reservation.
There is also the option of purchasing it from the hotel’s restaurant, or if you are craving a good coffee too much, you can simply hit a nearby café. Even though it costs money, one can consume as much as they want.
What Items In A Hotel Room Are Free Of Charge Other Than Coffee?
Apart from tea or coffee, there are other items that many hotels provide free of charge, this includes – toiletries like shampoo, lotion, and so on, slippers, food items like small packs of biscuits with milk and sugar, and gifts like toys for kids.
After having a long tiring flight or starting a day before going to a meeting one needs hot coffee or tea in their room in complete comfort.
This all is provided by any decent hotel. Not just free coffee/tea but many more other freebies such as:
Toiletries
Toiletries include mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, body lotion, soap bars, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other things that you might need in a decent bathroom. Towels and bathrobes are also included.
Just in case some of the toiletries are missing, you can ask for room service for them. These items are among the essentials in a hotel room.
Various hotels allow you to take these items with you since they change them with the visit of every new guest to maintain good hygiene.
Food
It is not uncommon for certain hotels to provide complimentary food to their guests. This may include instant noodles, soup along with bottled water.
They are either already in the room or are given to them on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
However, it is not guaranteed that all items placed in the room are free of charge; some of them are charged in the bill when checking out.
So it’s better to confirm it at the help desk and be sure before you consume any item kept in the room.
Coffee, Sugar, And Milk
In most cases, the sugar packets, and sachets of coffee and milk powder are free. They are given so that guests can enjoy beverages in their comfort space. Besides this, some hotels have coffee vending machines in their lobby, which are usually free of charge.
However, this service is sometimes abused by people who are not hotel customers but are simply passing through.
They enter the hotel, brew coffee from the coffee machine, and then leave. Hotel employees are unable to tell the difference between passing by and genuine customers.
Slippers
Big hotels also provide free bathroom slippers and other reusable goods. But these items cannot be brought home.
If you try to sneak them out, you may be charged with a fine. Not only that, but this will also not look good on your reputation.
Various hotels also keep slippers that can be used only once. Not only do they include slippers, but they also include use-and-throw toiletries as well.
This enhances hygiene and reduces the chance of contact with bacteria and other germs.
Souvenirs and Gifts
Hotels provide their guests with presents and souvenirs to interact with them more effectively and make them feel more comfortable.
Additionally, they have soft toys and a lot more things for kids to make them cheerful.
They offer flowers, chocolates, and other decoration gifts, which the guest can take home, in the case of any special occasion for the guest or if the guest is a celebrity or VIP.
Can You Bring A Coffee Maker To A Hotel?
Many hotels do not allow you to bring your electric goods, like a vending machine. This is why, in most hotels, a power plug is removed, requiring guests to use only light-duty electric appliances. However, some hotels do not mind if guests bring their own appliances.
Many homestays and motels allow travelers to bring coffee makers with them.
This is because many travelers plan a long trip, and they do keep these appliances like electric kettles and coffee makers with them for their convenience.
Nonetheless, whether a vending machine is allowed or not can be verified with the hotel’s front desk.
Either way, if you are allowed to bring a vending machine with you to your hotel room to brew coffee for yourself, then most probably you need to pay the electricity charges as well.
This is something that you might want to discuss with the manager of the property, and be sure to ask about the per-unit charges specifically.
What Items Can You Take From A Hotel Without Being Charged?
There are certain items that the guest is allowed to take without being charged; this includes bottles of shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, free bottled water, slippers, packets of coffee, milk, sugar, and so on. But you should avoid taking any bigger items, like a vending machine.
Non-reusable items like slippers in some hotel rooms can also be taken for later use. Since they will put on new pairs for the next guest. But you need to check with the front desk first since all hotels do not keep these items.
Many hotels have sensors on their baskets that allow hotel managers to detect if guests take anything out that is not a freebie. The managers can then add it to their bill using the sensor. So it’s better to check with the staff to avoid an unwanted expense.
Final Words
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the many amenities and other items in a hotel room that is free to use. A hotel that does not offer complimentary coffee may not be offering anything for free at all.
In any case, it is best to confirm with the hotel staff: is the coffee in the hotel room free? So that you can enjoy a cup of coffee without paying any price.
