When Ross and Chandler from 90s sitcom Friends fiendishly scoop up as much as they can from their exorbitant hotel room, most viewers will fall into one of two categories.There are those who, when presented with the opportunity to get as much value from their stay as possible, will hunt around their suite for all the freebies on offer – light bulb, anyone?On the other hand, there are those who turn their nose up at such a prospect. Beyond perhaps a teabag and single-use shower gel, the hotel room must remain intact for these guests.But the debate over what you are actually permitted to take from establishments is still ongoing. Are the slippers up for grabs? What about bathrobes? Towels?Here, the Daily Mail digs into the truth that lies behind the hotel door – what can you actually take with you when you check out, and what should stay behind? The permitted freebiesSINGLE-USE TOILETRIES Fair game: Taking the single-use toiletries is totally acceptable for guests staying in hotelsOK, this one’s fairly predictable – those single-use toiletries are absolutely yours for the taking.They’re basically designed with this in mind, and are extremely useful not only for the duration of your stay, but for any future trips – with bottles under 100ml, they’re great for hand luggage on flights to come.How do you know what’s OK to take from the hotel, though? Melanie Fish, travel expert and Hotels.com spokesperson, offers some guidance: ‘The rule of thumb is simple: if it’s been put there to be replaced for each guest, think toiletries, tea bags, those lovely upgraded slippers, then it’s yours to take.’ Anne Golden, a veteran hotelier at Pan Pacific London, told Conde Nast Traveller: ‘It’s surprising how much you can take. Take your welcome amenities, your dry amenities; if it’s single-use, take it.’TEA AND COFFEE A nice cuppa: You might enjoy a hot beverage in your room – but you can take leftovers homeLikewise, even if you don’t drink all the tea and coffee (or eat all the biscuits), they are yours to take after your stay.Housekeepers and cleaners will restock these for future guests, so there’s no need to worry.You might notice the supplies being replenished during your visit – so enjoy as many cups of tea as you like! The items you shouldn’t takeBATHROBES A taste of luxury: While bathrobes may be a swish gift, they need to remain at the hotelJoin the discussionIs taking hotel towels or bathrobes a harmless souvenir or blatant theft?What’s your view?Bathrobes are one of the most commonly stolen items in hotels globally – and it’s easy to understand why.The luxe items elevate your experience beyond the ordinary, making you feel like you’re in a relaxing spa or getaway, rather than just a bedroom abroad. Unfortunately, these luxury items are firmly on the ‘do not steal’ list.These can easily cost up to £185 if they are branded – making it a real pain for the establishment if they need to replace them.Melanie offers some words of wisdom when it comes to deciphering which items to steal: ‘If the next guest is expected to find it waiting for them, like towels, hangers, a hairdryer or that tempting bathrobe, it should stay put. ‘Take a bathrobe home without permission and you could easily find a charge landing on your bill after check-out, depending on the hotel.’TOWELS Towel thief! The same applies for towels – they are not yours to takeIn one Europe-wide survey of hotel managers, CN Traveller reported nearly eight in ten said towels go missing from properties. Unlike toiletries, they are designed to be washed and reused, so will be noted if they go missing. Heed Melanie’s advice – and leave them alone. PILLOWS AND BED LINEN Sweet dreams: Only a few would dare to take the linen – don’t be one of them!You’d be surprised what some holidaymakers are willing to do.Nearly one in three hotel staff members reported pillows going missing, according to one study, Forbes reported.It’s an absolute no-go, though, to steal linen or pillows. Hotels are not an Ikea store. HAIRDRYER Blown away: Hairdryers should stay in the suite when you departAnne said: ‘We know the Dyson hairdryer was there when you checked in, and we know that you took the bathrobe.’Sure, in many cases hotels attach the hairdryer to the wall so you can’t run off with it.But even if it’s not stuck to the room, you’ll need to leave it behind – disappointing, yes, when your luxe hotel offers a new Dyson, but nonetheless essential. It’s not the only weird item guests have stolen that they shouldn’t – kettles, dishes and remote controls have even been reported missing from hotel rooms. These are not yours for keeping. Luxury travel adviser Duncan Greenfield-Turk added: ‘You can’t take the bathrobe, you can’t take the bed linen, you can’t take the kettle… We don’t live in a society where we walk into a supermarket and walk out and not pay for it.’ What about slippers? Subjective slippers? The debate remains unsolved…As for slippers? The jury is still out.On the one hand, many hotels technically don’t allow you to take them home – but in more luxury establishments, they are unlikely to be washed and reused, so they are fine to take.Melanie concludes: ‘If something catches your eye, it’s always worth asking. Many hotels will sell branded items if you’d like an official memento. Guests can easily upgrade their hotel stays by tapping into Hotels.com Rewards to earn £100 in Hotels.comCash after staying 10 eligible nights, a souvenir for future stays that doesn’t come with a surcharge.’ Why do people steal from hotel rooms? Melanie Fish said: ‘Our Hotels.com Hotel Etiquette report found that stealing from hotel rooms is something one in four Brits actually admit to, making it one of the most common faux pas. ‘It’s easy to see why the lines get blurred, because the freebies on offer have had a glow-up in recent years. We’re not just talking about a miniature shampoo anymore. ‘Guests are increasingly being treated to complimentary minibars, premium slippers, and more luxe vanity sets, so it’s no wonder people are tempted.’ If a hotel room is expensive, it might be an impulse to get as much as you can for your hard-earned cash. According to clinical psychologist Kate Mason: ‘Sometimes it’s just about wanting to get your money’s worth.”A robe feels like part of the experience,’ she told Conde Nast Traveller. ‘Taking it can feel more like keeping a souvenir than committing a crime.’ Plus, especially with big hotels she argues, guests might (incorrectly) assume a loss won’t make a dent – but all those stolen bathrobes add up!