Do you leave things in hotel room after departure for the maids to take if they want them?

This is such a weird thing to do.

If it's used, bin it. If it's not used, take it with you or assume it will end up in the bin.

It really depends on the country. I would leave a monetary tip when in europe (and also elsewhere) but in India for example they are particularly keen for you to leave anything you don't want to take home. The tour guides are usually very good at politely mentioning this and the types of things that are appreciated. Books, pens, toiletries, trainers/sandals you might be finished with etc. If you aren't sure then you can ask at reception if they have anywhere to leave any items that would appreciated and they will usually be happy to let you know.

Shampoo in a half used bottle or half of packet of sanitary products hasn’t actually been used though. What are you afraid is going to happen if you use them?

I've never heard of this, but I can't see what's"skanky" about using sanpro from an opened pack or finishing up a bottle of shampoo.

That's the thing - Those items were UNOPENED. Who on earth wants someone's skanky half used leftover sanitary products and toiletries

Sanitary products are either used or not. If they're unused and in individual wrapping, why wouldn't you use it? As for half used toiletries, unless there's a hygiene issue like a roll on deodorant I don't get it. A relative of mine gave me a half used shampoo and conditioner she had....she didn't want it anymore. That's not skanky.

And for those thinking no one wants a half open packet of sanpro, I use local hand me on sites and half open packets of post partum pads are regularly given away. What a waste otherwise to throw it away. It’s easy to say bin it if it’s cheap available to you, but it’s not the case for everyone.

Why are they skanky? What do you think they are leaving ?

If my point appears Made weakly, let me be clear. You’re patrionnising,preachy and ill informed
planet isn’t fucked because of some discarded shampoo, but you already know this and are making a chiding remark to demonstrate your self perceived moral superiority. So, we are both clear I’m challenging that premise

Marie Antoinette definitely didn’t say let em eat cake
You are conflating unrelated issues, hope that helps

Just remembered as well we went on a holiday once where in the reception there was a box where guests could leave things they didn't want to take home for others guests to take...things like mosquito spray, suncream, bottles of shampoo, inflatables for the pool. I thought it was a great idea and left some bits.

That's the thing - Those items were UNOPENED. Who on earth wants someone's skanky half used leftover sanitary products and toiletries?

Grim. 💀

I would imagine a lot of hotels have policies on this where they are not allowed to take things and could get accused of stealing…

I also used to leave the equivalent of a few quid for the cleaners when leaving but in recent years when I rarely use cash I've not had the opportunity for this.

Regarding leaving 'stuff', are cleaners allowed just to take what's been left? Even if it's only a half used bottle of Pantene, isn't there a chance the guest might call the hotel and ask for it? I would think many hotels have a policy that cleaners have to give any left behind items to management?

You’re describing specific targeted redistribution and travelling with items that are wanted and needed. It’s incomparable to discarded used beauty products

LOL no of course not!

🙄 at the money-ed posters saying no one wants it and to bin them.

Some countries reliant on tourism have really suffered since Covid. We visited Cambodia two years ago and what I heard repeatedly was that everyone was still really struggling and desperate for money from the lack of tourists. (Hopefully improved now.)

This

We got friendly with receptionist in our hotel in Madeira and she was more than grateful for items both opened and unopened we also bought her some chocolates as a thank you for her help.

The attitude to resources is the driver, everything else stems from that.

"As you were" is a weak valedictory flourish at the best of times, but especially so when all you've done on this thread is prove my point.

My sister does this to save luggage space on the way home! I don’t, because I like to keep my toiletries!

I follow a Facebook page in an upmarket resort in Turkey. Someone has posted this very day, asking if anyone is going home and leaving aftersun as they’ve ran out and don’t want to buy a fresh one, with only a few days left.
I prefer to think this is resourceful and not wasteful, rather than disgusting!

Last holiday I had a small bit of perfume left in the bottle which wasn't worth taking home so left it on the hotel room table in case the maid wanted it.

Fossil fuel,Over industrialisation,pollution,over use chemicals are significant environmental issues. Discarded shampoo isn’t really the driver.There isn’t a lake of shampoo threatening the environment located around resorts and hotels

ps Marie Antoinette let them eat cake isn’t appropriate comparison ,it is a misattributed misquote and she didn’t actually say it.

as you were

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that it’s in lieu of a tip! I’ve done this as well as, not instead of.

We always leave our coins

But both those are developing countries, with a clearly culturally-aware person working there, who knew what would be needed and welcome. Not someone in a Costa Brava resort under the impression that the 'maid' will be thrilled to be left a half-used moisturiser. Two completely different situations.