The method that hotels are starting to use to find out if you stole towels: they can charge you for it

Hotel towels are among the most common “unofficial souvenirs” taken by tourists. But what may seem like a harmless prank to some represents a significant expense for hotels.

Tired of continuous losses and the cost of replacing stolen items, many establishments have started adopting a quiet but effective solution: tracking systems for towels, bathrobes, and even bed linens.

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The new method is based on RFID tags (Radio-Frequency Identification) tiny chips invisibly sewn into the fabric. These devices, similar to those used for inventory control or anti-theft tags in retail stores, allow hotels to track whether a towel has been removed from the premises without authorization.

Sensors placed at hotel exits and laundry areas automatically detect if any tagged items are being taken off the property. Though this may seem excessive, the numbers support the move. According to hospitality industry data, textile theft accounts for a non-negligible portion of operational costs, particularly in high-volume resort hotels.

In many cases, the annual cost of replacing stolen towels and bathrobes reaches thousands of dollars. Luxury hotels and coastal resorts are the hardest hit, as their high-quality textiles are especially tempting to guests.

What happens if you take one?

While the chip doesn’t trigger an audible alarm like in stores, the system can log which room the item was assigned to and when it disappeared. This allows hotels to automatically charge the guest’s registered credit card, similar to how minibar charges are handled.

Some hotels have already implemented this system with clear language in the lodging agreement: “Any missing item that is part of the room inventory may be charged.”

Many guests realize this only after the fact, when they receive an email titled: “Did you forget something in your room?” Followed by a cheeky message: “One towel = $35.”

This tech upgrade has sparked some debate among travelers. Some see it as overkill, while others believe it’s a logical way to protect hotel assets.

“It’s like taking a lamp or a pillow. Just because it’s a towel doesn’t make it less of a theft,” says a hospitality worker.

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This isn’t a new practice, either. Major hotel chains in the U.S. and Asia have used it for years, with positive results: fewer losses, better inventory control, and lower operating costs.

One additional benefit? It avoids awkward confrontations and preserves the guest’s dignity. There’s no need for luggage checks or intrusive searches—the system works silently and discreetly.

“The goal isn’t to shame the guest, just to ensure hotel resources are used properly and that prices don’t rise because of theft,” explains one hotel manager.

This innovation is just one example of how technology is being integrated into every corner of tourism. From smart locks to occupancy sensors and climate controls, 21st-century hotels are embracing practical solutions that boost efficiency, and prevent small-scale fraud.