Nickers Down Under
I suppose we’ve all been guilty of lifting some little thing from our hotel room – a pen, a pair of slippers, the copy of Vogue stamped ‘do not remove’ …
But according to the Australian Hotel Association (AHA), millions of dollars are lost in the industry every year because of theft. Little items like the above are overlooked, but it seems that some guests are tempted to take everything that is, or isn’t, nailed down.
In Australia, that’s included a toilet flushing mechanism, a TV set with base, and a giant metal statue of a kangaroo.
They’re apparently known in the business as ‘five-fingered discounts’. Men and women are equally guilty, although obviously their needs differ. Women are more likely to pouch designer toiletries and towels. Men are tempted by bottle openers, shoe shine kits, glasses and items from the mini bar.
Inappropriate souvenir-taking can mean hefty fines and even jail. “Major international hotels within Australia do not turn a blind eye to anything that is unlawfully taken from hotel rooms,” says the AHA. “Most, if not all, have a zero tolerance policy on this issue.”
by Andy Moreton
Luxique offers the best in luxury hotels in Australia – so chic you’ll wish you could take the entire room back with you.
I can see this happening in just about any country.
Pingback by Hotels4Me — January 15, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Nice info. I think I’ll skip Australia on my world tour.
Pingback by Vipul Ved Prakash — January 16, 2010 @ 9:44 am
From the title, I thought this article was going to be a little dirty. Anyway, it was good read.
Pingback by Angelic Elizabeth — January 18, 2010 @ 6:26 am
I like the do not disturb signs. This could be a good be a good hobby. I wonder what others think?
Pingback by Ismael R — January 20, 2010 @ 10:07 pm