Say Goodbye to These New York Hotel Items in 2025

A new law is going into effect in New York State in 2025, and hotel rooms will never look the same again.

The last decade has already seen some major changes at hotels and motels across the country. The practice of only washing towels that are left on the bathroom floor, for example, was one step the businesses took in an attempt to lower their water consumption and carbon footprint (as well as save money on utility bills). The new law has a similar angle.

New Law Affecting Hotels in New York State

The new law is part of a broader plan by New York State called "Waste Reduction and Recycling for Businesses". While there are laws relating to everything from battery recycling to food donations, the legislation affecting hotels is centered around something smaller: personal care bottles.

Ban of Small Plastic Personal Care Bottles in New York Hotel Rooms

Beginning on January 1st 2025, hotels will be banned from using small plastic personal care bottles, which typically contain lotion, shampoo, or conditioner, in guest rooms. The legislation will affect hotels with 50 or more rooms, and a similar law targeting smaller hotels will begin in 2026.

The law, titled Small Plastic Bottle Hospitality Personal Care Product Restrictions, defines small bottles as "a plastic container with less than a twelve ounce capacity that is intended to be non-reusable by the end user". As there is no defined grace period, it may also leave many businesses with excess product.

Read More: Massive Snail Species That Carries Meningitis Found in New York 

Hotels with excess personal care items will not be permitted to continue leaving them in guest rooms in 2025, with New York State suggesting that the businesses either donate the products to local organizations or attempt to recycle them. The law will also mark the end of a storied hotel tradition.

Read More: New Yorkers, Don't Leave These Items Unattended in Your Backyard

Nearly everyone in New York has at least one relative who leaves hotel rooms with more than they came with, including extra shampoo bottles that "accidentally" made it off the housekeeping carts and into their luggage. These "souvenir hunters" will have to travel to other states if they want to continue their collection.

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With the continued rise in popularity of the Hudson Valley, out-of-state visitors may have a tough time acclimating to the new policy. Luckily, there are lodging options other than traditional hotels. Take a look at some of the most fascinating local Airbnbs below.