Getting something back usually has two separate steps: first, the hotel needs to find it. Then you need to work out how to collect or return it.
Give the hotel enough information to search
Tell the hotel:
- your name
- your room number, if you remember it
- your stay dates
- what you left behind
- where you think you left it
- when you last saw it
Be specific about the item.
Instead of just saying “headphones,” for example, include the brand, colour, case or anything else that could help staff identify them.
You can send:
您好，我退房后发现可能有东西落在房间里。可以帮我查一下失物招领吗？
Hello, I realized after checking out that I may have left something in my room. Could you please check lost and found for me?
Wait until the hotel confirms whether it was found
The hotel may need to check with housekeeping or another department.
Don’t arrange a courier or ask someone to travel to the hotel until the hotel confirms that it has the item.
If they find it, ask them to confirm enough details that you are reasonably sure it is yours.
If they don’t find it immediately, you can ask whether they can check again after housekeeping or the relevant staff have been contacted.
If the hotel found it, ask what return options they allow
The practical options may include:
- keeping it at the hotel until you return
- allowing a friend or someone you authorize to collect it
- sending it by courier or another delivery method
What the hotel can do depends on that property.
Some hotels can arrange shipping. Others may only hold the item for collection or require a different arrangement.
Ask before arranging anything yourself.
If someone else will collect it
Ask the hotel what they need before releasing the item.
They may want information about the person collecting it or some form of authorization.
Do not send unnecessary passport copies, passwords, verification codes or other sensitive information unless there is a clear reason and you understand who is requesting it.
If the item needs to be shipped
Confirm with the hotel:
- whether they can pack it
- whether they can arrange shipping
- where they can send it
- what information they need from you
- who needs to pay the shipping cost
Do not assume the hotel will pay to return the item.
If payment is required, use the payment method agreed directly with the hotel or delivery provider.
Don’t wait too long
Hotels do not all keep lost property for the same amount of time.
The retention period can also depend on what the item is.
If you think you left something behind, contact the hotel as soon as possible rather than assuming it will still be there weeks or months later.