Why Do Hotels Usually Provide Pencils Instead of Pens?

The hotel room desk or bedside table is often adorned with a notepad and pencil, a humble yet essential offering. This simple stationery set is a thoughtful touch, providing guests with a space to jot down their thoughts, ideas, or even a quick note to the staff. It's a subtle invitation to write, to express, and to connect - a blank canvas awaiting the guest's unique imprint.

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According to the hospitality industry website, Hoteljob, one of the criteria for a hotel to gain recognition and star ratings is to provide certain amenities in their guest rooms, including notepads and pencils.


Hotel rooms typically provide notepads and pencils for guests. Source: Hoteljob

The purpose of providing notepads and pencils is to allow guests to jot down necessary information or use them for drawing, especially if they have children. However, one interesting detail that often goes unnoticed is that hotels tend to favor pencils over pens.

Industry experts attribute this preference to several key reasons:

Safety: Pens with sharp tips can potentially become dangerous weapons in the event of disputes or scuffles among guests. Pencils, with their blunt ends, help mitigate such risks.

Hygiene and Cleanliness:

Pencils marks are easier to clean than pen stains. Source: Hoteljob

Children often use the provided writing utensils to draw on various surfaces in the room. As most hotels use white bedding, having pencils can minimize the impact of such artistic endeavors and make cleaning easier.

Reduced “Theft”:

Pens are often pocketed by guests. Illustration: Picasso Pen

Guests often unintentionally “take” pens with them after their stay, as they tend to put them in their pockets. Pencils, without the typical clip mechanism, are less likely to be taken, reducing operational costs for the hotel.

Source: VNN

Frequently asked questions

Hotels usually provide pencils instead of pens for a few reasons. Firstly, pencils leave a lighter mark and are less likely to stain or damage hotel stationery. Secondly, pencils have a longer writing life than pens and are less likely to run out of ink, ensuring they can be used by multiple guests. Additionally, pencils are cheaper to replace than pens, making them a cost-effective option for hotels.

Yes, another reason hotels prefer pencils is because they are quieter to use than pens, which is advantageous in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for guests. Furthermore, pencils are less likely to roll off surfaces and can be easily customized with the hotel’s logo or name, making them a subtle marketing tool.

Guests are usually allowed to take the pencils provided by hotels as souvenirs or for personal use. Hotels often consider pencils as part of their complimentary amenities, and they are replaced regularly to ensure a fresh and positive guest experience.