Tourists in Hong Kong complain about hotel toiletry charge

As part of the ban, hotels have ceased providing complimentary toiletry items such as plastic-handled toothbrushes, plastic-packaged toothpaste, bottled water, and other plastic-contained personal care products.

Some tourists have found the absence of these items to be unfriendly to them, according to The South China Morning Post.

Additionally, disparities in pricing and the provision of plastic-packed toiletries and other items have stirred frustration among some visitors.

"Hotels act as if they're environmentally friendly, but they charge for things that were originally free," said a visitor.

Another visitor asked: "Have these costs been deducted from the room price if they don't even provide toothpaste? If not, isn't it just making profits in the name of environmental protection?"

The five-star Grand Hyatt Hotel now provides glass bottles of water and wooden toothbrushes but charges HK$15 (US$2) for a 50-gram toothpaste tube. Hollywood Hotel offers fixed shower gel, shampoo, and water dispensers, but guests requiring additional toiletries must purchase a set comprising toothbrushes, a comb, razors, and shower caps for HK$40.

Some hotels have provided canned mineral water instead of bottled, and vending machines stocked with daily necessities, including travel kits of a bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste for HK$8, and female hygiene kits for HK$9, according to Dimsum Daily.