New Law Makes Massive Change To Hotels In New York

A new law that will take effect in 2025 will be a major change for travelers who stay at hotels in New York. A new year means new laws take effect. People who travel to or in New York will be hit with a major change thanks to one of those new laws.

According to the New York State Tourism Industry Association, 306.3 million people visited New York State, the most in the history of the state. Tourism in 2023 resulted in "$88 billion in direct spending and $137 billion in total economic impact."

Tourists, business people, and other guests who visit smaller hotels in 2025 may have to bring their own toiletries. As of January 1, 2024, New York State made it illegal for bigger hotels to provide guests with small toiletry bottles, such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

As a frequent traveler, I know those small bottles certainly come in handy if you forget to pack something. I can't lie, even if I don't use them during that trip, I will often take them with me to pack for another trip, especially if they are a good brand.

This year, hotels with more than 50 rooms were banned from providing guests with those small plastic bottles of products. In 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S543/A5082 into law, making it illegal for larger hotels to offer them. It can get pretty expensive for any hotel that is caught violating the law. After getting a warning for the first incident, the hotel will be subject to a civil penalty of $250. The fine goes up to $500 for every violation after the first in the same calendar year.

Smaller Hotels In NY Cannot Provide Small Bottles Of Toiletries

Starting January 1, 2025, smaller hotels will be subject to the same law. Hotels with less than 50 rooms will be prohibited from providing guests with any products in small bottles, 12 ounces or less that are not intended for reuse. The law doesn't specify Airbnb, so it's unclear if they will be banned from providing small bottles of toiletries to guests.

If you plan on traveling within the state in 2025, be sure to pack your own toiletries and not rely on the hotel to provide them. Some hotels may provide larger bottles that are fixed in the shower, but I wouldn't count on that. While it may not be convenient, I do appreciate New York State's environmental efforts.

Get our free mobile app