
Our Blog
All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Can You Take Home The Bible from Your Hotel Room?
Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onAugust 31, 2021 in Best Western Siesta Key, Fun Facts, General.

From the mini shampoos and conditioners to the unopened tea bags, there are a few things in hotel rooms that you can take with you and keep a clear conscience. However, one item often remains in a gray area of whether it is up for grabs and meant to be removed from your hotel room. With the unwritten rules of hotel room etiquette, how is one to know if The Bible found in their nightstand drawer is there for the taking? Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are answering this age-old question and providing a little background on why Bibles are in your hotel room in the first place.
Why Are Bibles Found in Hotel Rooms?
The Bibles found in hotel rooms all around the world were more than likely supplied for free by the international Evangelical organization called The Gideons. The intent of The Gideon Bible is not to convert hotel guests, but rather to provide comfort to travelers who find themselves a long way from home. The first Bible to find its home in a hotel room in 1899 was intended to bring peace and solace to weary traveling salesmen. Since then, over 2 billion Bibles have been distributed to hotels and venues.
Is Taking a Bible from a Hotel Considered “Stealing?”
If you were to take The Bible with you or remove it from the hotel room, The Gideons would not accuse you of stealing it. Some believe that The Gideons actually want you to take these Bibles, perhaps in hopes of spreading the Good Word. However, your hotel staff may disagree. Removing The Bible from its place in a hotel room is not actually supporting the reason it was put there in the first place, as they are intended for the next guest to read and so on.
The Gideons are always in constant contact with their local hotels to ensure a Bible remains in every room. They often find themselves replacing Bibles that go missing from rooms and never charge the hotel for these replacements. So, whether you feel the need to read The Bible in private, bring it with you during your travels to keep faith close, or add it to your personal book collection, rest assured The Gideons are not calling this a sin.
What Can You Do If You Want to Take the Bible Out of Your Hotel Room?
The intent of The Gideon Bible is to have every hotel room equipped with one so that incoming guests and travelers can take a moment to read, reflect, find comfort, and maybe even take an interest in the Christian faith. If the reader has any questions, expresses an interest, or would like their own copy of The Bible, they are encouraged to call the phone number found printed on the cover. The Gideons will be more than happy to talk and/or supply Bibles to those who reach out.
If you find yourself staying with us here at Best Western Siesta Key, you can visit the front desk to ask us more information regarding The Bible in your hotel room. We can also clear up any confusion about whether this is a complimentary gift or how you can obtain your own free copy.
Categories
- Aquarium
- Beach
- Best Western Siesta Key
- Boating
- Botanical Gardens
- Circus
- Dining
- Dog Beaches
- Dog Parks
- Dog-Friendly
- Dolphin Sightings
- Downtown Sarasota
- Events
- Fishing
- Florida Nature Trails
- Food
- Fun Facts
- Fun for Kids
- General
- Golfing
- Gulf Gate
- Gulf of Mexico
- Historic Sarasota
- Hotels
- Kayaking
- Longboat Key
- Marine Wildlife
- News
- Nightlife
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Relaxation
- Sarasota
- Sarasota Bikes
- Sarasota Dog Beaches
- Sarasota Dog Parks
- Sarasota Hiking
- Sarasota Museums
- Sarasota Restaurants
- Sarasota Wildlife
- Shopping
- Siesta Key
- Siesta Key Beach
- Siesta Key Coffee Shops
- Siesta Key Restaurants
- St. Armands Circle
- The Beach
- Things To Do
- Transportation
- Travel Tips
- Water Activities
- Water Events
- Water Sports
- White Quartz Sand
Archives
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- August 2018
- May 2018
- January 2018
- August 2017
- July 2017
- April 2017
- September 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016