In the context of travel and hospitality in 2026, standard toiletries are generally NOT considered incidentals; they are classified as complimentary amenities. Items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body lotion are built into the cost of the room and are provided for guest use at no extra charge. "Incidentals," on the other hand, refer to discretionary charges that are billed to your room based on usage, such as minibar snacks, room service, laundry services, or pay-per-view movies. However, there is a nuance: if you request "extra" premium items that are not part of the standard room setup—such as a high-end shaving kit, a dental kit, or designer cosmetics from the hotel's boutique—these may be charged to your account and would then fall under incidentals. Additionally, many hotels in 2026 have moved toward bulk dispensers to reduce plastic waste; in these cases, the toiletries remain a free amenity, but the hotel may charge an "incidental" fee if the large bottles are stolen or damaged. When checking in, the "incidental hold" on your credit card is designed to cover these potential extra costs, not the basic soap and shampoo.