From $6 million watches to caviar hotdogs, chances are the hotel at hand at has seen it all. But hotel services can vary from the innocuous to the sublime. In a world where hotel stays often blur into a predictable routine of check-ins, room service, and check-outs, this survey by Hotels.com offers some “innsights” that throw open the doors to a surprising and often downright bizarre world lurking behind the do-not-disturb placard.
Hotel Services Lost and Found
Forget misplaced toothbrushes and phone chargers; this report dives deep into the truly astonishing items guests leave behind. While dirty laundry, device chargers, and makeup and toiletries remain common culprits, the ‘lost and found’ boxes of the world now house tales of forgotten luxury, bewildering essentials, and the downright unexplainable.
+ Luxury Left Behind: A $6 million watch, a Birkin bag, and a Rolex are among the high-priced treasures that somehow slipped guests’ minds.
+ Pet Predicaments: It seems some guests have trouble parting with their animal companions, as a chick and a pet lizard were among the live creatures left behind.
+ The Essentials (and Then Some): Two full-leg casts and enough dentures to fill an entire hotel suggest that some guests take the concept of ‘traveling light’ to a whole new level.
+ The Unexplainable: From rice cookers and blenders to a car tire and construction pipes, some items defy all logic when it comes to their abandonment in hotel rooms.
But fear not, forgetful travelers! Hotels are rising to the occasion. The Viceroy Riviera Maya now offers a ‘soap concierge,’ allowing guests to ditch their toiletries and travel even lighter. And if one does not need of sunglasses or a handbag, the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel’s partnership with Anthropologie has guests covered through its “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” program.
The report also highlights the lengths some hotel staff go to reunite guests with their possessions. One dedicated employee drove 100 miles to return a passport, another sprinted several blocks to catch a departing cruise ship with forgotten items. And in a heartwarming gesture, a hotel worker replaced a young traveler’s lost teddy bear and even penned a book detailing its adventures.
Hotel Room Service: Culinary Curiosities
Forget the predictable club sandwich; today’s room service requests are a testament to the boundless creativity of hotel guests.
+ Evian Extravagance: One guest requested an entire bathtub filled with Evian water, ensuring their child bathed in nothing but the purest hydration.
+ Pampered Pets: Another guest sought a customized, allergen-free menu for their furry companion, proving that even pets deserve the VIP treatment.
+ The Simple (and Strange) Pleasures: Burnt toast, a caviar hot dog, fresh goat milk, and a whopping 2kg (approximately 4.4 lbs) of bananas round out the list of peculiar requests.
+ Human Connection: One guest’s request for a high-five from a staff member to confirm their order was read adds a touch of heartwarming whimsy to the mix.
Hotels are stepping up their game to cater to these unique demands. W Osaka now features a ‘Whatever/Whenever’ button, granting guests 24/7 access to their every whim. Meanwhile, the Hospes Maricel & Spa in Palma de Mallorca offers ‘Beauty Room Service,’ bringing facials and high-tech treatments right to your room.
Hotel Services and Hidden Perks
Beyond the standard amenities, Hotels.com’s report reveals a treasure trove of hidden perks that can elevate a stay from ordinary to extraordinary.
+ Serenity in the City: Stroll through a 400-year-old Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main.
+ Musical Musings: The Four Seasons Hotel Austin provides an in-room guitar concierge, ensuring your musical aspirations are met with premium instruments.
+ Pet Paradise: The Sentinel Hotel in Portland caters to Very Important Pets with top-notch groomers and even a pet acupuncturist.
+ Cultural Immersion: Take a private guided tour of the British Museum, courtesy of The Montague on the Gardens in London.
+ Oenophile’s Delight: Indulge in a personalized wine tasting experience in the cellar of Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa.
+ Family Fun: The Four Seasons Toronto offers video game consoles, board games, and a selection of in-room movies with popcorn to keep the kids entertained
The report also offers insider tips for maximizing your room experience. Consider requesting a smoking room for a potential balcony or opt for a higher floor for increased space and tranquility.
Hotel Amenities: Embrace the Unexpected
Hotels.com’s Hotel Room Innsights Report reminds us that behind the polished facade of every hotel lies a world of surprising stories and unique hotel services. Whether it is a pet healer, a guitar concierge, or simply a bathtub filled with Evian that is needed a hotel concierge is waiting for the challenge. Ordinary? Bah!
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