Room service requests for a bathtub full of Evian water and a caviar hot dog, lost items that include an USD$8.5 million watch and a pet lizard, and hotels that employ pet healers.
Hotels.com has released its annual Hotel Room Innsights Report* uncovering surprising services and stories from more than 400 partner hotels worldwide. This year’s report reveals the astonishing items left behind by guests, the wildest room service orders, hidden hotel perks and ‘out of this world’ requests.
“By asking hotels to reveal the secrets behind their most memorable stays, we discovered that these “innsights” have actually inspired services available to guests today,” said Melanie Fish, vice president of Global Public Relations at Hotels.com. “From guitar concierges to pet healers, hotels are catering to travellers’ unique demands, which may well become the norm.”
Lost and found – when leaving the trip is hard, but leaving belongings is easy
The report shows that dirty laundry, device chargers, makeup, and toiletries are the most common forgotten items, but this year’s insights reveal a new list of forgotten items that is not for the faint-hearted.
- The priciest: Hotel staff found a Rolex, Birkin bag, and an $8.5 CAD million watch.
- Pet peeves: A chick and pet lizard were found (and returned) after their owners checked out.
- Essentials only: Guests forgot two full-leg casts and enough dentures to fill a whole hotel.
- The unexplainable: Items include a rice cooker, car tire, blender and construction pipes.
Thankfully, hotels are adapting to help forgetful guests. At Viceroy Riviera Maya, guests can leave their own toiletries at home and take advantage of the soap concierge. The Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel allows travellers to browse and borrow accessories like sunglasses and handbags from retailer Anthropologie through its “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” program.
Hotel staff have gone to extreme lengths to reunite guests with their possessions. One hotel hero drove 100 miles to return a passport, another ran several blocks to deliver items before a cruise ship departed, and another travelled four hours to return a forgotten suitcase.
Room Service – when guests turn ordering off-menu into an artform
Gone are the days of ordering a classic club sandwich to the room. For the second year in a row, Hotels.com has revealed the most peculiar room service orders and services. The most head-scratching requests include:
- An Evian-filled bathtub so a child can bathe in the purest water
- Customised allergen menu for their pet, i.e. gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.
- Burnt toast
- A caviar hot dog
- Fresh goat milk
- 2kg of bananas
Hotels are adapting to these increasingly odd room service requests, with W Osaka installing a ‘Whatever/Whenever’ button for guests to order anything, anytime. At the Hospes Maricel & Spa, Palma de Mallorca, guests can order Beauty Room Service, including facials and high-tech beauty treatments.
Hidden hotel perks – the perks you never knew you needed
Hotels.com highlights premium hotel benefits you never knew existed and how to make the most of your stay.
- Stroll through a 400-year-old Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main.
- The Four Seasons Hotel Austin provides an in-room guitar concierge for guests who want to strum on a premium guitar.
- The Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria offers a Pampered Pooch Package, including a doggy bed, treats, water bowls, and more.
- Savour a personalized wine-tasting experience in the cellar of Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa.
- The Four Seasons Toronto offers video game consoles, board games, and a selection of in-room movies with popcorn for kids.
