Unusual Items Left in Hotel Rooms: From Lizards to Car Tires
Have you ever checked out of a hotel in a rush and left something behind? Well, you wouldn’t be the first. Forgetting items in hotels is more common than you would think, whether it’s your car keys or your phone charger. While some of the most common left items include dirty laundry, device chargers, makeup, and toiletries, there are instances where guests have left behind some truly bizarre items.
Weird and Expensive Lost Items
According to data from Hotels.com, some of the most unusual lost items in hotel rooms include a pet lizard. However, it doesn’t stop there. The list of bizarre items left behind goes on to include a Rolex watch, valued at a significant amount, and another watch with a staggering retail price of €5.7 million. Additionally, a designer Birkin bag, known for its luxury and exclusivity, was also forgotten by a guest. The average price of a Birkin bag from the brand is upwards of £20,000, making it a costly item to misplace.
Essentials and Oddities
In terms of essentials, some hotel guests have managed to forget two full-leg casts and enough dentures to fill an entire hotel. While these items may seem surprising, they are not the only oddities that have been left behind. Hotel staff have encountered cases where guests have left their pets behind, including a chick and a pet lizard. Luckily, these furry and scaly friends were returned to their owners safe and sound.
The Most Unexplainable Items
Topping the list for the most unexplainable items left in hotel rooms are a rice cooker, car tire, blender, and construction pipes. These items certainly stand out as unusual things to forget in a hotel setting. Despite the strangeness of these lost items, hotel staff have gone above and beyond to reunite guests with their possessions, showcasing exceptional customer service and dedication.
Innovative Solutions for Forgetful Guests
While forgetting items in hotels may be a common occurrence, hotels have implemented innovative solutions to assist forgetful guests. For example, the Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a soap concierge service, ensuring that guests have all their toiletry needs met during their stay. On the other hand, the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel allows travelers to browse and borrow accessories like sunglasses and handbags from retailer Anthropologie through its “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” program. These initiatives aim to make guests’ stays more convenient and enjoyable, even if they happen to leave something behind.
Extraordinary Acts of Hospitality
In some instances, hotel staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to return lost items to their rightful owners. One hotel hero drove 100 miles to return a passport, showcasing their dedication to guest satisfaction. In another heartwarming example, a staff member ran several blocks to deliver items to a guest before their cruise ship departed, ensuring that they didn’t leave empty-handed. These acts of kindness and exceptional service highlight the commitment of hotel staff to providing a memorable and positive experience for guests.
Insights from Hotels.com’s Annual Report
The newest information on forgotten items comes as part of Hotels.com’s annual Hotel Room Insights Report, which gathers stories and surprising service from over 400 partner hotels worldwide. Melanie Fish, vice president of Global Public Relations at Hotels.com, shared insights from the report, stating, “At Hotels.com, we know hotels inside and out – it’s in our name. By asking hotels to reveal the secrets behind their most memorable stays, we discovered that these ‘insights’ have actually inspired services available to guests today.”
Overall, the stories of unusual items left behind in hotel rooms serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of attentive and dedicated hotel staff. From valuable luxury items to peculiar everyday objects, guests have managed to leave behind a wide range of items, sparking both amusement and admiration from those who work in the hospitality industry. As hotels continue to innovate and provide exceptional service to guests, the likelihood of forgotten items being returned to their owners remains high, ensuring a positive and memorable experience for all.
