Unusual room service requests, priceless lost items, and unique hotel amenities are redefining expectations for travelers. The Hotels.com Annual Hotel Room Innsights Report* sheds light on these surprising trends from over 400 hotels worldwide, showcasing what guests really desire when they travel.
Unexpected Departures: Bizarre Lost Items
Among the most common forgotten items like chargers and toiletries, this year’s report highlights some remarkable and bizarre findings:
- The most valuable items left behind include a Rolex watch, a Birkin bag, and a staggering $8.5 million timepiece.
- Animal antics were not spared, with a pet lizard and a chick among the peculiar lost-and-found entries.
- Even the essentials took a turn for the strange, as two guests mistakenly departed without leg casts and an unusual collection of dentures.
- In a category of their own, forgotten items like a rice cooker, a car tire, a blender, and even construction pipes raised eyebrows.
To assist travelers, hotels are adapting their lost-and-found strategies. The Viceroy Riviera Maya and Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel offer unique services that allow guests to forget their toiletries and borrow essential items like handbags and sunglasses.
Room Service Evolution: Off-the-Wall Requests
Today’s travelers are pushing the boundaries of what’s requested through room service. Some highlights from the most peculiar orders include:
- A bathtub filled with Evian water for luxurious soaking.
- A custom allergen menu created specifically for a guest’s pet.
- Simple yet bizarre requests, like burnt toast or caviar hot dogs.
- Fresh goat milk and two kilograms of bananas also made the list.
Hotels are responding creatively. For instance, W Osaka has introduced a ‘Whatever/Whenever’ button that allows guests to order anything at any time. Meanwhile, Hospes Maricel & Spa in Palma de Mallorca offers Beauty Room Service, enabling guests to indulge in facials and high-tech beauty treatments right from their rooms.
Hidden Hotel Perks: Your Unexpected Extras
Beyond typical amenities, many hotels offer unique perks that enhance guest experiences:
- At Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main, guests can enjoy tranquil walks through a historic 400-year-old Japanese garden.
- The Four Seasons Hotel Austin provides a guitar concierge service for music lovers eager to strum premium instruments.
- Dog owners will appreciate the Pampered Pooch Package at Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria, which includes dog beds and treats.
- Savour exceptional wine-tasting experiences at Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa’s exclusive cellar.
- The Four Seasons Toronto has ensured kids can have fun with video game consoles and a selection of in-room movies with popcorn.
According to Melanie Fish, VP of Global Public Relations at Hotels.com, “These ‘innsights’ not only shed light on memorable stays but also inspire new services that cater to evolving traveler demands.” With trends like guitar concierges and pet healers emerging, hotels are becoming more attuned to the wants and needs of their guests, making for ever-unique and memorable stays.
As hospitality evolves, these findings from the Hotels.com report illuminate how hotels are enhancing their guest experiences through unique services, creative requests, and hidden perks, ensuring that every stay is both memorable and delightful.
