I’ve been in the innkeeping business for a little over 5 years now and I am still amazed at how many times something totally new and unexpected happens. Just about the time I’m sure I’ve seen everything, along comes something completely new and – dare I say it – more weird.
But, when you work with the public, that’s to be expected. People are weird. There’s no other way to say it. There is no “normal.” Every morning when I go into a recently vacated room, I take a moment to prepare myself for something weird to be on the other side of that door.
Some of you may have seen my Facebook post about a very disrespectful guest who stayed here in July. Here it is if you missed it:
“I am so freaking angry right now. I have never had this happen before as an Innkeeper. Just had some young folks check out. The young man supposedly was in the Army. Usually military folk are very very respectful. They were my only guests last night. They requested late check-out. I complied. So now I come upstairs to clean their room. And I find out that they have slept in three different beds in three different rooms and used the bathrooms in all three rooms. They paid $95 to rent one room. Now I have to clean 3. Not only that, but they left piss in the toilet. And I can’t charge their credit card, because somebody else paid for their room as a gift. Unbelievable. I’m so sick of people.”
Fortunately those guests are few and far between, but on occasion we do get an asshole.
Normally what I encounter are the usual finds, a lone sock wedged between the chair cushions, an undergarment wrapped up in the corner of a sheet, pajamas hanging on the back of the bathroom door, the phone charger still plugged into the wall, things like that.
And then there are the interesting things – things of a sexual nature. Those are always amusing and sometimes gross. One such find required a bottle of stain remover and a Magic Eraser on a dry-clean-only comforter. I’m not sure what was going on in that room but the residual was purple. Very, very purple. Lots of purple. Let your mind go crazy.
And then there are the things that make you go . . . .
Yeah. Here’s an example of the latest find:
It was between the sheets at the foot of the bed in a room with two older adults – like grandparent aged adults. I don’t even want to know.
So there you have it, more oddities from the world of innkeeping. How about you guys – ever find something interesting left behind by a previous guest in a hotel room? Ever leave something embarrassing behind in a hotel room? What do you think’s going on behind closed doors at my inn? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
And, once again, I’m sorry for any weird formatting. I’m still struggling with this new WordPress format. Nothing is where it used to be or where it should be. There are no drop down menus, everything is “hidden.” Makes for an exciting experience.
Word of the Day: Digotrophic
Fun fact about me: I spend way too much time drafting blog posts nowadays.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, September 2020. Images by Google, Pexels and giphy.com
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jansenschmidt 
Sounds like some fun times had by your guests! Especially the purple…ewwwwww. My husband can tell some good stories about when he owned a bar. Weird people get weirder when you add alcohol!
Thanks for sharing – I always enjoy your innkeeper stories! And hoping business is picking up.
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Oh my Lord – I can just about imagine what a little alcohol would do to an already oddball person. I’ll bet he has some amazing stories!
The purple stuff was weird. It was not wine. And, fortunately, it did wash out. Eventually. The trash can in that room was overflowing with very interesting things. They were a young couple so . . . .
Anyway. Never a dull moment.
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. Have a great week.
Patricia
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I’ve seen those shows where they take the ultraviolet lights into motel rooms, and then you see…things that make you realize that people are soooo gross. I’ve left clothes behind in a motel room before, but never anything embarrassing (I think). Now I’m wondering how many people who have left embarrassing items in their room have called you, asking you to send said item to them? 🙂
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Well, hopefully if someone UV’ed my rooms they wouldn’t find anything because we do a pretty thorough job cleaning, but I do know I definitely do NOT want to have some of the rooms UV’ed before the cleaning happens. Yikes!
The funny thing is, my beds are antiques and they’re rickety. And they squeak. And they have high headboards that bang against the walls. I’m not sure how many neighbors lay awake at night until all the shake, rattle and rolling stops. Thank God my room is downstairs, far away from the guest rooms.
I wonder if that’s the reason sometimes folks don’t show up for breakfast. They’re too embarrassed.
At least it gives me something fun to write about right?
As always, thank for visiting. Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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Please send the sheriff’s badge to me at PO Box 12998 New York, N.Y. Also, please check behind the headboard for handcuffs. Same PO Box. Thanks.
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Okay. They’re on their way. If you want the photos captured by the hidden camera you’ll have to send a whole bunch of money first. We’ll talk. Have your people call my people and we’ll work out an arrangement.
Always so fun to have you visit Al. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.
Patricia
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That couple are so flipping cheeky! I am glad they are in the minority but wowza!
I have a good friend who runs a B&B in York (in the UK) she told me the weirdest things she had so far was a couple having a bubble bath (in a Jacuzzi) with milk! The bought liters and liters of milk to full up her bath. She said it took hours and hours to clean because the milk got into the jaccuzzi system and blocked the tubes!
I hope the rest of your recent visitors are less mean.
p.s. Last time we went on holiday, we stayed at a B&B, mostly because I was thinking of you, so trying to give money to small businesses rather than a massive corporation.
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Milk in the jacuzzi tub? Holy smokes!! I’d have been very angry about that. Imagine the smell of souring milk in the pipes. Yuck, yuck, yuck. I guess it’s not just me who has weird guests. Good to know.
I’m glad you’ve been exploring the smaller overnight accommodations. Usually B&B’s are much for comfortable and quaint, but not always. Some are better than others.
Thanks for stopping by today and joining the conversation.
Patricia
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Patricia,
I read your posts on my phone but don’t comment because of the typos I create with my fat fingers and my thumb, I do tell myself I’ll comment when I get time on the laptop… but that time is fleeting. There are just some things in life which are better unknown. I don’t want to even begin to imagine what happens behind those closed doors at the Baer House or any house for that matter. I know that we all are very different and that’s okay. It’s Friday and the last day of the week and my last day of looking at a screen from 8 until 3. My daughter’s school district announced they are going back to school (in-person) and my school district is leaning that way. Stay well and be happy. Peace.
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No worries Clay. Life happens and we can’t always follow through with our best intentions. I’m glad you’re here now. Always good to see you.
Yes, having everyone be different certainly makes life interesting. And, it makes for good blog fodder. I just don’t like having to clean up the aftermath of some of the odder guests. But, that comes with the territory.
I’m actually glad to see kids going back to school. I believe kids need interaction with people their own age. It helps them learn coping skills, proper socialization skills, other life skills that can’t be “taught” but must be learned by experience. Keep your chin up. I know you’ll adapt and prosper in whatever teaching situation you find yourself in. You’re cool that way.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Patricia
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Thank you for making my day and giving me a little boost to me step.
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