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The surprising items left behind in hotel rooms around the world, from Rolex to pet lizard

Sep 11, 2024

#legend uncovers the astonishing items left behind by guests and wild room service orders, according to Hotel.com's latest report. Notable findings include a HK$49.2 million watch and a pet lizard

Hotels.com's Hotel Room Innsights Report reveals a fascinating glimpse into the peculiar world of hotel stays.

The priciest possessions

Hotel staff have discovered some truly jaw-dropping items left behind by guests. Among the most notable are a Rolex, a Birkin bag, and an astonishing HK$49.2 million watch. Such high-end accessories stand in stark contrast to the more common forgotten items, which typically include dirty laundry, device chargers and toiletries.

Pets and other peculiarities

Notably, the report also mentions a chick and a pet lizard that were found and returned to their owners after checkout. This raises questions about how such creatures could be overlooked during the packing process.

In addition to these unusual pets, guests have forgotten some rather strange essentials, including two full-leg casts and enough dentures to fill an entire hotel. Even more perplexing are items like a rice cooker, a car tyre, a blender and construction pipes. 

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Reuniting guests with their belongings

Hotels are increasingly adapting to assist forgetful guests. For instance, the Viceroy Riviera Maya features a soap concierge, allowing guests to leave their toiletries at home. Meanwhile, the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel offers a “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” programme, enabling travellers to browse and borrow accessories like sunglasses and handbags from Anthropologie.

Despite efforts such as ‘lost and found’ boxes, some hotel staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to reunite guests with their possessions. One dedicated staff member drove 160 km to return a passport, while another ran several blocks to deliver items before a cruise ship departed. In another instance, a hotel employee travelled four hours to return a forgotten suitcase.

Also see: Beyond the Concierge: The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and more offer Experience Connoisseurs

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