“Are You New?”: The Relentless Reality of Rude Hotel Guests (and How Staff Survive)
If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know the secret: hotels aren’t just places for weary travelers to rest their heads. Oh no, they’re stages for human drama, ego clashes, and the occasional canine comfort crusade. The front desk? That’s the front row seat to it all.
But nothing quite prepares you for your first run-in with the “regular.” You know the type—the person who’s been doing things their way since before you were born, and who thinks your entire existence is a personal inconvenience. Just ask u/urban_mango, whose recent Reddit tale from the front desk (and the parking lot) is so painfully relatable, it’ll make every hotel worker nod, sigh, and maybe even laugh.
The “Not-a-Parking-Spot” Standoff
Setting: A charming hotel with a gravel-and-dirt parking lot, where the only thing bumpier than the ground is the guest’s attitude. Our hero, a few weeks into their new role, spots an older couple parking in a prime “not-a-parking-spot”—right at the entrance, under a tree that’s lost all its leaves for the winter and, presumably, all its reasons to be coveted.
With the calm professionalism of someone still clinging to hope, our front desk newbie approaches: “Hello, I’m not sure if you’re aware but that spot isn’t a parking space. Would you mind maybe moving your car to the car park so no one damages your vehicle and for the convenience of other guests using it?”
Now, if this were a feel-good movie, the couple would apologize, thank our protagonist for their thoughtfulness, move the car, and maybe tip generously. But this is real life, and in the hospitality world, reality often has fewer happy endings and more grumpy regulars.
The Regular’s Rally Cry: “I’ve Been Coming Here For Years!”
Cue the indignant huffing. The gentleman launches into a monologue about his years of patronage, his dog’s desperate need for that exact parking spot (because, of course, the tree—now leafless—offers some mystical protection), and how moving his car would be an act of canine cruelty.
To top it off, he brandishes the classic insult: “silly girl.” His wife, not to be outdone, leans in with the dagger: “Are you new?” Upon confirmation, she delivers the coup de grâce: “That explains it.” Ouch.
Our front desk hero, sensing the futility of the fight, retreats with grace: “Okay, no problem, enjoy your lunch.” (Translation: “I hope you step in a puddle, but enjoy your lunch.”)
Why Do Guests Behave This Way?
If you’ve never worked in hospitality, you might wonder: why do people act like this? Why do some guests treat staff like obstacles rather than humans? It’s a cocktail of entitlement, routine, and the unfortunate illusion that “the customer is always right” means “the customer is always the boss.”
Regulars, especially, can feel a sense of ownership over “their” hotel. They know the quirks. They have their favorite table, their preferred room, their sacred parking spot under the world’s saddest tree. Any disruption to the status quo—especially by someone new—can feel like a personal affront.
And let’s not forget the power dynamics. In hospitality, staff are trained to be accommodating, polite, and, if possible, invisible. Some guests interpret this deference as an invitation to be dismissive or even condescending. (Spoiler: it’s not.)
The Toll on Staff: Why Burnout Is Real
For workers like u/urban_mango, this isn’t just a one-off annoyance. It’s an emotional paper cut that, repeated daily, can lead to real burnout. When every polite request is met with hostility, and management seems more eager to keep regulars happy than to support their team, it’s only natural to question if the job is worth it.
The truth is, frontline staff are the backbone of the hospitality industry. They’re problem solvers, therapists, and peacekeepers—all on minimum wage and caffeine. Every “silly girl” or “are you new?” chips away at morale.
Surviving (and Thriving) in the Service Jungle
So, what’s a front desk hero to do? Here are a few hard-won tips from the trenches:
- Pick Your Battles: Sometimes, you let the couple park under the naked tree. Sometimes, you stand your ground.
- Set Boundaries: Politeness is key, but don’t let guests trample your dignity.
- Find Your Allies: Fellow staff who “get it” can make all the difference.
- Self-Care Is Not Optional: Take a breath, take a walk, and remember: their rudeness says more about them than you.
The Bottom Line
To every hospitality worker reading this: You’re not alone. For every rude regular, there are five guests who appreciate your effort (even if they don’t say it). And for every “Are you new?”, there’s a fresh story to tell—maybe even one that’ll go viral on Reddit.
Have you ever faced a hotel guest from hell? Or are you a “regular” with a parking spot of your own? Share your stories in the comments—we’re all in this hospitality circus together!
Original Reddit Post: Tired of rude clients after 3 weeks back in hotel work