Bad Reviews, Worse Managers: A Front Desk Tale of Customer Complaints and Slippery Supervisors
If you’ve ever worked at a hotel front desk, you know the job comes with plenty of headaches: malfunctioning elevators, grumpy guests, and, of course, “that one manager” who makes you question your career choices. But what happens when all those things collide? Grab your popcorn, because today’s story from Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk serves up all the drama—plus a generous helping of workplace tea.
Our storyteller, u/ManagerNotOnDuty, brings us into the chaos of their first negative review, a hilariously incompetent supervisor, and the kind of romantic misadventures that could only happen in hospitality. Let’s unpack this unforgettable account, explore why the front desk world is never boring, and see what the internet had to say about it all.
When Reviews Go Bad (And Management Goes Worse)
So, picture this: It’s early morning at a hotel best described as... “aspirational.” The elevators barely work, the food is just north of edible, and the front desk staff (unfairly) have a reputation for being less than sunshine-y. Into this scene walks a guest in a hurry, asking the rookie front desk agent (our OP) to switch the credit cards on file. Not knowing how, OP tries to call a coworker for help. Nine seconds later, the impatient guest bails. Later, a negative review appears. Cue: the wrath of management.
You’d think that, with all the hotel’s other problems, one slightly delayed card switch wouldn’t be the end of the world. But here, a bad review meant a stern “talking to”—and so OP finds themselves summoned by Derek, the assistant general manager, for a classic blame session. Apparently, being put on the AM shift after just three weeks means you should be an expert at everything. (Quick tip: If your workplace’s reviews are already in the gutter, maybe don’t pin your hopes on the new hire.)
As u/RedDazzlr so succinctly put it in the comments, “Sounds to me like he's a shitty human.” To which OP replied, “Bingo.” Sometimes the simplest comments say it all.
Meet Derek: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Headaches)
Derek, our star AGM, isn’t just tough on reviews—he’s also, let’s say, “flexible” with workplace boundaries. OP describes a long-standing friction with him, a series of minor run-ins that add up to major resentment. But it’s when the story shifts to Derek’s extracurricular activities that things really get juicy.
Enter Stephanie, a new hire recommended by Cassie (another coworker). Stephanie isn’t exactly a front desk prodigy, but she sticks around long enough for Cassie to share some “interesting” messages between her and Derek. At first, they seem innocent enough—just a manager checking in. But as time goes on, it’s clear Derek’s interest goes beyond the professional.
Fast forward: after both OP and Derek have left the hotel, Stephanie reveals Derek invited her for a “booty call” in his hometown—despite having a girlfriend (and a shared cat!) of six years. Yes, Stephanie was aware of the girlfriend. Yes, this is peak hotel drama. And yes, the comments section had thoughts.
Office Romance or Just “Slimy Manager” Vibes?
It’s one thing to be a bad boss; it’s another to be a walking HR violation. Derek, it seems, had a habit of blurring lines between personal and professional life. As OP notes, this is the same guy who started dating his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day, just so he wouldn’t have “extra anniversaries” to remember. (Why do minimal effort when you can do the absolute least?)
Commenter u/birdmanrules chimed in with a parallel: “Guy proposed on his now ex's birthday deliberately. He bragged he only had to buy 1 present.” Sometimes, the internet gives us wisdom wrapped in sarcasm. As OP shot back, “Glad they are an ex 💀💀.”
Let’s face it: hotel work is already a wild ride. Add a manager who’s part-time Casanova, part-time scapegoat distributor, and the results are pure chaos.
Lessons from the Lobby (And the Internet)
So what do we take away from this rollercoaster? First, bad management can tank morale faster than a broken elevator. Second, the front desk is often the front line for all kinds of nonsense, but it’s also where the best stories are born.
The Reddit community didn’t hold back, calling out Derek’s behavior for what it was: unprofessional at best, gross at worst. There’s a certain camaraderie in the comments—everyone’s known a “Derek,” and everyone’s glad when they’re finally gone.
As OP summed up their experience: “Damn was he a shitty boss… and bf, I guess :P” Sometimes, the best revenge is living well—and telling your story for the world (and the internet) to enjoy.
Have your own hotel horror story or “Derek” in your life? Share in the comments below! And if you’re in hospitality, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s always someone whose manager is even slimier. Stay strong—and keep those tales coming.
Original Reddit Post: My 1st Negative Review + Slimy Manager