'But There’s No Sign Saying I Can’t': The Wild World of Entitled Hotel Guests
If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know the type: the guest who walks in demanding not just a room, but the world—preferably on a silver platter, and preferably addressed as “Doctor.” In a recent viral post on r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk, one weary hotel worker shared a night audit shift that would test the patience of even the most Zen among us.
What follows is a saga of waters, towels, audacity, and a masterclass in how not to act when you’re away from home. So grab your complimentary breakfast coffee, because this is one tale where the customer isn’t always right—they’re just really, really loud about it.
The Doctor Will See You Now (And He’ll Need Four Waters, Stat!)
Our story opens with a classic red flag: a guest who insists on being called “Doctor” at check-in. Now, before you clutch your pearls, there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your hard-earned degrees. But as our heroic front desk agent notes, the “Doctor” types who demand the title tend to come attached with egos as heavy as their diplomas.
Dr. Schmuck (yes, really) and his wife breeze in, immediately setting the tone by requesting not one, not two, but four bottles of water—well over the hotel’s generous two-bottle policy. But, hey, who’s counting when you’re in the presence of greatness?
As the agent attempts to relay the basics (breakfast hours, coffee, the small joys of modern innkeeping), Dr. S huffs that things are too fast, then too slow, then too…whatever. The wife? She’s on a towel quest, requesting extras one by one like a contestant on a scavenger hunt. And when she forgets her tissues, it’s time for Dr. S to make his grand return—interrupting a phone call to issue his tissue demands, as you do when you’re the main character of reality.
Rules Are for Mortals, Not for Doctors
Hospitality pros will tell you: parking is sacred, and the hotel entrance is a no-parking zone for good reason. But Dr. Schmuck finds his vehicle parked regally under the awning—right in front of the doors. When our front desk friend calls the room (after waiting an hour for courtesy’s sake), Dr. S is immediately put out: “How dare you interrupt my meal? There’s no sign that says I can’t park here!”
Here’s where things get wild. The auditor explains the obvious: guests have keycards for side entrances; staff must park closer for safety, especially on late shifts. Dr. Schmuck is unimpressed. “Well, there’s no sign saying you can park there either!” He then takes the agent’s name and plate number (creepy), and delivers a not-so-veiled threat about the agent ending up on a gurney in his hospital. Stay classy, Doc.
Lessons from the Lobby: How Not to Be “That Guest”
Hospitality workers are some of the toughest, most patient folks around. But even they have their limits—especially when dealing with guests who treat basic courtesy as an optional upgrade.
Here’s what we can all take away from this tale:
- Titles don’t entitle you. Whether you’re a doctor, a CEO, or a world-renowned yodeler, kindness goes further than credentials.
- Ask for what you need—politely. Housekeeping isn’t a relay race. If you know you’ll need extra towels, tissues, and eleven bottles of water, just say so upfront.
- Rules exist for a reason. The “there’s no sign saying I can’t” defense won’t win you any favors. If in doubt, ask the staff—they know the ropes.
- Staff are people too. They’re working late, often alone, and deserve respect (and maybe a smile).
The Moral—and the Mic Drop
Our intrepid front desk agent survived the night (barely), but stories like these are a stark reminder of the daily chaos that hotel workers face. So next time you check in, maybe skip the power play and opt for a “thank you” instead. You might just make someone’s shift a little less legendary.
Have your own wild guest story? Or maybe you’ve survived a night audit shift with your sanity intact? Share your tales in the comments below—just don’t forget your tissues.
Inspired by a true r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk story. Read the original here.
Original Reddit Post: 'But there's no sign saying I can't'