Holiday Hotel Hijinks: The Season of Wandering (and Wondering) Guests
There’s a chill in the air, twinkling lights in every window, and the faint scent of gingerbread wafting through the lobby. Yes, it’s holiday travel season—a time when hotels bustle with families, laughter echoes down the halls, and… wait, who’s that knocking on every door at 2 a.m.?
If you’re a hotel worker or a frequent traveler, you know the season brings more than just festive cheer. It also ushers in a parade of confused, wandering guests—often traveling with family members who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive conditions. The result? Memorable moments that are equal parts heartwarming and hair-raising.
The Wandering Guest Phenomenon
Let’s set the scene: It’s well past midnight. The front desk clerk is wrapping up paperwork when the phone rings. “Uh, there’s an elderly gentleman knocking on my door asking if this is his room…” If you think this is the opening to a slapstick comedy, you’re not wrong—and it happens more often than you’d think.
Reddit user u/Healthy-Library4521 recently shared their own tales of “wandering guests” on r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk. Their post is a hilarious (and sometimes poignant) reminder that as families travel for the holidays, they often bring along loved ones with unique needs—sometimes without realizing how disorienting a hotel can be for someone with memory issues.
Grandpa’s Midnight Adventures
Take Grandpa, for example. He’s traveling with his family—mom, dad, and two energetic kids. Each night, as the rest of the family snoozes, Grandpa quietly slips out of the room, embarking on a nightly expedition down the carpeted corridors, knocking on doors in search of his own. It’s the kind of “Where’s Waldo?” scenario only a hotel staffer could love: Is he on the third floor tonight? Has he commandeered the ice machine again?
Each time, it falls to the night staff to gently guide him back to his room, often rousing the family, who are both apologetic and surprised—until it happens again the next night. It’s a dance as old as the holidays themselves, and one that requires more patience than assembling a 300-piece toy on Christmas Eve.
The Case of the Bulldozing Bedfellows
Then there’s the sweet little old lady who approached the front desk, convinced her room was hosting an all-night construction crew—bulldozers, drills, the whole nine yards. Her husband, trailing behind with the resignation of a man who’s seen this play out before, tries to coax her back. But she’s determined: someone must hear the racket!
As the Redditor recounts, the only “heavy equipment” in the room is a humming heater and the heavy sighs of her husband. Yet, the lady’s distress is real. “Someone frantically knocked on the door!” she insists. Her husband gently reminds her—and apologizes—explaining that she has dementia. The front desk worker, sympathetic and understanding, knows this won’t be the last hallway rendezvous tonight.
Why the Holidays Make It Worse (and Better)
Why does this happen so much during the holidays? Simple: Families travel together, often for the first time in months (or years), and the unfamiliar environment of a hotel can be disorienting for anyone—especially those with cognitive challenges. The comforting routines of home are replaced by endless hallways, identical doors, and baffling keycards. Even the most attentive family members can be caught off-guard when Grandpa slips out for his midnight constitutional.
But here’s the thing: It’s not just a challenge for hotel staff. These stories are also a gentle reminder of the importance of empathy and patience—not just during the holidays, but year-round. The front desk worker who escorts a wandering guest back to their room at 3 a.m. isn’t just “doing their job”—they’re offering kindness and dignity to someone else’s loved one.
Tips for Travelers (and Hoteliers)
If you’re traveling with a family member who has dementia, Alzheimer’s, or similar conditions, a few practical tips can help keep everyone safe (and well-rested):
- Consider portable door alarms or childproof locks (with hotel permission).
- Let the front desk know about your family member’s condition.
- Bring familiar items from home to help orient your loved one.
- Stick to routines as much as possible—even in a new place.
And if you’re a hotel worker? Stock up on patience, empathy, and maybe a few extra keycards. You’re not just running a hotel—you’re helping families make holiday memories, even if it means playing midnight detective.
Tis the Season for Understanding
So, as you settle into your hotel bed this holiday season, remember: The gentle knock at your door might not be housekeeping, but someone searching for home. A little patience goes a long way—especially when the halls are decked with holiday confusion.
Have your own wandering guest story or tips for traveling with loved ones who need extra care? Share your tales in the comments below—let’s make this season a little brighter for everyone, one story at a time!
Original Reddit Post: It is that time of the year, be on the lookout for confused guests