How (Not) to Win Friends and Influence Hotel Staff: The Tale of the Three “No”s
Have you ever witnessed a real-life demonstration of what happens when “Do you know who I am?” meets “No, and it doesn’t matter”? Let me introduce you to the gloriously entertaining saga of a guest who believed his hotel loyalty status should unlock the laws of physics, reason, and basic decency.
This story, lifted from a viral Reddit post on r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk, has everything: shiny cards, audacious demands, a midnight quest for waffles, and a grand finale worthy of a sitcom. Buckle up, because this is what happens when entitlement checks in—and gets checked right back out.
The Arrival: All That Glitters Is... Status?
Picture a quiet Friday night at a hotel reception. The front desk clerk, u/TheNiteOwl38, is hoping for a smooth start to their audit shift. Enter our protagonist: a guest whose confidence in the power of his elite membership is matched only by his disregard for social norms.
Before even handing over his name, Mr. Super Shiny Elite launches into a monologue about his loyalty status. For those unfamiliar, most major hotel chains offer perks to repeat guests, sometimes including complimentary upgrades—if available. But this guest isn’t after the standard one-bedroom suite upgrade. No, no, he’s setting his sights on a two-bedroom suite, a move usually requiring a manager’s blessing and, crucially, actual availability.
Alas, the two-bedroom suites are already occupied. Our hero is informed of this fact, but instead of accepting reality, he doubles down—demanding, posturing, and reminding everyone within earshot of his elite status. When told for the second time “No, sir, there are simply no two-bedroom suites left,” he grabs his key and storms off, presumably to plot his next move.
Waffles, Woes, and Wacky Requests
Not long after, Mr. Elite returns—with a companion and groceries in tow. He calls the front desk and requests that a waffle maker be delivered to his room. You read that right: he wants to make fresh waffles in his hotel suite at 2 a.m.
If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know that lending out kitchen appliances is a hard no—especially to guest rooms, for safety and liability reasons. The front desk again politely refuses, explaining the policy. This earns another angry tirade and a threat: “You don’t want to mess with me.” (The real threat here is probably the potential fire alarm.)
A Midnight Swim—In November
You’d think the list of impossible requests would end there, but our persistent guest is just warming up. At 4 a.m., he and his companion, now dressed for a swim, march to the front desk and demand access to the pool. The clerk, ever patient, points out that the pool is not only closed but it’s also November and 55 degrees outside—a less-than-inviting scenario for a dip.
This is the moment Mr. Elite’s composure finally unravels. He yells about the “terrible customer service” and insists that, as an elite member, he should never hear the word “no.” When reason fails, he escalates—calling the membership hotline, spinning a tale of woe, and demanding that corporate force the hotel to bend to his will.
The Corporate Clapback
Corporate does call—but after hearing the real story (and noting that every encounter has been logged), the representative’s tone changes. The guest’s attempt to wield his shiny status as a weapon fizzles. He lets loose one final, childish gesture before storming off, leaving his embarrassed companion to chase after him.
The story ends as all good tales of entitlement should: with a manager reviewing the security footage, reading the complaint, and promptly adding this would-be VIP to the “do not rent” list. Sometimes, karma really does check in on time.
Why This Tale Resonates
Beyond the comedy, this story highlights a truth in hospitality—and life: Status might open doors, but it doesn’t grant immunity to the rules. The best perks are reserved for those who treat people with respect, not for those who try to bully their way to the top of the reservation list.
So, the next time you check into a hotel, remember: A smile and a little kindness will get you much further than a tantrum and a loyalty card. And if you absolutely must have waffles at 2 a.m.—maybe just ask where the nearest 24-hour diner is.
Have you ever witnessed (or survived) a customer meltdown like this? Share your stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to tip your front desk staff—they’ve seen it all.
Original Reddit Post: How Dare You Tell Me No Three Times!?!