“The Manager Will Be Happy to Talk With You Tomorrow”: Tales from the Front Desk’s Smokin’ Hot Deposit Drama
If you’ve ever worked the front desk at a hotel, you know every shift has the potential for drama. The lobby isn’t just a waiting area—it’s a stage where life’s best (and worst) performances play out. But sometimes, it’s not the late-night check-ins or the endless requests for extra towels that make the job memorable. Sometimes, it’s the guests who, with the confidence of seasoned actors, try to rewrite the script—like in this unforgettable “smokin’” episode, courtesy of Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk.
Let’s set the scene: a phone call, a lost deposit, and a guest who swears, “It wasn’t me!” (Or, at least, not inside the room.)
The Call: Deposit Denied, Case Closed?
Our story begins with a call from a guest, confused (or pretending to be) about his missing deposit. The front desk clerk, a seasoned pro, pulls up the reservation and spots the damning note: “DNR—smoked weed in the room.” Now, any hotel employee worth their salt knows this is a hot potato. Accuse too directly and you’re in for an argument; say too little and you’re in for a longer one. So, the clerk opts for a diplomatic approach:
“There was evidence of smoking in the room.”
Short, sweet, and vague enough to leave little room for debate. The caller, perhaps realizing the gig is up, resigns with a defeated “thank you,” and hangs up. Case closed? Hardly.
Enter: The Star of the Show
Fifteen minutes later, the lobby doors swing open and in storms a woman who, let’s just say, carries the distinct aroma of her favorite pastime. She’s not here for the continental breakfast.
She launches into her defense—loudly. “We smoked outside! The maid saw us! Give us our money back!” she insists, as if sheer volume and repetition could erase the telltale haze that lingered in the air (and probably the curtains).
Our front desk hero stands firm, repeating the magic phrase:
“That’s something you’ll have to discuss with the manager tomorrow.”
And thus begins the familiar customer service dance:
- “Is this hotel corporate?”
- “No ma’am, we’re independently owned.”
- “What’s the owner’s number?”
- “The owner doesn’t handle this sort of thing, ma’am.”
- “Can you call the manager?”
- “She’s only on call for emergencies, sorry.”
It’s a routine as well-rehearsed as any Broadway show, except with more weed and less jazz hands.
The Art of Saying No (Without Actually Saying It)
What’s brilliant about this tale is the way the clerk balances professionalism with self-preservation. Every response is polite, measured, and designed to avoid escalation. In the world of hospitality, this is a survival skill. There’s a reason why front desk staff seem to age in dog years.
But let’s not overlook the guest’s strategy, either. She’s not just denying—it’s a full-throttle, multi-pronged attack:
- Deny the crime (“We smoked outside!”)
- Challenge the authority (“Who’s your boss?”)
- Appeal to higher powers (“Is there a corporate line?”)
- Try to wear down the staff (“Call the manager—just do it!”)
It’s a classic playbook, and yet, as anyone who’s worked behind a counter knows, it almost never works. Especially when the evidence—visual, olfactory, and otherwise—is overwhelming. (Pro tip: If the front desk agent has to Febreze the lobby after you leave, your case isn’t looking good.)
Why the Smoking Fee Fight Never Ends
Why do guests protest these charges so vehemently? The answer is simple: money, pride, and a sprinkle of hope that maybe, just maybe, this time they’ll get away with it. But here’s the lesson—hotel rooms are designed to trap smells and secrets alike. No matter how many windows you open or towels you stuff under the door, the truth (and the scent) will out.
And for the staff? It’s just another night, another battle, another story to tell.
Conclusion: The Real MVPs Behind the Desk
So here’s to the front desk workers everywhere—the unsung heroes armed with patience, a polite smile, and an industrial-sized bottle of Febreze. Next time you check in, remember: they’ve seen it all, smelled it all, and, as this tale proves, they’re always ready for tomorrow’s encore.
Do you have a wild hotel guest story or a tip for surviving the front desk? Drop a comment below and let’s share the laughs (and the lessons)!
Original Reddit Post: The manager will be happy to talk with you tomorrow