The Perks (and Perils) of Working the Front Desk: When 'Freebies' Go Too Far
If you’ve ever worked the front desk at a hotel, you know that no two days—or guests—are ever the same. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the universe throws in a plot twist that leaves you questioning your life choices. Such was the fate of Reddit user u/Chihuahua-boyo, who recently shared a tale that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying. Spoiler: This isn’t your average “left behind phone charger” story.
Let’s just say, after reading this, you’ll never look at a “guest amenity bag” the same way again.
When “On Alert” Really Means “Brace Yourself”
Our story opens with an innocent enough warning: a coworker pulls Chihuahua-boyo aside at shift change and whispers, “Heads up, we’ve got a group from an adult toys website staying with us. There’ve been… complaints.” Now, in hotel-speak, this could mean anything from “they play loud music” to “they keep trying to use the lobby plants for impromptu pole dancing.” Still, armed with towels and a can-do attitude, our intrepid front desk worker braced for the worst—and, at first, found only the mildest of inconveniences. Some members of the group simply requested extra towels and asked how to find the ice machine. Business as usual, right?
But as any seasoned hospitality worker can tell you, the real surprises come not with a bang, but with a… goodie bag.
The Gift Bag Gamble
Fast-forward to the end of the shift. A few friendly group members approach and ask if the front desk agent wants a bag. Free stuff? Who says no to that! After all, hotel swag usually means mints, pens, or maybe a keychain if you’re lucky.
But oh, dear reader, this was no ordinary bag. Upon arriving home and peeking inside, our protagonist found:
- Lube
- Condoms (complete with the website’s logo—branding matters, even in the bedroom)
- And… a dildo
Suddenly, that “on alert” warning made a whole lot more sense.
The Walk of (Gift Bag) Shame
Now, let’s set the scene: You’ve just clocked out from a long shift, you’re tired, and you’re looking forward to a hot shower and maybe a nap. Instead, you’re faced with a bag full of NSFW party favors and the realization that you’re about to walk into your family home with… well, let’s just say, with a whole new set of “conversation starters.”
Imagine the conversation: - “What’s in the bag?” - “Oh, just something from work…” - (awkward silence, as the logo-branded condoms tumble out)
The real horror dawns after a quick Google search of the group’s website, revealing that these weren’t just adult toy enthusiasts—they hosted full-on sex parties. Suddenly, the front desk agent found themselves praying to the hospitality gods that the “gift” was, in fact, brand new and not a souvenir from last night’s festivities. (Pro tip: When in doubt, sanitize. Twice.)
The Wild World of Hospitality
If you’ve ever wondered why hotel staff have that thousand-yard stare, here’s your answer. It’s not the night shifts or the endless stream of “my key card doesn’t work” complaints—it’s stories like this.
There’s a certain camaraderie in hospitality, a silent acknowledgement that sometimes, you’re not just checking people in and out; you’re a front-row witness to the weirdest corners of humanity. Whether it’s fielding bizarre guest requests, mediating disputes over who gets the last cinnamon roll at breakfast, or—apparently—becoming the accidental recipient of a sex toy swag bag, there’s never a dull moment.
Takeaways: When In Doubt, Ask What’s In The Bag
So, what can we learn from this unforgettable shift?
- Always be wary of “free” gifts from guests—especially if their group’s name sounds like an NSFW website.
- If your coworker gives you a cryptic warning, maybe ask for specifics.
- When a guest offers you a bag, a polite “What’s inside?” might save you some awkward explanations later.
- Never underestimate the power of a good story—sometimes, your weirdest day on the job becomes your best icebreaker.
To all the hospitality heroes out there: stay strong, keep your sense of humor, and remember—next time someone offers you a gift bag at check-out, maybe just stick with the pens.
Have you ever received an unexpected “gift” at work? Drop your wildest front desk stories in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post with your favorite hotel worker—they’ll thank you (and probably relate a little too much).
Original Reddit Post: Thanks for the gift..?