“You Checked Me In Last Time!”: Hilarious First Day at the Front Desk
There’s nothing quite like the thrill—and sheer terror—of a first day at a new job, even if you’re already a seasoned pro. The new faces, the unfamiliar computer system, the unspoken rules about the break room coffee pot… But what if, on your very first shift at a new hotel, your very first guest is absolutely convinced you checked them in last time? And what if they refuse to believe otherwise?
Welcome to the wonderful world of hospitality, where the customer is always right…even when they’re hilariously, stubbornly wrong.
The Scene: Eighteen Years, Day One
Imagine this: you’ve spent nearly two decades perfecting the art of the warm welcome, mastering the mysteries of the reservation system, and developing a sixth sense for guests who “swear they left their card in the room.” You walk into your new hotel with confidence, ready to show them what a real professional looks like.
Cue your very first guest.
He strides up to the counter, expectation radiating from every pore. You greet him with your best “I’m here to help!” smile and ask for his ID and credit card, as all good hoteliers do.
But this guest has a different script in mind.
Guest: “I’m here all the time. Don’t you people know me? I came to you specifically because you checked me in last time I was here.”
You try to explain that, no, today is literally your first day at this property. But he’s not having it. To him, you are either the familiar face from his last visit—or you’re accusing him of lying. And in the grand tradition of guests everywhere, he’s not letting you get a word in edgewise.
The Comedy of Mistaken Identity
There’s an old saying in hospitality: “Every guest thinks they’re the only guest.” And sometimes, that means they’re sure every staff member should know them by heart. It’s a recipe for some truly delightful—and exasperating—moments at the front desk.
The real kicker in this story? The guest’s abrupt realization:
You: “Today’s my first day here…sir.”
Guest: Five seconds of stunned silence “You’re already checking guests in on your first day?”
The humility! The sudden backpedal! You can almost hear the wheels turning in his head as he processes this new information.
Lessons from the Front Desk Trenches
This story, shared on Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk by u/SuperboyKonEl, is pure gold for anyone who’s ever worked with the public. It’s a reminder that, no matter how much experience you have, the world will always find new ways to keep you guessing.
A few takeaways:
1. The Guest Is Always—Well, Usually—Right.
Even when guests are wrong, they’re right in their own minds. Sometimes, the best you can do is smile, nod, and gently steer them back to reality (with as much dignity as possible).
2. Experience Counts, But So Does Patience.
Eighteen years on the job gives you nerves of steel, but it’s patience, not policy, that gets you through the “You checked me in last time!” routine.
3. Every Day Is Day One for Someone.
Whether you’re a rookie or a lifer, every property has its own quirks—and its own cast of characters. Being new means fielding all kinds of assumptions and proving yourself all over again.
4. Sometimes, All You Can Do Is Laugh.
The best hospitality workers know when to roll with the punches and find humor in the madness. After all, a good story is the best part of a tough shift.
Share Your First Day Fiascos!
If you’ve ever had a guest mistake you for someone else (or for their long-lost cousin, or a movie star, or the person who checked them in last week), you’re in good company. The front desk is a stage, and every day brings a new performance.
Have your own funny first day story? Ever been caught up in a mistaken identity mix-up at work? Share your tales in the comments below—because in hospitality, the only thing better than surviving the madness is laughing about it afterward.
And remember: No matter how experienced you are, there’s always a “first day” waiting just around the corner.
Original Reddit Post: Funny first day stories.