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In the times of worldwide pandemic, which feels like endless doom, the sole thought of staying in a hotel sends bursts of joy down my spine.

From the sheer indulgence of emptying out an overpriced minibar to rolling into the crisp, clean bedsheets, and joining your travel companions at a breakfast buffet just before the new day’s adventure begins, the things we took for granted are now something we’d be privileged to have.

So let’s dive deep into the nostalgia of a pre-pandemic world and the hopes that travelling without the viral anxiety awaits around the corner. Today, Bored Panda has compiled a perfectly indulgent list of the most clever, simple, and creative solutions installed at hotels that put the hospitality business in a well-deserved spotlight.

#1

I Asked The Hotel If I Could Bring My Cat. This Is What We Arrived To

I Asked The Hotel If I Could Bring My Cat. This Is What We Arrived To

DocCaliban Report

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    Nobody could have guessed the level of crisis the hospitality industry would find itself in when the pandemic started. At the peak of the coronavirus crisis, many compared it with the black-swan events society has experienced before. Black Swans like the coronaviruses (COVID-19, SARS, H1N1) or the September 11th attacks are rare, unpredictable evens which dramatically alter history, the economy, and society.

    #4

    When Your Hotel Staff Go The Extra Mile

    When Your Hotel Staff Go The Extra Mile

    alexlmlo Report

    But although cyclical in the past, the hotel industry has realized that this time, it’s something they haven't experienced before at such length. It wasn’t deep, but ultimately a short disruption before things got back to normal.

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    On the contrary, as we sadly commemorate the 1-year birthday of coronavirus, hoteliers around the world had no idea when it’s going to end. Many businesses were forced to shut their doors, while others are hanging in there while applying protective measures and the new pandemic normality as part of their regulatory policy.

    #5

    Towel Animal Left By The Hotel Staff

    Towel Animal Left By The Hotel Staff

    OyeSimpson Report

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    Gosia Buczek
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but I don't like the idea of putting towels on the toilet seat 😐

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    To find out how exactly the worldwide pandemic has affected the hotel industry across the country, Bored Panda reached out to Niki Reading, the representative of Washington Hospitality Association.

    “The hotel industry in Washington was hit by COVID just as the busy summer tourism months would have begun. This impacted revenue per room significantly. As of February 2021, the most recent date for which statistics are available, revenue was down 53.6% from the same time last year.”

    Meanwhile, in the 4th quarter, “lodging in Washington saw a loss in sales of $629 million, or 59 percent under the previous year. Seattle was the worst hit among any West Coast city, with an occupancy rate of 36.1 percent,” Niki added.

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    #7

    Instead Of A Bible, My Hotel Room In Philadelphia Has The Constitution And Declaration Of Independence

    Instead Of A Bible, My Hotel Room In Philadelphia Has The Constitution And Declaration Of Independence

    lives4summits Report

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    Aurelia!
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like that - I always thought it was a little sad that people of religions other than Christianity never got access to their holy books in hotels, but I guess part of the reason is that there are more rules about how the Torah and Qur'an are kept/taken care of.

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    #8

    Missed Out Camping This Year, So I Asked For A Tent In My Hotel Room

    Missed Out Camping This Year, So I Asked For A Tent In My Hotel Room

    InGordWeTrust Report

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    Niki also explained that many people don’t realize that motels and hotels—even major franchises—are owned and operated by local families. “These aren’t mega corporations—they are family businesses that have been decimated,” she concluded.

    #10

    I Ordered Snacks From Room Service And They Sent A Refrigerated Robot Butler To Deliver Them

    I Ordered Snacks From Room Service And They Sent A Refrigerated Robot Butler To Deliver Them

    jmill90 Report

    But now that the weather is finally getting warmer and more and more people are getting vaccinated, hotels are slowly but steadily regaining their relevancy.The hotel industry just had its highest occupancy levels in the past two weeks since the start of the Covid pandemic last March, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts CEO Geoff Ballotti told CNBC.

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    “These last two weeks ... have been the highest two weeks of occupancy in our industry since last March and to see occupancy levels now back to 85% of where they were in 2019 is impressive,” Ballotti added.

    #11

    This Checklist From A Hotel

    This Checklist From A Hotel

    ultimoze Report

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    Helena R
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still remember the time that my husband loaded our kids into the car and forgot the baby. Luckily I didn't forget

    Nomadus Aureus
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was little, my code name was "Luggage One" during our travels. :))

    • Lemønchu •
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "uh- honey? Did we remember the kids this time?...no?...s**t."

    Billy The Kid
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So simple but very clever. I like the tick box not to forget the kids

    Sam Wegener
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well If I had annoying kids I know where I wouldn't go (Just kidding I'd never do that) Or would I?

    Ellen Tannenbaum
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Check the back of the bathroom door and in the closet one last time. Several times a family member or I have left a robe/pjs/swimsuit hanging on the back of the bathroom door, or a hanging bag full of clothes in the closet.

    Hugh Cookson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While running a very nice little Restaurant in the country many years ago, we had 2 couples turn up for lunch, one with a very young baby in one of those crib / bouncy things you can put on the floor, After a couple of hours having had lunch, they all got up, said their goodbyes and left. 5 minutes later one of my waitresses came in carrying the cot / crib, complete with baby.... this was in the days before mobile phones. It was half an hour before a very flustered and apologetic Mum and Dad turned back up at the Restaurant ...... they left a nice little something for the waitress as well ..... Happy days.

    Cybele Spanjaard
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kids cannot be left behind and please leave the towels..take the soaps and shampoos instead

    Diana Murtaugh
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "kids" . I know people forget them in their vehicles (sadly), I didn't realize they could be left behind at a hotel.

    Tabby_Sohee
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yoz don’t forget your kids... that’s a lot of insurance ya know.. XD

    Triv
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless you're in a Home Alone movie, how could you forget the little monst... Um... Angels?

    Kris “ADHD_Carrier” Dudoich
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *rofl* is it wrong that I'm laughing at the fact that the last thing on the list is kids? :)

    Melanie Hernandez
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like how they say kids maybe people keep forgeting them on "accident"

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Idiot check" list! (We always called that last look around the Idiot Check)

    Brandi VanSteenwyk
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "CHARGERS"... One of the most often left behind items these days. "KIDS"... Smart to add that. No doubt many parents have wished they could leave them behind and sneak some adult time at the end of a family trip.

    Hilary Mol
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *snerk* *parent noticing the car is too quiet* "...Jerry, turn around. We forgot the kids."

    AccioQueenFans
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids.... LOL. I love that. It's a very good idea to be honest here.

    Lisa-Marie Dhondt
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The shipping they charge on returning kids is enormous. So now we only have two.

    Johnny Rodriguez
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cool idea, but what's the difference between 'purse' and 'wallet'? And between 'monkey' and 'ape'? Yes, english is not my first language and I could use the internet for informiation, but I'm too lazy, too lonely and a panda..

    Lsai Aeon
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *sighs and checks the box next to kids* Dammit, maybe next time

    AlmightyOne
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You gotta wonder: how many times did someone forget their children to the point where that's a necessary thing to have on a list? I'm concerned

    Sandrine-E. Séchaud
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    kids..hahaha. We are tree and my mom would always count 1.2.3, we can go. Love you Mom xxx

    Treessimontrees
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Helpful, but also can you imagine how many people call to say they forgot x and then the staff have to try and resolve the issue. In a hotel with 200+ rooms this becomes a full time job.

    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was thinking that the staff must find very often those things left behind and then i saw kids!! Oh my....

    the warner sister
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder how many times people left their kids for them to have to include "kids" on the checklist.

    WolfGirl23
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love that it said kids, because my parents forget me ALL the time.

    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kids being on the list makes it funny... then you remember home alone

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    #12

    Simplistic Light Switches In A Hotel

    Simplistic Light Switches In A Hotel

    ardakerem Report

    The hotel chains are among the few fortunate ones who could afford surviving an almost no-guest period which lasted way longer than anyone could have expected. The implementation of vaccine passports also gives hope for the hotel industry.

    “I think the industry certainly needs to develop a uniform digital health credential on testing,” Ballotti said. “That could make travel easier, that could make travel safer.”

    #13

    The Hotel I'm Staying At Has A Monitor Lizard That Roams The Grounds And Swims In The Pool

    The Hotel I'm Staying At Has A Monitor Lizard That Roams The Grounds And Swims In The Pool

    c08306834 Report

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    Troux
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "In their natural habitat" as it crawls out from the patio furniture.

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    #14

    This Hotel I’m Staying At Provides A Phone That You Can Take Out With You. It Has Unlimited Mobile Data As Well As Free Calls

    This Hotel I’m Staying At Provides A Phone That You Can Take Out With You. It Has Unlimited Mobile Data As Well As Free Calls

    Sir-Jarvis Report

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    #15

    My Hostel Has A Bed For Charging Your Mobile

    My Hostel Has A Bed For Charging Your Mobile

    Nikko012 Report

    #16

    Out Hotel Room Is Inside A Giant Aquarium With Sharks, Mantas And Stingrays Swimming About

    Out Hotel Room Is Inside A Giant Aquarium With Sharks, Mantas And Stingrays Swimming About

    KietyFate Report

    #17

    The Pillows In My Hotel Are Labeled For Preferences

    The Pillows In My Hotel Are Labeled For Preferences

    Vat1canCame0s Report

    #18

    My Hotel Had Exit Signs Near The Floor, Presumably For When You Are Crawling On The Floor To Avoid Smoke Inhalation During A Fire

    My Hotel Had Exit Signs Near The Floor, Presumably For When You Are Crawling On The Floor To Avoid Smoke Inhalation During A Fire

    dicec Report

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    Johnny
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In some areas those low-level exit signs are required by building code.

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    #19

    My Toilet In The Japanese Hotel I Stayed At. You Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

    My Toilet In The Japanese Hotel I Stayed At. You Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

    richiethestick Report

    #21

    The Shower At My Hotel Has A Flow Meter To Know How Much Water You Use, Ice Cap Is Melting And Polar Bear Disappears If You Use Too Much

    The Shower At My Hotel Has A Flow Meter To Know How Much Water You Use, Ice Cap Is Melting And Polar Bear Disappears If You Use Too Much

    nashtor Report

    #22

    This Hotel I Stayed At Had One Dark Washcloth To Prevent Makeup Stains

    This Hotel I Stayed At Had One Dark Washcloth To Prevent Makeup Stains

    WantedDadorAlive Report

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    #23

    The Alarm Clock In This Hotel Has Three Displays So You Can See The Time Without Moving While Lying In Either Of The Beds

    The Alarm Clock In This Hotel Has Three Displays So You Can See The Time Without Moving While Lying In Either Of The Beds

    thinksInDownvotes Report

    #24

    Old Bank Was Transformed Into A Hotel, They Kept The Vault As A Meeting Room

    Old Bank Was Transformed Into A Hotel, They Kept The Vault As A Meeting Room

    WoollyMonster Report

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    Aurelia!
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet any meeting would be 10 times more interesting in a bank vault XD

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    #25

    My Hotel Has A Marker To Point Towards Mecca

    My Hotel Has A Marker To Point Towards Mecca

    The_Gingersnaps Report

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    Aurelia!
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great idea! More hotels should have this - kinda like many have a bible, also have an arrow towards Mecca!

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    #26

    Hotel Door Signs: Do Not Disturb And Please Clean Room

    Hotel Door Signs: Do Not Disturb And Please Clean Room

    lespies Report

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    Aurelia!
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I read the heading I was like 'don't all hotels have these?' and then I scrolled down and I was like WAIT NO THEY DON'T AND I WISH THEY DID

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    #27

    This Little Sign Under The Bed In My Hotel Room That Lets You Know They’ve Cleaned Under There Too

    This Little Sign Under The Bed In My Hotel Room That Lets You Know They’ve Cleaned Under There Too

    awils429 Report

    #28

    This Hotel I Stayed At Has A Billiards Room Through A Secret Door Behind This Bookshelf

    This Hotel I Stayed At Has A Billiards Room Through A Secret Door Behind This Bookshelf

    bobert_the_wise Report

    #29

    The Elevator Load Limit Sign In My Hotel

    The Elevator Load Limit Sign In My Hotel

    CplRicci Report

    #30

    Stayed In A Boeing 747 Converted To Hostel At Arlanda Airport, Sweden

    Stayed In A Boeing 747 Converted To Hostel At Arlanda Airport, Sweden

    EntirelyForgettable Report

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    #31

    This Hotel I’m Staying At Has The Shower Shelf Accessible From Both Inside As Well As Outside

    This Hotel I’m Staying At Has The Shower Shelf Accessible From Both Inside As Well As Outside

    achilliesFriend Report

    #32

    My Hotel Room Bathroom Leaves A Section Of Mirror That Doesn’t Steam Up

    My Hotel Room Bathroom Leaves A Section Of Mirror That Doesn’t Steam Up

    treadmillsandtiaras Report

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    Johnny
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are pretty common in Japan, there's a heater behind the mirror to keep it clear of fog. There's usually a separate switch to turn it on.

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    #33

    The Hotel I Stayed In Has A Typewriter For Writing Reviews

    The Hotel I Stayed In Has A Typewriter For Writing Reviews

    vash9590 Report

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    Lori Spins
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if it has something to do with Hemingway since he lived in Key West

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    #34

    My Hotel Safe Has A Plug So You Can Charge Your Electronics While They Are Locked Away

    My Hotel Safe Has A Plug So You Can Charge Your Electronics While They Are Locked Away

    sudzysoap Report

    #35

    This Mirror At My Hotel Tells Guests The Current Weather Conditions

    This Mirror At My Hotel Tells Guests The Current Weather Conditions

    bonesakimbo Report

    #36

    The Hand Towels In My Hotel Bathroom Were Folded Like A Shirt And Tie

    The Hand Towels In My Hotel Bathroom Were Folded Like A Shirt And Tie

    The_Slavinator Report

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    shonie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    pls dont downvote this, but i would feel so bad for ruining the lovely artwork when i have to use the towel...

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    #38

    Found This In The Youth Hostel I'm Staying At

    Found This In The Youth Hostel I'm Staying At

    MORealms Report

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best! Thing! Ever! For those who are asking: This is the TARDIS, the spaceship/timemachine from Doctor Who.

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    #40

    Hotel Door Room Was Changed Today For People Who Uses A Wheelchair With A Lower Peephole

    Hotel Door Room Was Changed Today For People Who Uses A Wheelchair With A Lower Peephole

    Kenndooo Report

    #41

    Singapore’s Parkroyal Hotel Taken From Street Level

    Singapore’s Parkroyal Hotel Taken From Street Level

    Wormsblink Report

    #42

    This Hotel Descends Down The Side Of A Cliff, So The Elevator Floors Are In Negatives

    This Hotel Descends Down The Side Of A Cliff, So The Elevator Floors Are In Negatives

    smissingham Report

    #43

    Shower Tiles Are Cut Into Mountain Shapes, In My Hotel In A Mountainous Destination

    Shower Tiles Are Cut Into Mountain Shapes, In My Hotel In A Mountainous Destination

    baldeagle86 Report

    #44

    Hotel In Europe Offers A Rent A Pet Fish For Single Travelers

    Hotel In Europe Offers A Rent A Pet Fish For Single Travelers

    Mich_Cooke Report

    #45

    This Showerhead In My Hotel Lets You Dial In An Exact Temperature For The Water To Stay At

    This Showerhead In My Hotel Lets You Dial In An Exact Temperature For The Water To Stay At

    JabberVapor Report

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    #49

    The Water Bottle In My Hotel In Bangkok Had The Same Shape As The Building

    The Water Bottle In My Hotel In Bangkok Had The Same Shape As The Building

    snehshah402 Report

    #50

    Our Hotel Shower Designed Like A Swimming Pool

    Our Hotel Shower Designed Like A Swimming Pool

    thatnurseCT Report

    Note: this post originally had 122 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.