Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

People looking round our hotel room?

361 replies

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 09:05

Staying in a lovely 5* hotel for 2 nights. Total treat, it's lovely.

Yesterday we went out for the day. Came back around 3pm and there were hotel staff in our room showing people around. They wanted to book the place for a wedding. They were right in the room, the woman was in the bathroom looking around. The man had opened the wardrobe.

I asked them immediately to leave and they did but they took their time about it, actually standing by the door commenting on how the room was a bit small. I nearly had to push them out and close the door.

We spoke to the reception staff later and they said it's common to let people look around occupied hotel rooms.

Really? Is this common? Right in the room opening wardrobes, not just putting their heads round the door for a quick look?

We got offered a free drink to compensate.

It's still bugging me this morning. I want to go to reception and make clear to them that no-one is to go in our room. Dh says I'm making a fuss. Cleaners go in there every day so this is no different.

I'm interested to hear if this is indeed normal and I'm over-reacting by being bothered by it?

I'll be wondering all day if someone is looking round our bedroom.

OP posts:
HarshbutTrue2 · 15/07/2026 18:36

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:03

I'm back. A senior manager was there to speak to us, someone above this morning's guy. Very apologetic.

Their story is that a couple came in without an appointment to see about a wedding. One of the reception staff agreed to show them round the public areas. As they were walking along our corridor the cleaner was just finishing up in our room and they asked if they could have a quick look. They then walked right past the staff member showing them around and walked right into the room. She was shocked and wasn't very forceful in asking them to leave. Then just at that minute we came back.

All of that makes sense to us. The cleaner was indeed in the corridor. Our corridor was on the way to the wedding function space. The girl did look very young and totally our of her depth, the couple were entitled knobs.

The manager wasn't able to explain why we were told it was standard. He said it's absolutely not standard.

He said he has spoken to all the staff involved.

He has offered us one free night and no charge for breakfasts and has left a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates in our room.

All of the staff here seem very young. We actually commented on it when we checked in that the reception staff looked like they should still be in school and we must be getting old. This morning's manager looked about 25. This afternoon's one looked like a proper grown up.

Anyway, we're happy enough I guess. I don't think they're a crime syndicate or anything, just surprisingly young and inexperienced staff for such a nice hotel.

We're going to drink our champagne now. We've got an early dinner booked then a table in a pub to watch the football. Free breakfast in the morning then heading home.

Dh is now worried that the staff will all be sacked. But I'm not going to worry about that. I'm just going to enjoy my champagne.

We'll chew over what kind of public review we might leave. We'll certainly put something in writing to the hotel I think.

The thing that upset me the most actually was that we thought our room was great. Nicer than anything we've ever stayed in before. And that horrible man strolled out of it saying it felt a bit small and were all the rooms that size?

Hey ho. He might be rich but he's also horrible.

He's not rich. He's an entitled bastard. Someone brought up with money wouldn't behave like that.
It's well worth complaining and you have had a good result.

When you get the feedback form, be honest. Say that although the matter was put right, you were very upset by the incident. You are not happy with hotel security. The feedback form usually has different sections. You can give full marks for the bits you were happy with.

It's up to you whether you bother putting it on tripadvisor. I probably would. Be fair in your review, citing good and bad.

I doubt anyone will be sacked. It will form part of staff feedback and training. It sounds like the customers were at fault, not the staff. Although, a 5* hotel should have Someone in charge of functions and weddings, not a receptionist.

BiteSizedLife · 15/07/2026 18:36

Anyone sparing a thought for the poor woman about to marry the arrogant arse who barged past the staff and waltzed into someone elses room, looked in all their cupboards before declaring the room is shit and leaving...

Charming

UnorganisedMother · 15/07/2026 18:33

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 15/07/2026 09:16

Seems reasonable enough to me. No way I'd get married somewhere without checking what's in the wardrobe. What if it leads to Narnia and half your guests disappear?

😁😁😁

diddl · 15/07/2026 18:15

If staff might get talked into things because they are young/not sure shouldn't they at least know to call the manager & refer it over to them?

CharlotteStreetW1 · 15/07/2026 18:11

Hey ho. He might be rich but he's also horrible.

So often the case...

SomethingFun · 15/07/2026 17:59

Ok so a random couple without an appointment managed to wangle a look around and then shoved their way into an occupied hotel room that just happened to be open and went straight for the bathroom and the wardrobe to look round and the hotel management don’t think this is a scam to nick stuff? I’d be fucking furious. Do you have all your things?

Limehawkmoth · 15/07/2026 17:51

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:03

I'm back. A senior manager was there to speak to us, someone above this morning's guy. Very apologetic.

Their story is that a couple came in without an appointment to see about a wedding. One of the reception staff agreed to show them round the public areas. As they were walking along our corridor the cleaner was just finishing up in our room and they asked if they could have a quick look. They then walked right past the staff member showing them around and walked right into the room. She was shocked and wasn't very forceful in asking them to leave. Then just at that minute we came back.

All of that makes sense to us. The cleaner was indeed in the corridor. Our corridor was on the way to the wedding function space. The girl did look very young and totally our of her depth, the couple were entitled knobs.

The manager wasn't able to explain why we were told it was standard. He said it's absolutely not standard.

He said he has spoken to all the staff involved.

He has offered us one free night and no charge for breakfasts and has left a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates in our room.

All of the staff here seem very young. We actually commented on it when we checked in that the reception staff looked like they should still be in school and we must be getting old. This morning's manager looked about 25. This afternoon's one looked like a proper grown up.

Anyway, we're happy enough I guess. I don't think they're a crime syndicate or anything, just surprisingly young and inexperienced staff for such a nice hotel.

We're going to drink our champagne now. We've got an early dinner booked then a table in a pub to watch the football. Free breakfast in the morning then heading home.

Dh is now worried that the staff will all be sacked. But I'm not going to worry about that. I'm just going to enjoy my champagne.

We'll chew over what kind of public review we might leave. We'll certainly put something in writing to the hotel I think.

The thing that upset me the most actually was that we thought our room was great. Nicer than anything we've ever stayed in before. And that horrible man strolled out of it saying it felt a bit small and were all the rooms that size?

Hey ho. He might be rich but he's also horrible.

I bet he was. They have broken the law. They’re going to be bending over backwards to avoid legal compensation claim

took 2 mins on google to find this. Even if the police want to enter they need a search warrant 🤯

People looking round our hotel room?
ChocolateBiscuitsandaCuppa · 15/07/2026 17:48

I'm glad the manager and the more senior one took it as seriously as they should have done. From what you've said, the explanation sounds true, and the compensation seems fair. However it doesn't make up for the junior member of staff lying to you and saying it was 'standard' (which was particularly stupid of them as it isn't, anywhere).

Definitely enjoy your champagne and chocs (envious, would love a cold glass in this weather), and maybe consider adding that you were told it was 'standard' by a member of staff when you write to the hotel later?

I don't think anyone will be sacked - unless they've proven themselves incompetent on more than one basis, in which case it's best they go.

EmeraldRoulette · 15/07/2026 17:41

This is appalling

I’m also wondering if you’re in the UK.

notacooldad · 15/07/2026 17:41

Oh fgs don’t leave a public review - it’s dealt with, and seemingly in a very satisfactory manner.
You’ve complained, you’ve escalated it when the first response wasn’t acceptable, an even more senior manager has explained what happened (which you accept) and apologised, and they’ve comped half your accommodation, plus given you free breakfast, champagne, and chocolate. What on earth is a public review going to achieve?
To be fair, i agree with this.
If you werent dealt wuth in a satisfactory manner then fair enough. It doesn't sound like it is something that happens every day.

Picklelily99 · 15/07/2026 17:40

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:03

I'm back. A senior manager was there to speak to us, someone above this morning's guy. Very apologetic.

Their story is that a couple came in without an appointment to see about a wedding. One of the reception staff agreed to show them round the public areas. As they were walking along our corridor the cleaner was just finishing up in our room and they asked if they could have a quick look. They then walked right past the staff member showing them around and walked right into the room. She was shocked and wasn't very forceful in asking them to leave. Then just at that minute we came back.

All of that makes sense to us. The cleaner was indeed in the corridor. Our corridor was on the way to the wedding function space. The girl did look very young and totally our of her depth, the couple were entitled knobs.

The manager wasn't able to explain why we were told it was standard. He said it's absolutely not standard.

He said he has spoken to all the staff involved.

He has offered us one free night and no charge for breakfasts and has left a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates in our room.

All of the staff here seem very young. We actually commented on it when we checked in that the reception staff looked like they should still be in school and we must be getting old. This morning's manager looked about 25. This afternoon's one looked like a proper grown up.

Anyway, we're happy enough I guess. I don't think they're a crime syndicate or anything, just surprisingly young and inexperienced staff for such a nice hotel.

We're going to drink our champagne now. We've got an early dinner booked then a table in a pub to watch the football. Free breakfast in the morning then heading home.

Dh is now worried that the staff will all be sacked. But I'm not going to worry about that. I'm just going to enjoy my champagne.

We'll chew over what kind of public review we might leave. We'll certainly put something in writing to the hotel I think.

The thing that upset me the most actually was that we thought our room was great. Nicer than anything we've ever stayed in before. And that horrible man strolled out of it saying it felt a bit small and were all the rooms that size?

Hey ho. He might be rich but he's also horrible.

Result!

daleylama · 15/07/2026 17:38

Markovenchip · 15/07/2026 17:26

Put a negative review on trip advisor, I always look at that before deciding wether to book or not, it's bang out of order, showing people an occupied room

Unfair. It's obviously a big error and they've generously compensated and managed the staff involved. Puerile to complain after all that. Complaints are to get situations rectified and that's been done

grumpygrape · 15/07/2026 17:37

KeepPumping · 15/07/2026 17:27

The honest ones won"t care either way.

Show quote history

I don't think honest people like it being assumed they are more likely to be dishonest just because they aren't well paid.

daleylama · 15/07/2026 17:34

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:44

I didn't have the Do Not Disturb sign up because I wanted my room cleaned. That's part of the whole hotel thing instead of having to make my own bed.

I didn't expect total strangers in there

Absolutely correct.

Cailleach1 · 15/07/2026 17:32

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 09:21

Oh I'm glad other people would be unhappy. We're having breakfast then I'm going to speak to reception about it again and ask them not to let people in.

It's not the bridal suite, just a normal room. They didn't ask. I might have said ok if they had asked and just looked in the room. But what was the man doing opening the wardrobe?

Was the woman in the bathroom having a gander on her own. You have personal things in there, so someone so inclined could happily lift what takes their fancy.

Is the next thing that some scam artists will go to hotels to ‘assess’ the accommodation for a wedding/or other party? See what they can find, and what they can fit into the pockets. Hotel never hears from them again. They move onto new pastures.

You expect the maintenance staff to do the room. You’d hope they are vetted, and of good character as they work there. Some randoms being given access to have a good root around where your things are laid out. No, you would not expect that.

KeepPumping · 15/07/2026 17:27

grumpygrape · 15/07/2026 17:13

I'm sure all the hotel room attendants/cleaners will be delighted to hear your opinion of them.

Show quote history

The honest ones won"t care either way.

FreebieWallopFridge · 15/07/2026 17:27

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:03

I'm back. A senior manager was there to speak to us, someone above this morning's guy. Very apologetic.

Their story is that a couple came in without an appointment to see about a wedding. One of the reception staff agreed to show them round the public areas. As they were walking along our corridor the cleaner was just finishing up in our room and they asked if they could have a quick look. They then walked right past the staff member showing them around and walked right into the room. She was shocked and wasn't very forceful in asking them to leave. Then just at that minute we came back.

All of that makes sense to us. The cleaner was indeed in the corridor. Our corridor was on the way to the wedding function space. The girl did look very young and totally our of her depth, the couple were entitled knobs.

The manager wasn't able to explain why we were told it was standard. He said it's absolutely not standard.

He said he has spoken to all the staff involved.

He has offered us one free night and no charge for breakfasts and has left a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates in our room.

All of the staff here seem very young. We actually commented on it when we checked in that the reception staff looked like they should still be in school and we must be getting old. This morning's manager looked about 25. This afternoon's one looked like a proper grown up.

Anyway, we're happy enough I guess. I don't think they're a crime syndicate or anything, just surprisingly young and inexperienced staff for such a nice hotel.

We're going to drink our champagne now. We've got an early dinner booked then a table in a pub to watch the football. Free breakfast in the morning then heading home.

Dh is now worried that the staff will all be sacked. But I'm not going to worry about that. I'm just going to enjoy my champagne.

We'll chew over what kind of public review we might leave. We'll certainly put something in writing to the hotel I think.

The thing that upset me the most actually was that we thought our room was great. Nicer than anything we've ever stayed in before. And that horrible man strolled out of it saying it felt a bit small and were all the rooms that size?

Hey ho. He might be rich but he's also horrible.

Oh fgs don’t leave a public review - it’s dealt with, and seemingly in a very satisfactory manner.

You’ve complained, you’ve escalated it when the first response wasn’t acceptable, an even more senior manager has explained what happened (which you accept) and apologised, and they’ve comped half your accommodation, plus given you free breakfast, champagne, and chocolate. What on earth is a public review going to achieve?

Markovenchip · 15/07/2026 17:26

Put a negative review on trip advisor, I always look at that before deciding wether to book or not, it's bang out of order, showing people an occupied room

grumpygrape · 15/07/2026 17:24

KeepPumping · 15/07/2026 17:19

The best approach is take valuables with you or lock in the hotel safe.

Show quote history

Obviously, but your attitude still sucks.

Fiendishandfiery · 15/07/2026 17:21

Randomchat · 15/07/2026 16:44

I didn't have the Do Not Disturb sign up because I wanted my room cleaned. That's part of the whole hotel thing instead of having to make my own bed.

I didn't expect total strangers in there

Absolutely, I’m thinking some folks don’t stay in hotels. Rhe cleaners come in daily, they dint if you have rhe do not disturb on.

i can’t beleive someone thinks they were placing cameras. It’s insane on here.

Laura95167 · 15/07/2026 17:20

Its not standard practise. What if youd been in the room - bathing, sleeping or being intimate, what if you left something personal out, what if something went missing from the room.

Id be wanting 50% off tbh

Fiendishandfiery · 15/07/2026 17:19

I think they have recompensed well and explained I’d also be happy with that. Enjoy your champagne. Chocolate and free night and brekkie 😀

KeepPumping · 15/07/2026 17:19

grumpygrape · 15/07/2026 17:13

I'm sure all the hotel room attendants/cleaners will be delighted to hear your opinion of them.

Show quote history

The best approach is take valuables with you or lock in the hotel safe.

RoseOliviaAu · 15/07/2026 17:18

Pistachiocake · 15/07/2026 13:22

I always put do not disturb on, because housekeeping could come in anytime, so from the point of view of someone seeing you undressed, the principle is the same-if you don't want anyone coming in, you put up the sign.
But security is another issue. And if they want to be allowed to show the room, they should check with you-I would be fine if they asked and agreed a time for couple A to view. What you describe is not ok.

This doesn’t make sense. She WANTS the cleaner to come in. She doesn’t want randomers to come in.

shhblackbag · 15/07/2026 17:18

LeedsLoiner · 15/07/2026 17:14

So what’s the name of the hotel?

I'd really like to know as well. It's so outrageous.