Would be a toss up (pun absolutely intended) between a bathroom decorated in shit, literally on the ceiling, door, mirror and the man who ordered room service and left his door on the latch (not unusual when people are working etc) and was masturbating as I took the tray in. Stark naked, on the bed. Asked me if I had 10 minutes. I left without a word and took the food with me. Sent the temperamental cockney chef who was 6ft odd and about 20 stone back with the food. Guy left shortly after (through a side door but I was watching CCTV) chef wouldn't tell me what happened even when I left.

Book through a third party website hotel finder (don't want to name names but the one beginning with b usually!) then ring and ask a mundane question about your stay/room. If they don't offer to drop the price/upgrade if you cancel your first booking and book directly with them then ask if you do, what can they offer because although we rely on them, such sites charge a proportion of the rate to the hotel, so if they pay 20% on each booking, most places will offer 15% discount (or upgrade for that amount) at least and still be better off.

@FrankiesKnuckle

Not as many as you'd think! But I have faced a furious wife at reception once while her husband was staying, and I'm, not alone. That was fun 🤦

@Pinkyyy

A few grand in cash in a drawer once, and after a wedding the bride left her very expensive wedding ring! She'd taken it off for the actual ceremony and given it to her bridesmaid who left it in the room when she checked out!

Yes, we rang the bridesmaid who realised what had happened and luckily the bride and groom were still at the hotel collecting wedding things and so we returned it directly to her. She wasn't amused with the bridesmaid!
All places I've worked always email anyone who has left anything that's not toiletries and underwear, to let them know and posted back when they respond. Some don't - it's where our stash of chargers to loan out comes from!

If it's safe and possible then it's chilled and kept for the next day (chucked after that) and most places I've worked where the staff don't pay for meals then basically we got what was headed for the bin. Most places won't allow you to take food home though, except in the case of left overs from buffets if the guests don't want it then staff can take what they want before it gets binned. The best chefs I've worked with have been great at stock control and don't vastly over cater, and as you say, they use things for soups and other dishes. However there's always going to be higher waste, it may look/taste/smell fine but if it's gone past it's use by its not worth the risk of even giving to staff.

I've just typed a reply to all but the last question and my phone lost it! I'm going to switch to the laptop, I had no idea people would be so interested!

@MardAsSnails
What’s the most bizarre request you’ve ever received from a guest?

See the post about the wanking man! I once had a guest keep asking for loo rolls, they went through 21 in less than 24 hours (1 person) that's some bad stomach! I once had someone ask to use the kitchen to cook their own food because kitchen was closed and they'd been shopping and bought the makings of a meal, they were a chef apparently. I said no!

@mummmy2017
We broke the bed,. Yes like that. The leg came off when we dropped onto it last day of stay.
We propped it up and said nothing...
How often do you get this

Quite a lot, we've found smashed windows, wardrobes upended, all sorts of damage where they've said nothing. Significant damage is charged to the card that is used to secure the booking, but things like that are just fixed/replaced usually.

@Notthisnotthat
How often do the cups saucers spoons etc for tea and coffee making get properly cleaned? Or do the housekeeping staff just rinse them in the bathroom?
Lower end places I have worked are usually rinsed and put back. Higher end are replaced and taken to the kitchen to be washed. In busy periods it's not unusual for a member of housekeeping to have to stay back and wash, dry and replace cups after they have finished servicing. This has been highlighted a lot and I would be surprised now a days to find a hotel that does it, as it's been 'outed' so to speak.

How often do things like runners or throws get washed? I worked for a Hilton hotel and was surprised to learn that it's only the white sheets that get changed between guests.

I have worked in a chain where the answer was never unless soiled. Other places, usually independent, in line with a 'deep clean' so once a month, we actually don't have them where I am now, our boss is a veteran traveler, and it's unfeasible to wash these things after every guest, so he did away with them. Call's them biological specimen collectors! We have great duvets and extra blankets in sealed bags (the vacuum ones) and if they have been used or even opened they are washed and replaced with another one. Again, this is something that people have become aware of.

@LLOE7
Do people really pee in the kettle? envy

It's not something I have personally encountered, but I have heard of it happening through the hotel grapevine

@jagerbombs

What's the best and worst thing about working in the hotel industry in your opinion.

For both answers I have to say the people! I have met some amazing people in my career, ones that I have admired or that have been special in one way or another. But on the downside I have met some truly awful humans and sometimes, it really gets to you.

@CabbageHippy

what's the strangest thing you've been asked for? Do hotel staff keep everything secret that they see/find or are the police sometimes called?

I was once asked if I could shut the seagulls up - at a seaside hotel. I had to go and shoo them away too because they were watching. Buggers were back in about 5 seconds flat anyway! And it largely depends, we tend to deal with drug use 'in house' and just tell people they need to leave immediately. The only times I have called the police are for fights and for people turning up that have been reported missing. And sadly once for a death that occurred during the night. Were I to find something like child pornography or witness child abuse or DV I wouldn't hesitate to call the police.

HoldMyGirl
What happens to leftover pastries at breakfast buffets?

If fresh that day usually chilled and used the next day, if on second day they are binned. or fall off the plate into the mouths of hungry staff on the way back to the kitchen

Are affairs very common and is it usually very obvious?

Yes and usually yes! Though the ones where the wife turned up I didn't have a clue! Where I work is certainly not a rent by the hour place but we have had people do an early check in and then leave about 5pm and check out. And have champagne and things sent to the room.

@KaterinaPetrova
Which types of guests do you hate and which types of guests do you love?
I don't like the ones who show no respect for the hotel or the staff - usually lads like you describe, but at weddings. Also those who seem to think I am there to provide childcare and let their children run riot and look at me like I have two heads when I ask them to stop them jumping on furniture or something. Professional complainers also annoy me, they never intend to pay full price, and even if they find nothing in the room they will usually complain about service or food etc with the express intention of getting money off. Feels a bit like they have pitted themselves against you and want to prove something.

I love the understated wealthy/pillars of the community we get in, so down to earth you would never guess they were a Lord or Lady without seeing it on their check in. I also love our business regulars, they are like a member of staff almost and we're like a surrogate family for them. Yes, I find Aussies hard to please too, funny and down to earth but fussy bunch! And Americans seem to be the opposite, some seem almost scared of the staff in this country!

@DreamingofSunshine
What do you think of people making up sandwiches, taking fruit, cakes etc from the breakfast buffet? Not just one mini Danish but a real spread!

I turn a blind eye mainly, I have worked in some budget hotels where it's really common and likely that it's for lunch and they're on a strict budget - been there! Doesn't tend to happen where I work now. I did stop one man walking out with the large self dispense juice though! He wanted it in his room!