A group of travelers in Nashville unexpectedly had to run their hotel for over two hours due to the absence of staff members.
They checked in guests, answered calls, and prepared breakfast while unsuccessfully trying to contact the manager.
This odd story, shared on social media, highlights hospitality accountability issues and adds a humorous but worrying angle to travel stories. Let’s break down this story.
Self-Service Taken to the Next Level
Aaron, while on a trip to Nashville with friends to celebrate his birthday, shared a peculiar hotel experience through a series of TikTok videos. Initially planning an early check-in at La Quinta, the group opted for a late arrival post-casino visit.
However, upon their arrival, they found the front desk deserted, save for another guest who was “crying and screaming” uncontrollably. “We stood at the counter for 30 minutes before even doing anything,” one friend recounted.
Seeking answers, they spoke to an on-duty maid who informed them that the desk had been unmanned for hours. Faced with this unusual situation, the group resolved to take action themselves.
@ahow15 You gotta do what you gotta do. #hotel #laquinta #newjob #singlemom #workinghard #rideordie ♬ original sound – ahow15
Arranging Breakfasts
The group attempted to reach the general manager by phone, only to learn they were away at a convention. Receiving no help from the GM, they took matters into their own hands.
They started responding to incoming calls at the front desk from numerous upset customers, many complaining about being charged $600 for their stay.
Additionally, the group navigated the system to check themselves into their room, being careful not to interfere with any other guest’s information.
However, their initiative extended beyond just handling the front desk. As morning dawned and guests descended for breakfast, the group found no staff to manage the meal service. Taking further action, they put on gloves and started arranging breakfast items, setting up the typical continental stations.
They even communicated with non-English speaking guests using Google Translate, assisting them in understanding the unusual circumstances everyone was facing.
Viewer’s POV
The response from the TikTok community was one of awe and admiration. One commenter suggested humorously,
“I would immediately add three years of hotel concierge to my resume.”
Another acknowledged the kindness in their actions, saying,
“Honestly, that’s kinda sweet that you made sure everyone had some sort of breakfast.”
The sentiment was widespread that La Quinta should provide some form of compensation to these individuals, who stepped up to fill the void left by the apparent absence of any front desk staff.
Their willingness to help in a difficult situation left a lasting impression, highlighting an extraordinary act of kindness and resourcefulness.
The Ghostly Silence of Vacant Hotels
In an eerie echo of desolation, some hotels stand hauntingly empty, devoid of the staff and guests who once filled their halls. This phenomenon isn’t just a bizarre occurrence confined to a few travelers’ tales.
In Santa Monica, for instance, a couple recounts wandering into a completely deserted hotel, where cups still rested on tables and papers lay on counters, yet not a single person could be found. It was as if the bustling life had paused, leaving a silent tableau behind.
This unsettling experience, akin to stepping into a parallel universe, leaves many questions unanswered and chills running down the spine.
The Invisible Workforce
However, beyond the inexplicable, there’s a stark reality hitting the hospitality industry hard: the vanishing workforce. Hotels across the U.S. are grappling with a significant drop in staff numbers, with over 238,000 fewer workers since the pandemic’s onset.
This shortage isn’t just about people choosing not to return to work; it’s a structural shift in the industry. Hotels have adopted technology to compensate, introducing self-service kiosks, automated drink dispensers, and even delivery robots, reshaping the guest experience. Yet, this transition isn’t always smooth. Workers juggle multiple roles or face layoffs, stirring unrest and potential strikes.
The reliance on technology is seen as a double-edged sword, meant to enhance efficiency but also eroding the human touch that defines hospitality. Is this the dawn of a new era or the loss of hospitality’s soul?
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Sources
- reddit.com/r/Glitch_in_the_Matrix/comments/12jlj97/empty_hotel_in_santa_monica/
- spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/20/why-us-hotels-are-missing-more-than-238000-employe/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
