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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

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.

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.

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#5

Towel Animal Left By The Hotel Staff

Towel Animal Left By The Hotel Staff

OyeSimpson Report

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.

#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
2 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.

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#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.

“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.

#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.”

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#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
2 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

#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
2 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
2 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
2 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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Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice. Either give equal opportunities or nothing at all in my opinion.

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

This is very helpful. But it begs the question, don’t those that pray to Mecca always carry a compass for this purpose? Sorry, I'm not being facetious, it's an actual proper question.

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

No we don't! Yes, there is many apps fir it now, but many of them wont work for android so its really helpful

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

THATS SO NICE! As a muslim, I struggle to find the qibla in a hotel room.

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

this is a muslum thing, right? what exactly is it? is this the direction you pray or something? just curious i like learning about othe cultures

faridred avatar
Farid Red
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Muslim, we find this very convenient while traveling abroad.

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James F. Wilson Jr.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about one with an arrow pointing down toward the devil? Or a golden one pointing up ?

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

And after that you don`t notice the big spider in the next hotel..

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

Muslims, people who practice the religion of Islam, pray facing towards Mecca, considered the holiest city by Muslims. Muslims are supposed to make pilgrimage to Mecca at least one in their lifetime. (Please correct me if I got any of this info wrong)

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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
2 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

#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
2 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
2 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
2 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
2 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

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#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

#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.