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Booking a hotel can be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Every time you step foot in the lobby, you curiously look around to reassure yourself that you made the right choice. But when you’re bathed in smiles after being showered with kind and cheerful words, you know your stay just went from great to excellent.

The customer is king in the hospitality industry, and that’s why so many hotels go out of their way to give their visitors a sense of a never-ending adventure. Whether it’s genius yet simple solutions, hilarious pop culture references, or genuine acts of kindness, these gestures make people feel special and let them leave the place with the best memories ever. And fortunately, these efforts do not go unnoticed.

Today’s post is all about celebrating creative hotels and their staff who surprised their guests and took their experience to a whole other level. We at Bored Panda scoured far and wide across the web to bring you a collection of pictures that show how some hotels really deserve to be in the spotlight. So sit back, relax, and tell us what you think about them in the comments! Then, if you’re in the mood for some more hotel goodness, check out our earlier pieces right here, here, and here.

#1

Signage Outside The Toilets At The Hotel I'm Staying At

Signage Outside The Toilets At The Hotel I'm Staying At

Sekhen Report

#2

The Rag - Clever Use For Old Rags In This Hotel

The Rag - Clever Use For Old Rags In This Hotel

CommanderChotch Report

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Fitz_N_Fartz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great recycling idea. All my old t-shirts find their way into my cleaning basket, the grumpy old gits t-shirt is the best one for cleaning the car......

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Hotels can sometimes seem like wonderful places that let us forget about our daily worries. When hoteliers and the staff set out on a mission to make their guest's visits as memorable as possible, they come up with the most amazing and innovative ideas. This list proves that some of them really found the secret to success, and their results don't lie.

Whether they give out personalized freebies, remember to congratulate guests on their birthday, or simply offer a dose of refreshing light humor, such customer care goes a long way. Usually, all it takes to make people happy is coming across the simplest gestures and acts of kindness that make them smile. For many of us, these are the experiences that encourage us to take out our phones, capture all these pleasant surprises, and share our feedback with everyone online.

#3

This Hotel In Kyiv

This Hotel In Kyiv

annaefoster Report

#4

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

KristjanHrannar Report

#5

I Noticed Something While Checking Into My Hotel Today

I Noticed Something While Checking Into My Hotel Today

Redshirt2604 Report

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phil bishop
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

420 is hipster code for meeting up and smoking in pot in public to protest it being illegal

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However, while we enjoy our lovely stay, people in the field know how tough this industry can be. Hoteliers want to be proud of what they do and want to make their guests return to their place over and over again, and that means spending time and effort to go the extra mile and continuously looking for new ways to stand out from their competitors.

Moreover, there’s an abundance of demands and etiquette rules hotel staff need to follow to make their visitors feel special. For example, prioritizing their requests is definitely at the top of the list. Workers are also often encouraged to offer friendly and welcoming touches to the customers’ experience, like offering luxurious crisp sheets or asking about their preferences around the in-room experience. Plus, guests often wish that the staff would anticipate their needs before they even voice them aloud — and these are just a few of the things people in the industry need to consider daily.

#6

My Hotel’s Coconut Meteorologist

My Hotel’s Coconut Meteorologist

Apollo0hno Report

#7

On Arrival At The Hotel Room We Were Quite Surprised By The Imagination Of The Room Service

On Arrival At The Hotel Room We Were Quite Surprised By The Imagination Of The Room Service

Terenpub Report

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athornedrose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we went on a cruise where room service made a different towel animal every day

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#8

My Hotel Pool Has An Entrance Ramp For The Handicapped

My Hotel Pool Has An Entrance Ramp For The Handicapped

PlaneShenaniganz Report

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But while we’re used to seeing hotel employees looking all professional, the rules of hospitality are changing. Today, personalization seems to be the thing everyone in the travel industry is talking about. It can be anything from knowing the guest’s name when they approach the staff to specifically tailored offers that speak directly to the visitor.

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"Clearly, personalization is where things should be going," Robert Cole, founder of RockCheetah, a hospitality and travel technology consulting firm, told PhocusWire. "The bottom line is to make it all about the guest and the guest experience, what they want to accomplish on their trip to their destination, and how the hotel can make that a better experience," he added.

#9

This Was On A Lotion They Provide At My Hotel

This Was On A Lotion They Provide At My Hotel

reddit.com Report

#10

This Hotel Room Knows Me So Well

This Hotel Room Knows Me So Well

flarie Report

"There are so many opportunities for hotels to facilitate everything that guests could do, which should mean a greater share of wallet for the hotel and higher satisfaction levels, and surprise and delight, for the guests. That’s the great opportunity and that’s what drives customer lifetime value," Cole noted the possibilities that personalization can add to both hotels and their visitors.

"The best relationship to have with your guests is to make sure you can nurture the experience for them. Just asking those questions—why are you staying and how can we help you—is everything," he said.

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#12

The Hotel I’m Staying At Has A LEGO Model Of Itself

The Hotel I’m Staying At Has A LEGO Model Of Itself

WesFink1 Report

#13

The Pet Hotel We Used Makes A Journal Of Your Pet's Stay To Give To You When You Pick Them Up

The Pet Hotel We Used Makes A Journal Of Your Pet's Stay To Give To You When You Pick Them Up

zaftpunk Report

Dr. Gabor Forgacs, an associate professor at Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ryerson University, Canada, earlier told Bored Panda that if hoteliers want to make their business truly unique, they have to think about many different factors to achieve this distinction. "On top of the physical parts (e.g. location, size, architecture, design and furniture), the intangibles need to fall into place seamlessly and that is a tall order."

The professor highlighted the details that need to be considered: "The colors, sounds, scents plus the ambiance are all perfectly lined up: what background music is playing, what designer aroma is in the air and have toiletries scented with; the choice of fabric for carpet, curtains and upholstery; the tone and level of voice of staff as they greet guests and communicate without judging requests or behaviors, etc."

#15

Underground Hotel In Tunisia, Known For Being The Set Of Luke Skywalker’s Home

Underground Hotel In Tunisia, Known For Being The Set Of Luke Skywalker’s Home

Panegyrics of Granovetter Report

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#16

My Airbnb Was An Entire House Built Inside A Barn

My Airbnb Was An Entire House Built Inside A Barn

jbells1245 Report

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Sergy Yeltsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For someone who likes "nesting" in enclosed spaces, this is perfect! It's a good and different idea either way.

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#17

The Banisters At My Hotel Were Held Up By Little Metal Men

The Banisters At My Hotel Were Held Up By Little Metal Men

reddit.com Report

While these things could make the guests want to grace the hotel’s doorstep again, the main reason a person would return to the place is if they left with good memories, Dr. Forgacs argued.

"Not necessarily a gold plated doorknob or the extra skirt hangers in the closet; best memories are created through interaction with people. If service excellence exceeds expectations, guests always remember that."

"Following up is a secret weapon," he explained. "Comping, offering a discount or an upgrade for a mishap is what a typical hotel would do. The better ones will always follow up with the guest and on top of a remedy, tell their plan how the mistake will be prevented from happening again."

#18

Giraffe Manor. My Favorite Place On Earth. Had Lots Of Fun

Giraffe Manor. My Favorite Place On Earth. Had Lots Of Fun

jmlr_photography Report

#20

This Hotel Gives You A Rubber Duck To Play With In The Bathtub

This Hotel Gives You A Rubber Duck To Play With In The Bathtub

Its-A-Wrap Report

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Steve
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Conrad hotels all have them too and you're even allowed to take them with you! Each one says the city where it's from so it's a nice souvenir for your travels.

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#21

This Zipper Check Sign On The Backside Of The Door Of A Hotel’s Lobby Bathroom

This Zipper Check Sign On The Backside Of The Door Of A Hotel’s Lobby Bathroom

Gingivitis22 Report

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Katie Nelson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bro if I had a dollar for every time i wished for this I wouldn’t have any dollars but now I will

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#22

A Bar Of Soap In My Hotel Bathroom With A Message To People Being Trafficked And Probably Prostituted/Sexually Exploited

A Bar Of Soap In My Hotel Bathroom With A Message To People Being Trafficked And Probably Prostituted/Sexually Exploited

plastictoyman Report

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f finisz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I highly doubt, a kidnapped person is allowed anywhere close to a phone.....

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#23

9 Laps Around My Hotel Floor = 1 Mile

9 Laps Around My Hotel Floor = 1 Mile

DerpDishPizza Report

#24

New Photo From Our Project

New Photo From Our Project

yuji_yamazaki_nyc Report

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Beth S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not have the level of trust it would take to sleep in a place like this

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Michelle Brandt
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is cool, but I don't think I'd be comfortable sleeping under water.

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Kayjunmoon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this an underwater place to sleep? If so slightly worrying that everything looks waterproof. In case of leaks?

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Wang Zhuang
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spongebob can keep his pineapple under the sea, I'm staying here!

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Mokayokok
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would spend the whole time fretting over whether the glass will cracked.

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Arnavet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't decide whether this is soothing or terrifying

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Gladys Hayes Southerland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somehow knowing I'm beneath all of that water would not help me 🛌, not at all.

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Dara Cathy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is gonna be one of those rooms that costs $5,000 a night, isn't it.

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Runxi Jiang [Élève]
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... But if you're planing on buying it just so you know if it leaks and drouns you inthe middle of the night its not our fault

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DRinLBK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but I'd be thinking of a "The Meg" situation the ENTIRE time😬

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Keerthi Vardhan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh..such a nice beautiful place to sleep. Wish there aren't any sharks to wake up for. In case of any accident, it guess everything will be over in a minute and pretty much painless.

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Lazy Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be worried about snorkelers or divers watching me sleep!

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Sheri-Lynn Singleton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would book this room for my partner and say, I'm going to send you to sleep with the fishes lol

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Aurora Borealis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this and wanted to go and my mom looked at me like I was crazy (which I mean... I am but...)

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#26

My Hotel Shower Had A Water Thermometer

My Hotel Shower Had A Water Thermometer

rcoron Report

#27

My Hotel’s Sun Canopy Is Connected To A Wind Meter, Which Automatically Causes It To Retract When The Wind Speed Becomes Too High

My Hotel’s Sun Canopy Is Connected To A Wind Meter, Which Automatically Causes It To Retract When The Wind Speed Becomes Too High

Samtulp6 Report

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Hans
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait...do not all rent-out places do this as otherwise the renters eventually will forget and have the awning destroyed by wind?

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#28

The Hotel I'm Staying At Has A Tiny Door That Says "John Malkovich"

The Hotel I'm Staying At Has A Tiny Door That Says "John Malkovich"

Kobbero Report

#29

This Bathroom Door In The Holiday Inn Can Close In Two Positions

This Bathroom Door In The Holiday Inn Can Close In Two Positions

EEVVEERRYYOONNEE Report

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Dogperson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so clever. Way better than having two doors smashing into each other.

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#30

My Hotel Used To Be A Prison

My Hotel Used To Be A Prison

Savings-Spirit-3702 , Savings-Spirit-3702 Report

#31

I'm Proud To Be In A Hotel That Doesn't Discriminate Against Little People

I'm Proud To Be In A Hotel That Doesn't Discriminate Against Little People

jbananaz Report

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Sue Wade-Walters
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is for a handicap accessible room, so that someone in a wheelchair can also have a peephole at the proper height.

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#32

The Drawer In My Hotel Room Has A Sticker Pointing To "Prayer Directions"

The Drawer In My Hotel Room Has A Sticker Pointing To "Prayer Directions"

Gitmurr Report

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Ayisa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for anyone wondering, Muslims always pray facing towards the direction of Mecca so this sticker indicates that

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#34

This Hotel Room Has A Digital Peephole

This Hotel Room Has A Digital Peephole

reddit.com Report

#36

My Hotel's Pool

My Hotel's Pool

Krohnowitz Report

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Sergy Yeltsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like some Greek or Roman goddesses and their nymphs should be lounging around it.

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#38

This Doorframe Is A Miniature Castle. It’s At A Hostel In Edinburgh, Castle Rock

This Doorframe Is A Miniature Castle. It’s At A Hostel In Edinburgh, Castle Rock

StuartisUnoriginal Report

#39

Hotel Hallway Corridor

Hotel Hallway Corridor

thesuavedog Report

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Colette Connor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This immediately made me think of the laser hallway scene in the first resident evil movie.

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#41

Telephone Sheep

Telephone Sheep

expataktuell Report

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#42

This Postcard I Took From A NY Hotel Has Wildflower Seeds Embedded In It So You Can Plant It After You Receive It In The Mail

This Postcard I Took From A NY Hotel Has Wildflower Seeds Embedded In It So You Can Plant It After You Receive It In The Mail

SAyyOuremySIN Report

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grotesqueer
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This doesn't seem like a good idea for a postcard. You should only ever sow local species, and I'm not convinced people would go through the trouble of checking which species the card has and if they're all native to the area they want to sent the card to. (As well as informing the recipient that they shouldn't sow them in some other place.)

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#43

The Hotel I’m Staying At Allows You To Choose Your Selected Holy Text

The Hotel I’m Staying At Allows You To Choose Your Selected Holy Text

mr_dewrito Report

#44

The Hotel Reception Is Below The Swimming Pool

The Hotel Reception Is Below The Swimming Pool

gladers99 , daudesignarchitekten Report

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f finisz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. Who the hell wants seeing fat bellies, accidentally (or not) slided aside swimsuits, while checking in?

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#45

At My Hotel's Breakfast You Could Choose How Long You Wanted Your Eggs Boiled

At My Hotel's Breakfast You Could Choose How Long You Wanted Your Eggs Boiled

Cellular_tuesday Report

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f finisz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At the hotel, where I'm working, there is just the 7 minutes eggs on the breakfast-buffet. If somebody wants a 4 or 3 minutes egg, they have to sign first an own-risk declaration, before getting it.

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#46

The Phone In My Hotel Room Has, Both, Pizza Hut And Domino's On Speed Dial

The Phone In My Hotel Room Has, Both, Pizza Hut And Domino's On Speed Dial

cougar_trap Report

#47

There Is A Tree In My Airbnb

There Is A Tree In My Airbnb

_Mikomihokina_ Report

#49

Hotel Graffiti Artists Leaves Hidden Funny Messages For Guests To Discover

Hotel Graffiti Artists Leaves Hidden Funny Messages For Guests To Discover

p4nz3r Report

#50

Hotel Tunnel

Hotel Tunnel

RonnieVanDan Report

Note: this post originally had 124 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.