A hotel front desk worker was caught off guard when a routine check-in question resulted in an unusually hostile response.
The employee, who shared the story on Reddit this week, explained that the hotel requires staff to ask whether guests are staying for work or leisure, and if for work, which company they are with.
'NONE of your business'
For most guests, this question is routine and met with a straightforward answer. But one woman reacted as if she had been asked something deeply personal.
"That is NONE of your business," she snapped.
According to the original poster (OP), user Far_Okra_4107, the response was so exaggerated that she noted it exactly as stated in the company field of the reservation.
The guest then proceeded to declare she was with, "the government—FBI—training government employees."
The interaction did not improve from there.
When the front desk worker began explaining the hotel's amenities, the guest interrupted. "I've been staying at [hotel brand] hotels for 20 years. I know."
She then took her key and walked out to retrieve her luggage.
The OP, frustrated by the encounter, turned to a trainee standing nearby and jokingly said, "I swear if she comes back in asking where the elevator is, I am going to throw something."
Minutes later, the guest indeed returned to the desk. She had one question: "Where are the elevators?"
Keeping composure, the employee simply answered, "Around the corner, to the right."
As soon as the guest walked away, they struggled to contain their laughter.
Industry Insights
The post sparked discussions about hotel policies and guest behavior.
Some users shared their own experiences, with one pointing out, "At my hotel we would ask what company because some companies have special rates for their employees."
Others questioned whether the standard business or leisure question was always appropriate, with one writing, "Business or leisure is a false dichotomy. What if they're there for a funeral?
"It's not business, and it's certainly not for leisure."
The OP replied in the comments section: "We actually have a special rate for those visiting for a funeral."
While guest frustration can sometimes be justified, hospitality professionals value the importance of maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
OnRes Software, which provides hotel management resources, advises staff to stay calm when dealing with difficult customers. Their guide suggests that employees listen actively, avoid escalating conflicts and acknowledge a guest's frustration before offering solutions.
Differing Tones
Additionally, Canary Technologies highlights how a front desk greeting sets the tone for a guest's stay. Their training scripts stress the importance of a warm, professional approach, even when a guest is difficult.
The brusque guest, "Could have politely said, 'I don't wish to give you that information,' which would have been totally fine, but this was basically a, 'How Dare You, go to hell' tone," the OP noted in the thread.
Newsweek has contacted Far_Okra_4107 for comment via Reddit.
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