Behind a hotel’s perfectly made beds, crisp linens and warm welcomes lie countless surprising stories. Every year, Hotels.com unveils its Hotel Room Innsights Report, revealing the most astonishing lost-and-found discoveries, strange room service orders and hidden perks that many travelers never knew existed. The latest report is packed with tales that provide a peek at what really goes on behind closed doors.

Lost not found – strange items left behind in rooms

Forgetting a toothbrush or a phone charger is expected, but some hotel guests leave behind objects that defy explanation. Among the oddest finds reported by hotels this year was an $8.5 million watch—a piece so valuable that its temporary loss must have caused sheer panic. Luxury wasn’t the only theme among forgotten items. Hotel staff also discovered a pet lizard, a chick and a car tire abandoned in rooms.

While some forgotten items were valuable, others were simply bizarre. A hotel’s lost-and-found department collected enough dentures to fill an entire display case, and another found two full-leg casts left behind. Properties have taken note of these forgetful tendencies, with some offering innovative solutions. At Viceroy Riviera Maya, for example, travelers can leave toiletries at home and instead rely on a soap concierge. Meanwhile, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel’s “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” program ensures guests can borrow accessories such as sunglasses and handbags.

And when it comes to customer service, some hotel employees have gone to extreme lengths to reunite guests with their missing belongings. One employee drove 100 miles to return a passport, while another sprinted through the streets to return a guest’s bag just before their cruise ship set sail.

Unusual room service requests

Ordering room service is a luxury, but some guests take this privilege to extremes. The report highlights some of the strangest orders hotels have ever received. Among the most unexpected? A bathtub filled entirely with Evian water, a request made so a child could bathe in only the purest of liquids.

Other outlandish requests included a caviar hotdog, two kilograms of bananas, fresh goat milk, and even burnt toast. One guest even went so far as to request a personalized allergen menu for their pet, ensuring their furry companion dined on only gluten-free and dairy-free delights.

Recognizing that guests’ demands are evolving, some hotels have introduced services to cater to personal requests. The W Osaka, for instance, offers a ‘Whatever/Whenever’ button that allows guests to order virtually anything at any time. Meanwhile, at the Hospes Maricel & Spa in Palma de Mallorca, travelers can enjoy Beauty Room Service, which provides high-end facials and beauty treatments delivered right to their rooms.

Ask and ye shall receive

Beyond room service and plush bedding, some hotels offer unexpected perks that elevate the guest experience. Travelers staying at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main can stroll through a 400-year-old Japanese garden—a serene oasis amid the bustling city.

For music lovers, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin provides an in-room guitar concierge, where guests can strum on a premium guitar during their stay. Meanwhile, the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria caters to furry guests with its Pampered Pooch Package, including a doggy bed, treats and water bowls.

Other incredible perks include a private guided tour of the British Museum for guests staying at The Montague on the Gardens in London, and a personalized wine tasting experience in the cellar of Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa. Families visiting the Four Seasons Toronto can take advantage of in-room video game consoles, board games and movie nights complete with popcorn.

Make the most of your stay

Hoteliers also shared some insider secrets for travelers looking to enhance their stays. For those seeking extra space and a quieter experience, requesting a higher-floor room can make all the difference. Additionally, guests who request a smoking room—regardless of whether they smoke—may find themselves with access to a private balcony.

For travelers who enjoy exclusive benefits, staying at Hotels.com VIP Access properties offer perks like potential room upgrades, spa vouchers, complimentary breakfast, and extra food and drink perks. With these insights, it’s clear that hotels are more than just a place to sleep—they’re full of surprises waiting to be uncovered.

From extravagant lost-and-found items to outlandish room service requests and hidden gems, the hotel industry continues to cater to travelers’ quirks and whims in remarkable ways.