Editor’s Note: Drinks one night with the Front of House Manager at one of Asia’s finest hotels lead to many hilarious stories and a headache the next day. But that didn’t stop our intrepid team of travel journalists from convincing their source (drinking buddy) to pen a story of some of the most over the top requests he’s seen in his years in the hotel business. It goes without saying the names of the guests have been changed to protect the not-so innocent. Enjoy!
Ah, the vibrant tapestry of cultures that weaves through the doors of any fine hotel! Nestling amidst the bustling heart of Singapore, I have spent the past decade as a Front of House Manger, witnessing a delightful (and sometimes bewildering) parade of international guests. From seasoned Asian entrepreneurs to wide-eyed European budget travelers, every day brings a new adventure, a chance to bridge cultural divides, and the occasional request that leaves me channeling my inner Confucius for guidance.
Don’t get me wrong, the controlled chaos is exhilarating. But some requests are enough to make even a seasoned hospitality sage like myself mutter a silent “Nǐ kěxǐn xiǎngxiǎng ma?” (Mandarin for “Can you imagine?”) under my breath.
Take, for instance, the ever-so-stylish Ms. Dupont, a self-described fashion designer with a rather large dog named Fifi. I believe she lived nearby the property, in a very expensive enclave for ex-pats so was only coming for a ‘staycation’. However, she arrived with a suitcase collection that rivaled a small boutique, Ms. Dupont requested a “room large enough to accommodate her entire wardrobe, with a dedicated space for Fifi that included a plush dog bed, a selection of designer dog toys, and a daily gourmet bone.” We don’t have walk-in closets in every suite, but we managed to secure a spacious room with a large balcony perfect for Fifi’s morning walks. We also sourced a luxurious dog bed (because let’s face it, Fifi deserved the finer things) and a selection of squeaky Parisian-themed toys. Let’s just say Fifi was the most pampered canine guest we’d ever seen, and Ms. Dupont’s relieved smile was a reward in itself.
Then there was the group of Australian adventurers on a self-proclaimed “Spicy Food Challenge.” They wanted to take over our fine dinning restaurant at lunch which was manageable as it normally doesn’t open until 6 pm. Along with the chefs they requested, “The hottest dishes they could prepare, a seemingly endless supply of milk, and a team of medical professionals on standby… just in case.” We’re all for adventurous appetites, but a full medical team for a spicy challenge? We negotiated a (slightly less fiery) selection of local dishes with varying spice levels, complimentary bowls of cooling mango sticky rice, and a list of nearby reputable pharmacies (hopefully unused). The week ended with a lot of sweat, a few tears (of laughter, we hope), and a newfound respect for the fiery delights of Singaporean cuisine.
Perhaps the most unique request came from two American adventurers, Sarah and Melissa. Monsoon rains had transformed their dream trek across Northern Thailand into a muddy reality, leaving them damp and disappointed. They decided to skip the Land of Smiles and de-camp at our hotel. But these intrepid explorers weren’t easily deterred. With a twinkle in their eyes, they asked, “Can we experience the jungle… virtually?”
Now, hotels aren’t usually known for VR experiences, but seeing their genuine disappointment sparked a challenge. After some quick thinking, I secured a couple top-of-the-line VR headsets and an immersive jungle trek simulation from a nature conservatory. The next few days were filled with simulated bird calls, virtual waterfalls, and the thrill of navigating a digital jungle path. It wasn’t the real deal, but the smiles on their faces as they emerged from the VR world spoke volumes.
While they didn’t get their mud-caked boots, Sarah and Melissa left with a unique and unforgettable monsoon memory, proving that even when the weather throws a wrench in your plans, the Serene Serenity can still weave a little virtual magic.
The point, my dear readers, is this: at tour hotel we strive to weave a little magic into your Asian adventure. Need a private karaoke room to belt out your favorite tunes after a long day of sightseeing? We’ll make it happen. Craving a midnight feast of durian fruit flown in from Southeast Asia (acquired taste buds not included)? Consider it done. But a swimming pool filled with Jell-O, or a team of trained monkeys to deliver room service laundry? Maybe not.
So, the next time you grace us or any of the finer hotels with your presence, remember, we’re here to be your guide through the wonders of Asia. Just keep your requests on the (somewhat) realistic side, and we’ll ensure your experience is an unforgettable one (without any designer dog-related mishaps).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a guest inquiring about the possibility of renting a decorated trishaw for a personalized tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene. Here we go again…
