You know that feeling when you're checking into a hotel or airbnb, hoping for some rest, only to find out you've accidentally booked yourself a starring role in Hotel Nightmares? If you don't, then we're envious - and so are the people who took the photos on this list. But all we can do after the fact is sit back and laugh, so travel with us through these funny travel moments that left people wanting a refund. Unlike the guests, you won't regret it.
The Balcony Is Through the Bathroom
In a quirky Honolulu hotel, the only way to access the balcony is through the bathroom. This setup might be a thrill for exhibitionists but is less appealing for the rest of us. Imagine navigating your way past the shower just to enjoy the view, awkwardly stepping around wet floors and towels. This unusual design choice leaves guests scratching their heads, trying to understand the architect's logic. While it adds a humorous twist to your stay, it’s more likely to leave you wishing for a bit more privacy and convenience.
Sometimes, a clear path to a stunning view is all you need to truly relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The Worst Art to Have in the Bathroom
A hotel room with a painting placed above the toilet might inspire some guests, but it could backfire if a drunk guest gets creative. Imagine stumbling into the bathroom after a night out, only to find a piece of art staring down at you. The placement suggests a lack of thoughtful design training, turning an attempt at decoration into a potential disaster. While it might seem amusing at first, it ultimately reflects poorly on the hotel’s attention to practical and aesthetic considerations.
This is a pretty awkward design that would make anyone feel uncomfortable on the toilet. Do you think it was done on purpose or just a hilarious coincidence?
Stuck in His Own Shower
Picture this: a man on a road trip gets stuck in the shower of his hotel room. To make matters worse, he's soaking wet and stark naked. Talk about a wet and wild adventure! He probably had plenty of time to ponder life’s big questions while figuring out how to escape. Maybe he thought about the series of decisions that led him to this exact moment, or maybe he simply laughed at the absurdity of it all.
This hilarious mishap is a stark reminder to always check that the shower door works before stepping in, ensuring your relaxing rinse doesn't turn into an unexpected and prolonged stay.
A Pool or an Area of Grass?
A family checks into a Motel 6, excited for their kids to splash around in the pool. But instead of water, they find a grassy, overgrown mess. Despite the presence of lifeguard equipment, the pool is clearly out of commission, turning their dream stay into a major letdown. The kids, armed with pool toys and sunscreen, stand in disbelief at the sight of the neglected, green pit or area or frass.
The parents, frustrated, try to salvage the vacation with nearby attractions, but the disappointment lingers. It’s a classic case of reality falling way short of expectations and serves as a lesson to always read the fine print and maybe even call ahead to confirm the amenities.
The Worst Room Service Breakfast
Shelling out $15 for a hotel breakfast only to receive a meal that resembles a low-quality school cafeteria offering is a sure way to ruin your morning. You sit down, expecting a hearty, delicious start to your day, but instead, you're greeted with soggy eggs and rubbery sausage. Such disappointing fare not only wastes money but also sets a negative tone for the rest of the day, it is not what people would expect from a hotel breakfast.
Guests expect a certain standard when they pay a premium, and falling short can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Interesting Salt and Pepper Shakers
You might be used to free salt and pepper packets, but imagine being charged a dollar for each one at your hotel. Talk about nickel-and-diming! This cheeky attempt to squeeze a bit more cash out of guests is bound to leave a bad taste in your mouth. As you glance at your receipt, the small charges add up, transforming what should have been a minor convenience into a source of irritation.
It's one of those small annoyances that can really add up, making you long for the days of complimentary condiments and the simple pleasures of a well-stocked table without hidden fees.
A Strange Sink and Faucet
Imagine a sink with multiple faucets, including unnecessary showerheads—more amusing than functional, right? This over-the-top design seems to have involved multiple professionals, each missing the obvious flaw. As you stand before the perplexing fixture, you can’t help but laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all. While it might keep the countertop spotless, it's a head-scratcher for guests who simply want to wash their hands. How was this approved to be built?
This odd fixture turns a practical item into a curious conversation piece, highlighting the importance of practical design in making a hotel stay enjoyable. After all, sometimes simplicity truly is the key to satisfaction.
The Not so Honeymoon Suite With No Privacy
A honeymoon suite might be perfect for lovebirds, but it’s an awkward setup for coworkers or friends traveling together. The overly intimate bathroom design assumes a level of closeness that not all guests share. Picture two colleagues awkwardly avoiding eye contact as one of them uses the facilities. While newlyweds might appreciate the romantic touch, others will find the lack of privacy invasive. As you navigate this unexpected level of intimacy, you can’t help but wish for a more practical layout.
This setup is a reminder that hotels need to consider the diverse needs of their guests and provide appropriate accommodations for everyone, ensuring comfort and privacy.
What Is Behind the Railing?
A door in a San Francisco hotel, with a barely noticeable hinge, gives off a creepy vibe, as if it conceals something horrific. Guests might speculate about what lurks behind it, imagining anything from a hidden murder room to a secret dungeon. As you pass by, an eerie chill runs down your spine, and you can't help but wonder if you’ve stumbled into a scene from a horror movie.
Such unsettling features can make a stay memorable for all the wrong reasons, leaving guests feeling uneasy. While some might find it amusing to share ghost stories later, others could be genuinely disturbed, questioning their choice of accommodation and hoping for a good night's sleep.
When the Toilet Paper Is Too Far Away
Imagine finding yourself in a hotel bathroom, only to realize there's no toilet paper. What a predicament! You’re left with the unappealing choice of using a nearby towel or, worse yet, yelling for help. The latter option is only feasible if the door is unlocked and you're lucky enough for someone to hear you. Either way, it’s a situation that’s bound to make you long for the comforts of home. As you weigh your options, you might even start strategizing how to make a dash for the supply closet without getting caught.
Next time, you might want to double-check the supplies before settling in for a bathroom break to avoid such an awkward moment.
The Impossible to Read Sign
A confusing hotel sign can make it difficult for guests to locate their rooms, especially if they are not sober. Imagine stumbling down a dimly lit corridor, trying to decipher a sign that seems more like a riddle than a helpful guide. Guests might end up knocking on random doors, adding to the confusion and frustration. In such cases, the front desk becomes the go-to place for assistance, with weary travelers seeking clarity.
While it might seem funny at first, imagine how frustrating it must be for people who are a bit impaired with their sight. As if it's not already hard enough for them.
False Advertising at Its Finest
A guest booked a hotel expecting a large pool based on online photos, only to find it was an optical illusion. As they arrive, excited for a refreshing swim, the reality hits them—a small, underwhelming pool that barely fits a few guests at a time. This highlights the need for skepticism when viewing online advertisements, as reality can often fall short of expectations. Misleading images can lead to disappointment and frustration, undermining trust in the establishment.
As the guest stands by the pool, feeling deceived, it becomes clear that honest and accurate representation in marketing is crucial in maintaining guest satisfaction and building a reliable reputation.
Harry Potter Style Experience
Ever felt like Harry Potter trying to find Platform 9 ¾? That’s what navigating a poorly designed hotel can feel like, especially in an emergency. You might find yourself opening a door, expecting an exit, only to stumble into another guest’s room. If you try walking through the walls, you’re more likely to end up with bruises than in a magical world. As you wander the maze of hallways, you might start to wonder if the hotel was designed by someone with a mischievous sense of humor.
It’s a not-so-magical reminder that clear signage is key in any hotel, and a poorly marked path can turn a simple trip to the lobby into an adventure you never wanted.
There Is a Knob for Hot Water but You Can't Access It
A hotel room setup that prevents guests from enjoying hot showers is a major inconvenience for travelers. After a long day of exploring or business meetings, all you want is a relaxing, steamy shower. Instead, you're met with lukewarm water at best, and a shiver runs down your spine. Guests expect basic comforts like a hot shower, and failing to provide this can significantly detract from their stay and should really warrant a refund.
Even if they were trying to be eco-friendly, they can't advertise that they offer something and then go back on it.
The Curtains With a Wall Behind Them
A hotel room with curtains but no window renders them pointless. While some guests might laugh it off, others might be disappointed and request a room change. Imagine pulling back the curtains, expecting a view, only to find a blank wall. This design choice raises questions about the hotel's attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction. It would be pretty depressing to say the least, why did they even put the curtains in the first place?
Were they just trying to make it seem like maybe there was a window there? Is there even a window in the room or is this the guise?
The Ashtray for Non Smokers
This hotel room is sending mixed signals by placing an ashtray in what seems to be a non-smoking area. It's confusing for guests and might even discourage smoking by making them too perplexed to light up. As you try to make sense of the contradictory messages, you might feel frustrated and unsure of the hotel’s policies. What are they trying to say even, can you smoke or not in the end?
It seems like quite a waste of money to have ashtrays throughout the hotel if you really aren't allowed to smoke. There are cheaper ways to inform your guests.
The Sink That Has Multiple Faucets
Ever tried washing your hands in a sink that looks more like a plumber’s fever dream? Picture this: multiple faucets, each with a different purpose, and showerheads aiming at you from every angle. It's like stepping into a water-themed escape room. As you cautiously turn the knobs, trying to avoid an impromptu shower, you can't help but laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all. While this overly complex setup might be good for a chuckle, it highlights a glaring lack of practicality.
Next time, a simple, single faucet might just be the key to keeping guests dry and happy.
One Door but Two Doorways for the Bathroom and the Closet
You step into your hotel room, only to discover that the door serves both the bathroom and the closet. You laugh at the absurdity, imagining the awkwardness of having to choose which space to keep open. It’s like a strange game of “Which door do I need right now?” This cost-saving design forces you to navigate an unnecessary decision every time you need to use the bathroom or grab something from the closet. While it’s a novel idea, it’s not exactly practical.
Sometimes, having separate doors for separate spaces is the way to go, ensuring convenience and comfort for all guests.
The Worst Possible Studio Apartment
You book a hotel room, expecting a comfortable, private space, only to find that the toilet is literally next to the bed. You laugh nervously, imagining how awkward this would be for anyone traveling with friends or coworkers. This layout feels more like a prank than a practical design. As you settle in, you might start to realize that some things are better left unseen from the comfort of your bed.
They probably managed to get the photos in a way that they would look as if there was more space here than there is, but then they would have really deceived the guests as no one wants this.
A Vent That Doesn't Actually Open or Work
After a steamy shower, you look up at the bathroom vent, expecting it to clear the foggy mirror. Instead, you realize it’s a fake vent, merely a decoration rather than a functional feature. You laugh, wondering if the hotel thought a placebo vent would do the trick. As you wipe the steam off the mirror with your hand, you can’t help but think that a real vent would have been much more useful.
You probably weren't expecting to have a sauna when you went to use the shower and they should probably find a way to fix this so that it actually works.
Instead of "don't Slip", "slip Carefully"
A poorly translated sign in a hotel likely resulted from a careless part-timer using Google Translate, resulting in hilarity or confusion. You might come across a sign that warns you to "mind your slip," or even more bizarre instructions that make little sense. Alternatively, it could be a serious warning about the dangers of slipping in the shower, albeit expressed clumsily. Translation errors like this can lead to misunderstandings and diminish the perceived professionalism of the hotel.
While guests might find it amusing and share a chuckle, it also highlights the importance of accurate and clear communication, especially in establishments serving international visitors who rely on these signs for safety and convenience.
A "pool" That Is Concrete and No Water
You check into a hotel, eagerly anticipating a dip in the pool after a long drive. You change into your swimsuit, grab your towel, and head to the pool area, only to find... a gravel pit? The "pool" is filled with rocks instead of water, looking more like a zen garden gone wrong. As you stand there in disbelief, you can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. This misrepresentation turns what should have been a relaxing swim into a comedy sketch.
Perhaps reading reviews could have prevented problems like disappointment here, but that doesn't mean that it is ok that the hotel would lie about the fact that they have a pool.
A Bed Right Next to the Bathroom
A hotel room with a view of the toilet from the bed is unsettling, lacking any sense of privacy. Imagine lying in bed, trying to relax, only to see the toilet in clear view. This design flaw would be awkward both for romantic partners and business travelers alike. Guests expect a certain level of discretion and comfort, and this setup falls short on both counts. Such oversights can significantly detract from the overall experience, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and practical design that prioritizes guest privacy and comfort.
A well-designed room should ensure that all facilities are appropriately separated, creating a comfortable and private space for relaxation.
The Books Are Only for Display
A Hilton hotel put up a sign to prevent book theft, reminding guests that books are not complimentary. This suggests that frequent book thefts had become an issue, necessitating a stern reminder. As you browse the hotel’s book collection, the sign catches your eye, leaving you both amused and slightly puzzled. While the sign might seem unusual, it points to the sometimes unexpected challenges hotels face in managing guest behavior.
Why would you put books on display that your guests can't even use? It is a pretty strange concept, why not just offer the books to people?
"add Your Sample Text Here"
A hotel trying to personalize stays failed with artwork that had placeholder text, “your sample text here.” This oversight detracted from the guest's experience, making the room feel unfinished and impersonal. Imagine settling into your room, only to notice the glaring mistake on the wall. While the intention was good, the execution fell short, highlighting the importance of attention to detail in creating a welcoming and memorable environment for guests.
As you stare at the incomplete artwork, you can't help but feel that the hotel overlooked a simple but significant element. Ensuring that all aspects of the room are thoughtfully prepared can make a big difference in guest satisfaction and overall experience.
Not a Nice Backdrop for Breakfast
Strolling through a hotel lobby, you notice a world map that looks suspiciously like the landmass of Pangea. Europe is next to Australia, and Alaska seems to be cozying up to Africa. You chuckle at the thought of this being an educational tool for a geography class from the 1800s. While it’s a quirky piece of decor, it’s not exactly helpful for planning your travels, especially as most people at hotels are traveling.
You decide to point out the geographical oddities to the staff, hoping they’ll replace it with a map that reflects the modern world and prevents future guests from planning trips to nonexistent destinations.
The Pool Is Closed Forever
Walking through a hotel lobby, you spot a sign that reads, "We apologize for any incontinence this may cause." You blink, rub your eyes, and read it again, stifling a giggle. It’s clear someone got a bit too cozy with Google Translate. This accidental humor is now the highlight of your stay, making for a great story to share with friends. While it’s good for a laugh, it also makes you wonder about the hotel’s attention to detail.
They probably just don't want to deal with taking care of the pool properly so they have this sign at all times. The further notice could be forever!
Vacuuming the Hotel Sidewalk
As you step outside, you see a hotel employee vacuuming the sidewalk. You chuckle at the unusual sight, wondering if they’ll start shampooing the asphalt next. This unexpected display of dedication to cleanliness is both amusing and impressive. It makes you think about the hotel’s commitment to keeping everything spotless, even if it means using unconventional methods. While it might reflect the high prices you’re paying, it’s a reminder that sometimes, going above and beyond can look a bit strange.
At least they are making an attempt to keep everything clean in the area, even if it is a weird way to go about it.
He Paid Extra for a "courtyard View"
Eager for a workout, you head to the hotel gym, which looked spacious online. Instead, you find a closet-sized room with just a couple of machines, the illusion of space created by clever mirror placement. You laugh at how you fell for this classic trick, feeling like you’re in a funhouse rather than a fitness center. While it’s a letdown, you decide to make the best of it, appreciating the empty room as a silver lining.
Technically it is a gym, but it is a bit deceptive. But it is better than not having any workout material at all.
Improper Grammar on the Signs
While having perfect English is not the only and most important thing in the hospitality industry, you probably should make an effort to actually have it written correctly. This hotel wrote the grammar on the sign to sound a bit like a caveman or an old fashioned British woman or even a pirate. At least they know that the water is good to drink, even if the sign is not correct.
You can give them points for trying at least. They were attempting to make it clear to their guests about the water situation on the property.
Interesting Carpet Design
You step into the hotel elevator, only to find it’s so tiny it can barely fit two people. You laugh nervously, imagining the long queues during peak times or events. It's like a sardine can on a string. The claustrophobic in you starts to panic, and you decide that taking the stairs might be a better option. This tiny elevator, while amusing in its impracticality, serves as a reminder that hotels should think about the flow of guests and the comfort of everyone staying there.
Large events and small elevators simply don’t mix, and perhaps this hotel should consider expanding their vertical transport options.
The Toilet Paper Is Just a Little Bit Too Far Away
You sit down on the toilet, only to realize the toilet paper holder is placed so far away that you’d need the stretchy arms of Mister Fantastic to reach it. You laugh at the sheer impracticality of it, feeling like you’re in some sort of bizarre fitness challenge. As you awkwardly stretch to grab the paper, you can’t help but think that a little more thought in the design would have gone a long way. N
ext time, a quick check of the bathroom layout before sitting down could save you from this inconvenient and slightly humiliating stretch.
Flooding in the Bathroom
You walk into the bathroom, ready for a relaxing shower, only to find the floor flooded with water. The scattered towels hint at poor drainage, turning what should be a calming experience into a slippery mess. You laugh at the irony, imagining the accessible design meant for convenience turning into an unexpected obstacle course. While it’s great that the bathroom is designed to accommodate all guests, proper drainage would have been a nice touch.
It can still be accessible to most even if you make it so that it does not flood everywhere in the process. This is not the experience people like to have during their stay.
The Most Expensive Parking Ticket
Picture this: you arrive at your hotel and decide to park your car, only to be greeted with a parking ticket dating back to the '90s. "Your car has been parked here since 1996," the ticket reads, demanding an astronomical fee. You laugh, imagining your car as a time traveler. The initial shock wears off as you appreciate the ridiculousness of the situation. You can only hope that the hotel was understanding here of their mistake.
While it’s a great story to tell, it’s also a reminder for hotels to keep their parking policies updated and ensure guests don’t get hit with charges older than some of their employees.
What Pleasant Curtains
You request salt and pepper shakers from room service, expecting a simple delivery. Instead, you receive a tray with the shakers still sealed in their original packaging. You chuckle, imagining the staff’s thought process: “Let them enjoy the unboxing experience.” As you wrestle with the tiny packets, you can’t help but appreciate the hotel’s attempt at hospitality, even if it falls short. Technically they aren't wrong, but is is a weird choice.
Why wouldn't they have just given them the packets instead of placing the in salt and pepper shakers? There was really no point in that extra effort.