From a $6.1 million watch to a pet lizard: A peek into the lost-and-found items of hotels

Hotels around the globe are accustomed to finding a wide range of forgotten items left behind by guests, from everyday essentials to surprisingly extravagant and bizarre possessions. The lost-and-found bins of these establishments reveal a fascinating snapshot of travel habits and memory lapses. 

From a $6.1 million watch to a pet lizard to a Hermes Birkin Bag, hotels have seen an astonishing variety of items left behind by forgetful guests. Hotels.com’s annual Hotel Room Innsights Report reveals some of the most unusual lost-and-found discoveries, bringing how easily guests can leave important belongings and luxurious items behind to the fore.  

According to Hotels.com, “Over a third of hotels surveyed say that guests leave behind items in their rooms on at least 25% of their stays.” To address this recurring issue, the report mentions that many hotels are now implementing creative solutions to help guests stay organised and avoid leaving anything behind. This includes reminder calls, personal packing services, concierge room-sweeps, and much more. 

D K Ghatani, travel consultant and founder of Sikkim Expedition, tells indianexpress.com, “According to multiple surveys and reports from hotel chains around the world, guests frequently forget everyday items like phone chargers, toiletries, clothing, and jewellery. However, the lost-and-found departments in hotels also uncover some truly unusual and valuable finds.”

While it’s easy to overlook a phone charger or a pair of socks, the reality is that travellers often leave behind items of great value or personal significance. Understanding why this happens and exploring effective strategies to prevent it can make for a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Ghatani adds, “According to data collected by Hotels.com and other hospitality research, the most commonly forgotten items are phone chargers, books, clothing, and toiletries. A study by Travelodge, a British hotel chain, found that around 75,000 teddy bears were left behind in its 500 hotels in a single year, demonstrating how common it is for guests to forget even cherished items when travelling in a rush.”

Some travellers use alarms, smart luggage or packing apps that send reminders to pack specific items before checking out. (Source: Freepik)

Some effective strategies hotels are using to help guests avoid leaving their belongings behind during checkout

Ghatani says that hotels have developed “several innovative and customer-friendly strategies” to help guests remember their belongings during checkout, minimising the hassle of lost items and enhancing guest satisfaction:

Friendly Reminders from Housekeeping and Front Desk Staff: Housekeeping staff are often trained to remind guests about common areas where items are left, such as in safes, bedside tables, and bathroom counters. Some hotels have started using technology-based checklists sent via SMS or email to remind guests to check these areas before leaving.

‘Left Behind’ Lists: Hotels have created ‘left behind’ cards that are either placed in guest rooms or handed out at check-in, listing the most commonly forgotten items like phone chargers, medications, passports, and jewellery. This proactive measure encourages guests to double-check these items before departure.

Pre-Checkout Room Inspections: Some hotels offer guests the option of a pre-checkout room inspection, where a staff member does a quick sweep of the room to ensure nothing is left behind. This personalised service can be very effective, especially for guests in a rush.

Lost-and-Found Policies: Hotels have also refined their lost-and-found policies, making it easier for guests to retrieve forgotten items. Some hotels even have apps or online portals where guests can report lost items, and the hotel will arrange for shipping if the items are found.

How can travellers ensure they don’t forget important items while staying at hotels

Travellers can adopt several practical strategies, Ghatani says, to ensure they don’t leave behind important items when staying at hotels:

Create a Packing Checklist: Before embarking on any trip, create a comprehensive packing checklist that includes not only what you need to pack but also a list of items to remember during checkout. 

Use a ‘Last Sweep’ Strategy: Make it a habit to perform a ‘last sweep’ of the room before leaving. Check common areas where items might be left behind.

Pack as You Go: Instead of waiting until the last minute, pack items as you finish using them. This way, fewer items are scattered around the room when you prepare to leave.

Place Essential Items in One Spot: Designate a specific area in the hotel room, such as the top of the desk or a corner of the dresser, where you place all essential items. 

Utilise Technology: Some travellers use alarms, smart luggage or packing apps that send reminders to pack specific items before checking out. 

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