Sun. Jan 5th, 2025
Occasional Digest - a story for you

A MAN staying in a regular hotel is longing for the underlying hostility of booking a night in an Airbnb, it has emerged. 

Julian, not his real name, has been left feeling mildly disappointed that staying in a Travelodge does not come with a complimentary barrage of confrontational instructions telling him exactly how to behave during his visit. 

He said: “I got a booking confirmation email and that was it. No long messages in capital letters about not throwing drug-fuelled raves or wearing shoes in the bathroom on a Sunday. I even checked my spam folder to make sure. 

“And instead of fumbling with an impenetrable lockbox, a woman behind a desk simply handed me my key with a smile. It was bizarre. I’m used to feeling like I’m a burglar and getting dirty looks from the neighbours. 

“I was shocked to get into my room only to find a sign detailing fire emergency instructions and the restaurant menu. Where’s the handwritten list of tasks I have to complete before I leave? They always make for fun bedtime reading. 

“Sure, this place is clean and pleasant, but I want to feel like I’m pissing someone off by renting the accommodation they’ve voluntarily put online. 

“Getting a star taken off your guest rating because you didn’t clean out the vegetable drawer? That’s a personal touch hotels can never provide.” 

By Kevin Gower

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