The strangest things hotel guests have stolen, according to a hotel duty manager
Creating the unique atmosphere of a luxury hotel at home is the aim of many travel fans.
And as a duty manager at one of London's most luxurious hotels, Shangri-La The Shard, London, Bethany Lambie is used to dealing with enthusiastic guests.
But sometimes, it seems those who stay are a little too keen to take a piece of the hotel home with them. By stealing.
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Sometimes, it seems those who stay at hotels are a little to keen to take a piece of the hotel home with them. Getty
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"We've encountered some rather creative souvenir choices," Bethany tells 9Travel. "We've seen everything from pillows to entire trays of silverware mysteriously disappear.
"There have been times when guests have been particularly taken with unique in-room touches – such as a piece of artwork or decorative items."
Nothing is off limits, it seems - including parts of the actual hotel.
"I have even encountered a guest who removed a crystal from the ballroom chandelier as they wished to take a piece of the wedding they were attending home with them," she says.
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The Shangri-La, The Shard is in London's tallest building. Supplied
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And in case you were wondering about the rules, Bethany reveals what you are and are not allowed to take from luxury hotels like hers.
"Items such as toiletries, stationery, slippers and tea and coffee are there for guests to enjoy, and they're welcome to take them home as a small reminder of their experience with us," she tells us.
"However, larger items like bathrobes, bedding and linens, glassware and decorative pieces are part of the hotel's ambience and should remain in the room."
Meanwhile there's another rather confusing dilemma she has had to deal with.
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Bethany Lambie, Duty Manager, Shangri-La, The Shard Supplied
The hotel is with London's tallest building, The Shard.
But some guests staying there seem a little confused, she says.
"We also have had a few guests disappointed that they cannot see The Shard from within the hotel," she says.
As for some of the most lavish demands she has had to work on.
"One of our most extravagant requests involved sourcing a helicopter to land gracefully on a yacht cruising River Thames," she says.
"Creating such once-in-a-lifetime experiences is part of what makes our role so special."
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