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What is the most surprising room service request you've ever had at your hotel? Hotels.com® shared the results of the inaugural "Room Service Report" which surveyed 473 hotels around the world in April 2023. The good news is: room service orders are up according to 45% of U.S. hotels, and while burgers are the most popular item globally, beating out pizza, club sandwiches, tacos, and fries, some oddball requests come in too!
Hotels globally are pulling out all the stops when it comes to room service, from an in-room orchestra at the Milestone Hotel in London to a bonkers $1,600 Wagyu beef burger with seared foie gras, and black truffle in a caviar-infused black and 24K gold brioche bun at the Post Hotel in Houston, there's even a Lego Butler at Ashford Castle in Ireland, what's on the menu is getting increasingly creative!
The wild side of room service
Hotels revealed their most unusual guest requests, including "diet" water, melted ice cream, blowfish, and a raw fish caught by a traveler who wanted it cooked to order.
The 10 most unusual room service requests:
Diet water
Melted ice cream
Blowfish
Boiled bottled water
A cooked fish that the guest brought with them
Cockle popcorn
No-egg-white omelet
Rice bowl for a dog
Bison
Eggless eggs in hell (shakshuka)
Burgers in bed
Burgers are the most popular room service order not just in the U.S. (49% of U.S. responses) but also globally, beating out pizza, club sandwiches, tacos, and fries.
While diners indulge in sushi rolls and lobster tails at restaurants, 43% of U.S. hotels surveyed say guests prefer more casual cuisine behind closed doors, ala burgers in bed.
Reveling in room service
Over a quarter (27%) of U.S. hotels said their guests will go all-out while ordering in, spending on average more than $100 for room service.
Hotels said steak and champagne are the most expensive items on their room service menus.
"Room service clearly holds a special place in the hearts of hotel guests," said Melanie Fish, Hotels.com. The survey went on to reveal the most unusual room service items.
Top properties on the Hotels.com with out-of-the-ordinary room service experiences:
The Milestone Hotel in London, U.K. – Treat yourself to a world class musical performance with an in-room concert from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Suites from $1,500 per night and orchestra quoted on an individual basis.
Post Oak Hotel in Houston, U.S. – Why not get a taste of the ultimate hotel burger: The Post Oak Hotel serves "The Black Gold Burger," which has 16 ounces of Wagyu beef, seared foie gras, and black truffle in a caviar-infused black and 24K gold brioche bun. It will only set you back a whopping $1,600! Rooms from $540 per night.
Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo, Ireland – Room service isn't just for grown-ups at Ashford Castle. Travelers can request a Lego butler and pick from a selection of sets, to be delivered on a silver tray to your room. Rooms from $856 per night with a €40 local currency fee for the Lego butler.
Park Lane New York in New York City, U.S. – What's better than on-demand caviar on Billionaire's Row in the city? Dial "5" to make a request on the hotel's Caviar Hotline. Rooms from $373 per night, and caviar pricing varies.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa in Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Here, it's not just about what is being delivered to your door … it's about how it's being delivered. You can request an exquisite meal for two to be delivered to the deck of your overwater villa in a traditional outrigger canoe. Villas from $1,424 per night.
The Plaza Hotel in New York City, U.S. – This hotel is home to one of the most famous room service orders: the Home Alone sundae, featuring 16 scoops of ice cream and layers of toppings for $300. Rooms from $761 per night.
Four Seasons in Chicago, U.S. – Here, the Ice Cream Man makes in-room ice cream-delivery dreams possible for the young and young-at-heart. Rooms from $570 per night.
Kylin Villa Resort Jeju, South Korea – A room service experience where the camera eats first: This resort sets room service orders on a picturesque floating display in villas with private pools. Rooms from $170 per night.
DogHouse Columbus Hotel in Columbus, U.S. – This dual-purpose brewery and hotel features in-room beer taps and a mini fridge in the bathroom stocked with "shower beer." Rooms from $190 per night.
Email us with any interesting items on your room service menu!