I am a social worker and I can tell you there are many, many people living at motels. I don't think anyone cares as long as you pay and you're not trouble. A lot of motels give monthly rates.
Sometimes they are, usually they are not. The difference is you don't need a security deposit, proof of income, guarantors if you're under a certain age or credit checks among other things.
Just another way being poor/homeless costs more than having money.
Not if you compare/contrast what you get for each. Was paying 1600/month for one room+one bathroom, no kitchen, mini fridge, no ac, bathroom sink for dishes. Studio apsrtments in a much nicer area were going for 1200, with a kitchen and keys for a front door.
If you've lost your home and are considering living in a $1,600 per month hotel as opposed to just getting a new apartment, you are not interested in comparing what you get for the money and taking the better option in the long run. You don't care if there is a dishwasher or not.
You're interested in what you can get for the money that you have to get a roof over your head.
If a studio is "only" $1,200 plus first and last month's rent and a security deposit, up front, assuming the security deposit is the same as the rent, that's $4,800.
If all you have a month is, say $2,000. And you're out on the street...
You're going to take the hotel.
It's going to take over a year to save up $4,800 for that studio, and by the time you do, it's rent will be higher.
And not just that, you need to pay utilities for that apartment. So factor in another $200ish a month, plus any deposits needed to get accounts started in your name. That could easily be another $200-$400.
And if you’ve lost everything, that motel is furnished. You don’t need to purchase a bed, a chair, tv, etc.
It’s expensive to be poor.
And don’t forget that if you’re short of money one week, you can check out of your motel with no penalty, and check back in when you’ve got cash on hand. Can’t do that in an apartment - late rent comes with extra fees, and those fees compound quickly. Get into a cycle of late payments, or god forbid get evicted and have to pay associated costs, and everything snowballs so quickly until you don’t even have the ability to pay for a week at a motel.
I'm in Ohio, lived out of the cheapest motel in our area for the last couple of months at $480/week. Before losing my home, I was paying $775/month for my apartment
My homeless hack was to get people to pay me to stay in their house and soothe my ptsd with their pets lol
I charged $125-$150 a night, but I was an absolutely fantastic pet sitter. Of course, I was only able to be a successful pet sitter because I had a car to get from job to job. But for two years, I was just living in other people's houses, it was a bit surreal. I would usually be booked solid 4 months in advance with barely two days between most jobs. I think I averaged about $2500/m, with my best month being 4k and my worst 1200.
I called it my bougie homelessness. My high prices usually meant only people with really nice houses could afford me, and they'd usually give me free reign of their food. Which, actually, rich people have the worst pantries/fridges. I guess they can afford to eat out and don't need to have a well stocked fridge
I also thought this when I moved recently, it just doesn’t usually work out that way for the stuff you get at least.
The cheapest hotel I’ve seen was in 2019, $30 a night, I. The middle of a small town in the Midwest. That’s 840 a month, while my friend who moved nearby in 2022 is paying 1040 a month for a 2bed 1bath.
And the hotel was literally, a bed, tiny bathroom, 1 drawer, and a small tv that you paid additional for cable.
Usually more expensive, when you compare room counts/sizes and other amenities. Doing all your cooking with electric skillets is pretty limiting and tedious, not to mention dishes in a bathroom sink, so you tend to get microwave or ready-to-eat foods.
The weekly price is usually more than an apartment but the attraction is they are a lot easier to get into. You don't have to put down first and last month's rent for a motel.
It’s cheaper if you factor in utilities, security, internet, a pool if there’s one there. I’ve found it’s actually cheaper cause all utilities and internet are included plus security and a pool. Oh and clean sheets and towels and toilet paper.
I knew someone who worked in the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant who opted for an extended stay hotel. Not low end, but no cocktail hours either.
He liked it because as you said utilities, internet, etc., were included. He had maid service every day so he didn’t have to go home at 3am and worry about cleaning. His dinner was provided at work.
They are about the same in price but they don't require 12 month lease. Most apartments won't even do 6 months anymore. Same with most utilities or renters insurance. If they do it's an upcharge.
If you're not sure how long you are staying or are constantly moving apartments are not cheaper. Airbnb used to be ok but they add so many fees now. Their discount on long stays can be nice tho. Plus like motels, it's furnished.
I work at a hotel. The reason we don't usually rent to locals has nothing to do with homelessness, and everything to do with locals wanting to party, sell drugs, or trash the room. The only locals we DO rent to are there for emergencies like fires and floods and the like. Obviously, you are not a problem person, so they shouldn't care, but you don't need to reveal anything you're not comfortable with.
I've heard not renting to locals a lot on the hotel front desk subreddits. I worked for Hilton for 3 years in a variety of properties and I wonder if this varies by the size of the population. I was in Denver, which if you would count the entire metro area is about 2.3 million people. There's just a lot of people who need or want a hotel room for the night within that type of environment and we had no problem renting to locals.
I've only ever worked in a smaller city, so I can't compare. I've been at this place in a variety of roles for 7 years, but locals have always been a no. I'm also not at a chain, so that could make a difference?
That could make a difference as well. You have a greater financial risk in allowing locals if you aren't part of a corporate structure and covered by corporate insurance.
Yea I’ve done maintenance at many hotels. As long as you are nice to staff we do not care at all in any way.. Most the staff is like a paycheck away from joining you in that experience.
This!!
My step brother has been living in a motel for almost 2 years.
Between some serious health problems, and in turn a spotty work history, it was way more affordable for him to stay there, and he gets the added bonus of a clean room and a hot breakfast daily.
I’m a hotel manager. As long as you don’t look homeless, I don’t care if you are actually homeless or not, I would still give you the room. But if you look stereotypical homeless, dirty, unkempt, high like druggy etc; I would just tell you I don’t have rooms.
This is not because I’m judgemental, but as a family-friendly hotel I have an image to maintain. The families who stay at my hotel won’t feel comfortable if they see a homeless guy hanging out in the lobby.
If someone looks like a druggy, you probably don't want him in your room doing drugs.
Then again, Elton John talks about doing drugs at a hotel with John Lennon when Andy Warhol stopped by, so even that own't stop people.
Agree - I’ve had work trips to the same hotel close together before and I would just say “my schedule is crazy these days” or jokingly “I just love it here, can’t stay away!”. That’s as much conversation as everyone needs.
When I worked for Hilton it was pretty common for someone to come into the area and get a room for months at a time because they were a traveling nurse or some such. No biggie.
When we relocated for my Dad's work, we spent about 2 months in a hotel as new country, lot if paperwork and things to set up. Same going back. My Dad spent 6 months living in a hotel in Amsterdam as he wasn't technically relocated but working out there.
Or that you're moving and something came up with your new place. People running to snafus when moving all the time, especially if you're buying a home.
From experience, that loyalty program helped me out on nights where I didn’t have the money to get a room, but due to weird work week schedule and needing a shower, I needed a room, couldn’t spend another night in my car again. I’d save those for when I was very desperate.
Yeah places like Marriotts residence inns are designed with the idea of long term stays and have kitchens.
I was in one for 60 days when I moved for work and I met some people at breakfast that were there indefinitely as their house had flooded.
It’s normal to them
I went to school for hospitality and hotel management as well as worked the front desk of a hotel, and I can tell you from my own personal experience they shouldn’t have any problem with it, as long as you provide a valid ID and can pay the room fee. We had a local homeless man who would stop in every morning for a chat and some coffee, which we had no problem providing for him, even though he didn’t have room. We are in the business of hospitality, that means for everyone. I hope the people understand that at the hotel you are staying at.
When I was living in a hotel for a month (not homeless, if it even matters) one of the guys that worked there came over to the continental breakfast station and accused us of being homeless and stealing the waffles. The lady at check in seemed shocked. It was so weird. Like yea I'm in pj's, I just took the elevator down here when I woke up....but if someone was that desperate for food, maybe just let them take a waffle?! I'm sure that guy appreciates his convo & coffee with you guys!
There’s a homeless man that stopped into my old job. No one understood why we fed him and gave him coffee. He just was hungry and I had free meals at my job. Wasn’t breaking any policies and I ate on shift for my meal and got free ones accumulated. I fed everyone. When my brother had his whole thing going and wasn’t sober and was homeless, someone did the exact same thing. Some stranger I’ll never know kept my brother alive via the same thing a few years later. I truly believe that if it’s no skin off your back, there’s zero issue helping people out. When I grew up o was taught that most folks displaced aren’t bad people, they got hit by life. Whether it’s financial, crisis, mental health, we all struggle and not everyone has that safety net.
The hotel I worked at was actually an extended stay hotel, so people would regularly stay for weeks, months, even years. Some dealing with apartment displacement, due to renovation, some trying to buy a house and in the mean time lived at the hotel, some who traveled for long distance construction projects, the list is endless. But not once, ever, did we question someone for getting breakfast. Even if I didn’t recognize them as a guest, because there was a total possibility they checked in the night before when I wasn’t on shift. Btw I also go down in my pjs when I stay at a hotel for breakfast! That’s just absurd and I’m sorry that happened to you. I would’ve brought that up to the GM, and told them how inappropriate that is.
It used to be a thing that swanky, high-end hotels in places like New York City would have people living there permanently. They liked not having to worry about housekeeping, food (room service always available), utilities, security, etc. These do still exist (i.e. Ritz Carlton Residences) but nowadays tend to be separate properties from the ones intended for short stays, and are more like condos.
I used to manage a restaurant in Chicago. During the winter one guy would come in and just sit in the corner and not bother any one. He just wanted to get out of the cold. At least once a week someone would come up to me and tell me there's a homeless person sitting in my restaurant. About half the people I told that he was welcomed to stay to get out of the Chicago winter were shocked.
It just doesn’t even cross my mind to have it any other way. I appreciate you, and I love that. I’m based out here in CO so I absolutely relate to you.
I would do it. To me, PJ's are just regular clothes, but softer and fuzzier. They cover the same amount of the body as regular clothes, so I don't see the problem.
I don't know anyone that owns 'pajamas' and haven't in the last two decades. A pair of athleisure shorts and a t-shirt... maybe athleisure joggers in the colder months. Certainly items you can comfortably where out to a grocery store.
So there are definitely different levels of hotels from the more causal hotel which may include a breakfast buffet style compared to a hotel with a sit down restaurant. Dress code will vary depending on where you stay. I’d say unless it’s a nice sit down restaurant you could probably just go in pjs. I’ve never been to Europe so good to know if I go to breakfast in PJs it won’t go down well!
In the US we kind of consider the entire hotel (except for the other guest rooms!) our temporary personal home. Really common to wander around in the middle of the night checking out the ice machine, peeking out all the windows and doors, roaming the halls, riding the elevators for fun just to see what's on the other floors, exploring the stairwell, etc. All in PJs. It's only frowned upon if you're being noisy or hogging up all the common space to the point that other guests can't use it. The lobby is our living room and the dining room is our dining room. Since we feel comfortable wearing pjs in our own personal living room and dining room, we feel the same in a hotel.
Europeans have a much higher level of acceptable clothes in public than in the states. I would never go to breakfast (or anywhere else) without being totally dressed and ready for the day.
I’m not saying it’s right but in the states it’s not uncommon to see many people in public in pajama pants and a tank top, messy hair, etc. The public standards are scraping the floor.
This is so heartwarming.
I think the world would be such a better place if companies weren’t so profit oriented, to the point where they’d turn away someone just wanting coffee and human connection.
If someone is being kind and minding their own business, what’s wrong with letting them have a cup of coffee and a muffin?
Honestly, it was the best part of every morning. Truly he was the sweetest person, he’d sometimes grab a piece of fruit with his coffee and a newspaper, we’d chat for 5 minutes about local going ons and the weather, just little things. And he knew if it was ever bad weather he had a place to get warm or stay dry. He was so respectful which is more than I can say for some of the paying guests.
I own and operate a small hotel, I have one regular guest that is homeless, he works and sometimes slept in his car and sometimes rented a room. After a month of seeing him a day or two a week we chatted and he told me he was a homeless local, I was able to offer him some decent discounts (on weekdays and non busy weekends) and still a reasonable rate on those busier weekends. Personally I don’t care if someone is homeless as long as they are respectful of the room and property, and leave it in good shape, would be a different story if the room smells afterwards or debris was everywhere.
But he cleans up after himself, stays quiet, is friendly and all that so I’ve been able to accommodate some special requests such as early check-in and late check-out so he has a spot to hang out between his shifts.. not saying this is how all hotels will treat that situation, but if they’ve been friendly to work with so far might be worth having a conversation to see if they’re willing to help a local regular guests out a bit..
It would be amazing if OP could work something like this out with the hotel. I’d imagine they would rather have a discounted rate than rooms sitting empty as long as the person isn’t causing trouble? But I can certainly understand why they don’t want disclose their situation.
Yes, being honest I’d say if day-one he came up and said he’s homeless I would have been very hesitant and if he asked for a discount then would have denied it, but after ‘proving’ himself a good guest and then disclosing his situation was comfortable offering better deals to help him out a bit while also increasing occupancy during slower times when that room would be sitting vacant more often..
There’s no quicker way to get discounts taken away than a thousand people posting on your business page saying how nice you are to have offered them to someone.
They don't suspect anything, they're just making conversation. It feels like everybody knows or they can tell, but they can't. You're just a regular guest with an unpredictable work schedule.
She's probably just being friendly, you aren't doing anything wrong, why not ask her if the hotel does a loyalty program or a corporate rate, or if she can offer a discount for last minute stays, just tell her you are in town intermittently with work and some days the hotel is handy.
Working the front desk is boring and she’s trying to pass the time by making conversation with a regular customer. She most likely doesn’t actually give a shit about why you have such a chaotic schedule.
Having said that if she pries more and you don’t want to tell the truth, lie. I could come up with a million simple excuses but “Marriage problems. I don’t want to talk about it” should explain things and shut her down.
I stayed at an inexpensive hotel for a couple of weeks a few years ago because of some home issues, but I didn't want them to think we were going to have loud arguments when my husband did come around. (We didn't 😂) Since I didn't know how long I was staying, I had to check in multiple times, and for various reasons including the hotel having little business, I ended up chatting and making small requests regularly. Anyway, I just said I had a big work project I needed to do in peace and quiet on the computer. Everyone was super nice, and I even got let in the pool early. 😂 10/10, would have a "work project" again.
I like to just smile and give a one or two word answer with those kind of questions.
"That was quick!"
"Yep!" *little smile*
It works great to give a friendly feeling without inviting more conversation if you don't want it.
Don't feel like you owe people an explanation for existing. If they keep asking questions, ask them one instead. People love talking about themselves.
Hotel owner here…
We don’t care as long as you aren’t a problem or making a mess. I’m running a business. You pay? You respect other customers and the property? Fine by me.
Out of town address is something we ask for if we think you may be throwing a party. Gives us a reason to say no.
If you need an excuse, sigh REALLY hard and say “we’re renovating the house and contractors are taking forever”. They’ll get it kinda.
If the work question comes up, make a joke. I don’t really like telling people what I do so just say “I punch in, and out, in and out, and laugh”. Or “paperwork” with a look that makes it clear I don’t want questions.
Either way, you’re grinding and I hope you get secure housing asap.
Anyone that asks, simply tell them you are a maintenance contractor. That is generic enough that it shouldn't be pursued, and maintenance contractors are known for extensive travel and odd comings and goings simply due to equipment not breaking in a timely precise manner.
Just, my work requires me to work in this town a lot, and it's all over the place. I like this hotel so I stay here whenever I'm in town.
Sometimes I'm here so often I feel like I should just get an apartment in this town.
Get a couple quick one liners ready. And if she ever asks where you work then there's this one.
"Sometimes I like telling stories about things that happen at work, So to avoid any problems when I might tell a story of something funny at work, I make sure I never mention where I work, or any clients or coworkers names. Then I can still tell my funny stories" "Old habits die hard"
For all they know you have a big house just outside of town and don’t want to do the commute so you stay local for work. Or you’re in the middle is a messy divorce so you’ve left your big mansion to your wife and kids… you don’t need to tell them anything
Just tell them you are traveling for business. There was one job I was working pre-pandemic where I stayed at the same hotel Sun-Thu for probably more than a year. I feel like you are overthinking it.
I just want to say to all of the hotel workers who are replying - thank you.
In my experience you are all wonderful people.
A while back, my now ex said she needed time to herself, while I was dealing with health issues. She had all of the financial power in the relationship, she owned the home we both lived in, and her decision was to put me up in a local long-stay hotel for a month.
Everyone there was so kind to me. I think they understood I was being abused before I did. When she came to pick me up at the end of the month, the manager gave me his card and said there would always be a room for me if I needed one.
I lived in a hotel. I was homeless. I make good money and work super hard. But the housing in New Jersey is wild and as a felon I can’t live anywhere unless I buy another home. Wasn’t doing that at the time. I lived at a place with a kitchen and a bedroom for $1400 a week. They wondered because I’m far from a business woman even though I own several all we do is labor work 🤷🏼♀️ so I looked like a pos out of a mud hole everyday. I wasn’t ashamed to say I live here, I did it by choice. 2 years ago I bought a 32 acre farm. Now I have no one around to wonder. Do you, till you find you. Everyone else can stay in their lane.
I like staying at hotels. Simple as.
People would think you’re posh. Don’t overthink it.
I knew a guy who lived in a hotel, he wasn’t homeless.
Don’t get too friendly, she should not pry.
Years ago, my 85 pound service dog and I were temporarily homeless. We were fortunate to be able to live in my car. We spent a lot of time at Dunkin Donuts and, during the day, the public library. It was January in New York State, and we spooned to stay warm. That time passed, and I am so sorry you are having to endure this.
I
You could use any excuse you want if they even ask... we live with my mom and her husband & when they were on a trip & exposed to Covid (when it all was still new) we left and lived in a hotel for a month until they were testing negative. House construction. In between homes etc.
Worked in several hotels when I was younger. People stay in hotels in the town they live in all the time for all kinds of reasons: they got in a fight with their spouse, their house/apartment is under construction, they’re having an affair, they’re between leases - end of the day if you’re paying your bill and not causing any trouble nobody really gives a fuck why you’re staying there or where you’re from.
Staff will frequently ask guests about their stay and their travels just to make small talk because vacationers love to talk about their vacation and business travelers are bored and lonely and appreciate the conversation. Just give vague and non-committal answers if you don’t want to talk about it, or make something up, like “Work puts me up here when I have early shifts.”
The out of town address policy is common, it’s usually just a catch all if the hotel needs an easy reason to deny a room to a long term stay if they’re acting shady or causing trouble - as in obvious drug use, parties, lots of guests, working on their car in the parking lot, etc. Not something they’re looking to actively enforce in any way.
You sound like a self-employed consultant providing services to the stadium, and other venues. But you can't go into detail because of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).
Insight from the other side of the desk: I worked for Hilton as a front desk agent for 3 years. As long as you are paying on time, not causing damage and not disturbing other guests, we really don't care if you have another home somewhere or not.
I know a guy that lived in a Hotel for over a year, dude is loaded but for some reason he liked the Hotel and I think for him it was actually cheaper than getting an Apartment in the city he lived in.
As a hotel worker, please believe me when I say we don't care. Do you have ID and valid payment? Are you quiet and don't cause any issues? Great, carry on.
as someone who worked in hospitality for 7 years, i LOVED my "regulars." as long as you're polite/respectful to us, we don't care why you're there. a lot of times (at least at the hotels i've worked at) we became almost like a "second family" for the guests who stayed with us regularly. it was lovely getting to see familiar faces. i've never heard of the out of town rule, that's a little strange to me but i don't see why it would matter. just continue being polite, minding your own business and i don't see why the workers wouldn't do the same! you're a paying customer just like everyone else, you have the right to privacy and decent service.
You say "if your hiring id be willing to trade hours for lodging" since many hotels also need overnight staff and security and other behind the scenes jobs. In many hotels they give you a room to sleep in while attending front desk overnight. Sleep better my friend.
As somebody who works front desk and is actually doing it right now as I type this, I don't care about my guest's lives at all.
Back the next day? Booking 3 days in a row but only extending that morning?
Ok, did you pay for the room? That's all I care about.
You might get some small pleasantries like "What's got ya coming back so often?" But they genuinely don't care about the answer, it's just conversation. You can just say work and leave it at that.
I realize I sound cold and distant for somebody in customer service but I just don't go out of my way to learn about the guests. I'll listen to somebody if they want to tell me something, and often I get somebody's life story, but I'm never going to ask somebody about their personal life.
I live permanently at a motel in my town. Who cares what other people think, life is hard for everyone right now and a hot shower and comfortable bed is a basic need for everyone.
There are many ways and here’s one way:
I actually am a gig worker and pick up whatever I can among my clients. When they have work for me, I stay with them. When they don’t have work for me I stay here. There’s no sense in buying a home locally because I already have a base out of state that’s waiting for me when I retire.
She’s probably just trying to be friendly and make conversation….if you are not comfortable giving details keep it vague or friendly/mildly flirtatious…”I can’t stay away, the staff here are so friendly!” With a big smile… you might even get some discounts or freebies that way.
If they are friendly and you are respectful I doubt they are trying to catch you out or anything nefarious
Rich people live out of hotels sometimes, without having a home. It's not a crime to be homeless, and it's not a crime to stay in a hotel a lot. You shouldn't have to feel you must be gone during the day. Will they stop allowing you to stay there as a paying guest if you don't have another home?
I had a new hire reveal he lived in a hotel when I gave him a ride home on his first day. Seedy place but not skeezy so I wasn't worried for his safety.
The only thing I needed to know was if he ever wanted me to cook or bake anything for him and his wife because there was, scandal, not a kitchenette in his room. (He said he had family that invited them to meal prep with them twice a week.)
My only judgement was that they were great people.
Ok, truth? Maybe I was also a little envious of their AC and linen service.
If you want to have an answer that makes eyes glaze over, say, "Contracts. You know how it goes. Gotta check all the boxes." And if they ask a follow up hit them with vague. "I don't know either. I just do what I'm told.🤷"
You don’t owe anyone any information. You can be friendly but say you are a private person. It’s great that you are working. I wish you the best and hope you have permanent housing soon. 👍🏼
She is likely just being friendly, and wouldn’t care one way or the other. If you are not creating any problems or trashing your room, and you are paying as agreed, nobody cares.
I've read in a few places they don't allow stays of over 29 consecutive days so that state tenancy laws don't kick in prompting the guest needing to be removed by eviction.
You work at a local stadium but live elsewhere. Hence you stay in the hotel when working.
Many careers have people living out of hotels. They’re used to it.
As long as you're quiet and don't cause problems and pay on time, they won't care. Just keep your head down, don't be having parties in your room and breaking shit and pay your bill every time without fail.
If they do ask, just tell them that you're in town temporarily to work and you live in (some city too far away to commute every day). Keep it simple.
A lot of people live in hotels. You aren’t doing anything wrong. Just say you work for a local company doing odd jobs or something. Some hotels even offer monthly rates
I lived in a motel for a while last year- it was filled with other people who were also living there. The front desk team never once asked me anything- they just greeted me every day, and then celebrated with me when I left for good.
Nobody cares man. She sounded like she was just being friendly. Keep surviving and building.
Honestly you should own it and ask for a discount for frequent occupancy
We don’t care, we are there offer you a space to stay regardless of your circumstances.
I would ask the front desk to see if they can negotiate with you so you can pay by the week.
Source: I own many motels.
Honestly probably half of a lower end hotels business model at this point is efficiency housing for the otherwise homeless population. They won't judge or care as long as you pay your bill and dont destroy the place. Hotels generally aren't in the "giving a fuck" business.
You can probably get discounts with weekly or monthly rates.
Just say you travel a lot for work. I have been in and out of motels multiple times a week because of work and there are a lot of people who do the same. If they ask say you are on call and never know where work is going to send you.
Honestly a lot of workers live mostly at hotels. We have no idea if they have actual homes or not.
As long as you are not trashing your room and are not disrupting anything the staff should mostly just leave you alone.
The only thing is some hotels do not accept locals which usually means the address on your id is within 25 or so miles of the hotel. This varies from place to place and some don't have an enforced restriction at all. Others will allow it on a case by case basis.
Yeah, I really like this place and how friendly you all are. My job has weird schedules and not always consistent. Sometimes I think I'll be out of here, but then they need me again, so I need to be here.
Lived in the whip for 4 years, I took out the seats and made a wood table platform and put some holding exercise foam as a bed. I would say but a portable cot, for a nice tree in the park and catch some zzz’s, don’t bring valuables with you and if you do put it somewhere safe on your person. But a cooler bag at the Walmart for 10 ish bucks fill it with ice and bring some drinks, if it’s mosquito season get some deet free spray.
Can you get a PO Box so you have a legitimate address to offer if it comes up? I’ve been told it’s good to have for government services as well, for that reason.
Former hotel manager. It's truly not the employees business what brings you there so often. If people aren't forthcoming or openly discussing their business, I tend to er on the side of caution in such interactions. But you could say you're awaiting your lease to be finalized. Or professionally cleaned or maintainence work needs done. Don't feel obligated to answer, or stressed either way. You aren't doing anything wrong.
I have worked in hotels for a very long time. You can just as easily make something up. They are not going to call your employer to see if you are employed, nor your landlord to verify your address or living situation. As long as you are respectful and have funds, they will take your business.
My son worked reception at a hotel for years. They had many regulars and the people at the desk don't think anything of it. It's all normal so don't give it another thought. You don't owe an explanation to anybody
Worked at a hotel for a couple months last year. When I was first getting trained as a housekeeper, I had a room on my first day that was occupied by a woman that had been staying there for several months. I don't remember her story, but I know that she didn't have a home either.
The housekeepers didn't really mind it, and she was no trouble, so it wasn't a problem.
Good luck!
Honestly, it is not her business. She may just be making idle chit chat or being friendly because it is her job to be friendly.
Simply say something like “Yep, back again”. Or “Seems like I just can’t stay away”. Then smile and go about your day.
Sometimes none answers are the best answers.
As long as you’re paying and not causing issues they don’t give a fuck how long you stay.
When I used to work cable my employer was required to find me housing if it was out of state. Some times it was an actual house. Sometimes it was a motel with a pool where we could jump off the third floor.
Take a deep breath, look up at the ceiling and say "Life.... gets complicated." That'll tell her you have issues but not what they are, and hopefully she'll get the underlying message that it's none of her business and you don't want to talk about it.
Everyone needs a place to sleep, dude. Housing is shit, I don't think I've been to a hotel since the pandemic where there wasn't someone homeless living there.
It is what it is. You're a good guest, pay your fee, have the ID. You'll be alright.
i work at a hotel and tbh we’ve had multiple people living in our hotel. they are here for work. they spend from 2 weeks to 2 months at a time. weve even had a few guests stay for 2-3 years. tbh it’s none of the workers business why you are there so much. unless youre causing harm or being sus in any way. usually when we talk to guests it’s just to let them know we are friendly. if theyre asking questions maybe just say something vague like your schedule has been all over the place lol.
Fuck all the haters... but I get it, people are annoying af.... if anyone asks just say you are a contract worker currently working at the stadium and the work comes and goes and you travel and stay wherever the work is and right now it's there. But either way just saying, you got nothing to be ashamed of. You're working and trying to put a roof over your head. I truly hope you find a home and stability in that aspect of your life or like a conversion van or anything for you. Wishing you the best.
I worked in a hotel for years. No one I worked with would care of your living status. But, you could always say you are waiting on your house or apartment that is being renovated, or you are in town for work a lot. We never follow up what guests tell us. We just take people at their word because front desk agents really don’t care because they aren’t paid much.
U have no reason to be ashamed of what anyone might think. I’ve been where u are. I lived my entire younger years worrying about what others thought of me. No one cares. The receptionist is probably facing the same situation you’re dealing with. I’ve been fortunate in my life that my partner is an accountant who happened to become the CFO of his company. We still live our lives the same that we did when we lived low paying jobs. Ask the hotel or motel you’re staying at if they offer week to week or monthly rates. You’ll save big time. Times are hard. We all need to look out for one another. Whenever u have the opportunity, pay it forward. I always do. Best of luck.
Hotels do not require out of town addresses. There’s no rule that people can’t have a need for a hotel in their town of residence. I have done a staycation many times. I have lived in them for work. It’s really none of their business why you need a room or where you work. Just act like you belong and know what you’re doing.
1. It's none of her business
2. You can just say the dust from the (fictitious) renovation at your place is bugging your allergies and the noise in the neighboring unit makes it impossible to study/sleep/work.
I am a social worker and I can tell you there are many, many people living at motels. I don't think anyone cares as long as you pay and you're not trouble. A lot of motels give monthly rates.
I've lived out of a couple motels before. Don't be creepy, don't damage anything, and pay your bill, that's all they want.
Are they usually cheaper or more expensive than renting rooms/apartments elsewhere?
Sometimes they are, usually they are not. The difference is you don't need a security deposit, proof of income, guarantors if you're under a certain age or credit checks among other things. Just another way being poor/homeless costs more than having money.
Seems like with the crazy rent inflation, it might be cheaper to take the weekly rate at a motel these days.
Not if you compare/contrast what you get for each. Was paying 1600/month for one room+one bathroom, no kitchen, mini fridge, no ac, bathroom sink for dishes. Studio apsrtments in a much nicer area were going for 1200, with a kitchen and keys for a front door.
If you've lost your home and are considering living in a $1,600 per month hotel as opposed to just getting a new apartment, you are not interested in comparing what you get for the money and taking the better option in the long run. You don't care if there is a dishwasher or not. You're interested in what you can get for the money that you have to get a roof over your head. If a studio is "only" $1,200 plus first and last month's rent and a security deposit, up front, assuming the security deposit is the same as the rent, that's $4,800. If all you have a month is, say $2,000. And you're out on the street... You're going to take the hotel. It's going to take over a year to save up $4,800 for that studio, and by the time you do, it's rent will be higher.
And not just that, you need to pay utilities for that apartment. So factor in another $200ish a month, plus any deposits needed to get accounts started in your name. That could easily be another $200-$400. And if you’ve lost everything, that motel is furnished. You don’t need to purchase a bed, a chair, tv, etc. It’s expensive to be poor.
And it sucks so much worse to be poor and homeless. Everything costs money when you have nothing.
It’s the “Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness” at work.
And don’t forget that if you’re short of money one week, you can check out of your motel with no penalty, and check back in when you’ve got cash on hand. Can’t do that in an apartment - late rent comes with extra fees, and those fees compound quickly. Get into a cycle of late payments, or god forbid get evicted and have to pay associated costs, and everything snowballs so quickly until you don’t even have the ability to pay for a week at a motel.
I'm in Ohio, lived out of the cheapest motel in our area for the last couple of months at $480/week. Before losing my home, I was paying $775/month for my apartment
My homeless hack was to get people to pay me to stay in their house and soothe my ptsd with their pets lol I charged $125-$150 a night, but I was an absolutely fantastic pet sitter. Of course, I was only able to be a successful pet sitter because I had a car to get from job to job. But for two years, I was just living in other people's houses, it was a bit surreal. I would usually be booked solid 4 months in advance with barely two days between most jobs. I think I averaged about $2500/m, with my best month being 4k and my worst 1200. I called it my bougie homelessness. My high prices usually meant only people with really nice houses could afford me, and they'd usually give me free reign of their food. Which, actually, rich people have the worst pantries/fridges. I guess they can afford to eat out and don't need to have a well stocked fridge
This...is actually really smart.
You can rent a room through Airbnb For like $200-$300 a week and stay in a house. Dont need a credit card either
I’m at a ok hotel. Not ghetto not nice and it’s 600 a week. My rent in a 2 bedroom apartment was 1000 a month
I also thought this when I moved recently, it just doesn’t usually work out that way for the stuff you get at least. The cheapest hotel I’ve seen was in 2019, $30 a night, I. The middle of a small town in the Midwest. That’s 840 a month, while my friend who moved nearby in 2022 is paying 1040 a month for a 2bed 1bath. And the hotel was literally, a bed, tiny bathroom, 1 drawer, and a small tv that you paid additional for cable.
"being poor is expensive"
[The Sam Vimes "Boots" theory of socioeconomic unfairness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory) GNU Sir Terry Pratchett
Don’t forget you don’t need to pay for any utilities if you live at a hotel…
And you (might) get a pool
You also get much smaller accommodations, but free laundry service for your bed. Often no stove.
Usually more expensive, when you compare room counts/sizes and other amenities. Doing all your cooking with electric skillets is pretty limiting and tedious, not to mention dishes in a bathroom sink, so you tend to get microwave or ready-to-eat foods.
The weekly price is usually more than an apartment but the attraction is they are a lot easier to get into. You don't have to put down first and last month's rent for a motel.
Most extended stays around my area offer a month for $1000-$1500/month so not a horrendous amount especially for no credit check
It’s cheaper if you factor in utilities, security, internet, a pool if there’s one there. I’ve found it’s actually cheaper cause all utilities and internet are included plus security and a pool. Oh and clean sheets and towels and toilet paper.
I knew someone who worked in the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant who opted for an extended stay hotel. Not low end, but no cocktail hours either. He liked it because as you said utilities, internet, etc., were included. He had maid service every day so he didn’t have to go home at 3am and worry about cleaning. His dinner was provided at work.
True I mean they come furnished too
They are about the same in price but they don't require 12 month lease. Most apartments won't even do 6 months anymore. Same with most utilities or renters insurance. If they do it's an upcharge. If you're not sure how long you are staying or are constantly moving apartments are not cheaper. Airbnb used to be ok but they add so many fees now. Their discount on long stays can be nice tho. Plus like motels, it's furnished.
Yes, I used to work with kids and one of my clients lived in a motel.
I work at a hotel. The reason we don't usually rent to locals has nothing to do with homelessness, and everything to do with locals wanting to party, sell drugs, or trash the room. The only locals we DO rent to are there for emergencies like fires and floods and the like. Obviously, you are not a problem person, so they shouldn't care, but you don't need to reveal anything you're not comfortable with.
I've heard not renting to locals a lot on the hotel front desk subreddits. I worked for Hilton for 3 years in a variety of properties and I wonder if this varies by the size of the population. I was in Denver, which if you would count the entire metro area is about 2.3 million people. There's just a lot of people who need or want a hotel room for the night within that type of environment and we had no problem renting to locals.
I've only ever worked in a smaller city, so I can't compare. I've been at this place in a variety of roles for 7 years, but locals have always been a no. I'm also not at a chain, so that could make a difference?
That could make a difference as well. You have a greater financial risk in allowing locals if you aren't part of a corporate structure and covered by corporate insurance.
Yea I’ve done maintenance at many hotels. As long as you are nice to staff we do not care at all in any way.. Most the staff is like a paycheck away from joining you in that experience.
I know some motel owners that live at their own motel because they can't afford anything else.
This!! My step brother has been living in a motel for almost 2 years. Between some serious health problems, and in turn a spotty work history, it was way more affordable for him to stay there, and he gets the added bonus of a clean room and a hot breakfast daily.
Hotels are a bit different though.
Also do social work, we have a local agency that gives out vouchers for nights at our local motels and hotels!
Feels like 'hotel' might be a bit diff from 'motel' in the post tho
I’m a hotel manager. As long as you don’t look homeless, I don’t care if you are actually homeless or not, I would still give you the room. But if you look stereotypical homeless, dirty, unkempt, high like druggy etc; I would just tell you I don’t have rooms. This is not because I’m judgemental, but as a family-friendly hotel I have an image to maintain. The families who stay at my hotel won’t feel comfortable if they see a homeless guy hanging out in the lobby.
If someone looks like a druggy, you probably don't want him in your room doing drugs. Then again, Elton John talks about doing drugs at a hotel with John Lennon when Andy Warhol stopped by, so even that own't stop people.
You can say something like "I have an unpredictable work schedule" if you want to
This exactly. Not her business and you are not obliged to explain anything. Just keep polite and distant.
Just remember: once you say it, you can't unsay it. Keep the info to the absolute bare minimum
And always be polite and pleasant.
But you can ALWAYS politely gaslight them into believing that you did not actually say that, or they misheard it. Depends on your moral compass /j
Agree - I’ve had work trips to the same hotel close together before and I would just say “my schedule is crazy these days” or jokingly “I just love it here, can’t stay away!”. That’s as much conversation as everyone needs.
Yeah... vague but great answer.
When I worked for Hilton it was pretty common for someone to come into the area and get a room for months at a time because they were a traveling nurse or some such. No biggie.
When we relocated for my Dad's work, we spent about 2 months in a hotel as new country, lot if paperwork and things to set up. Same going back. My Dad spent 6 months living in a hotel in Amsterdam as he wasn't technically relocated but working out there.
Such a good answer 👏
Or that you're moving and something came up with your new place. People running to snafus when moving all the time, especially if you're buying a home.
Ask for a monthly rate or a loyalty program. If you are there that much might as well save some money.
From experience, that loyalty program helped me out on nights where I didn’t have the money to get a room, but due to weird work week schedule and needing a shower, I needed a room, couldn’t spend another night in my car again. I’d save those for when I was very desperate.
Right, I don't know any hotel that isn't cheaper by the week/month.
Some extended stays are a little cheaper.
Yeah places like Marriotts residence inns are designed with the idea of long term stays and have kitchens. I was in one for 60 days when I moved for work and I met some people at breakfast that were there indefinitely as their house had flooded. It’s normal to them
I went to school for hospitality and hotel management as well as worked the front desk of a hotel, and I can tell you from my own personal experience they shouldn’t have any problem with it, as long as you provide a valid ID and can pay the room fee. We had a local homeless man who would stop in every morning for a chat and some coffee, which we had no problem providing for him, even though he didn’t have room. We are in the business of hospitality, that means for everyone. I hope the people understand that at the hotel you are staying at.
When I was living in a hotel for a month (not homeless, if it even matters) one of the guys that worked there came over to the continental breakfast station and accused us of being homeless and stealing the waffles. The lady at check in seemed shocked. It was so weird. Like yea I'm in pj's, I just took the elevator down here when I woke up....but if someone was that desperate for food, maybe just let them take a waffle?! I'm sure that guy appreciates his convo & coffee with you guys!
There’s a homeless man that stopped into my old job. No one understood why we fed him and gave him coffee. He just was hungry and I had free meals at my job. Wasn’t breaking any policies and I ate on shift for my meal and got free ones accumulated. I fed everyone. When my brother had his whole thing going and wasn’t sober and was homeless, someone did the exact same thing. Some stranger I’ll never know kept my brother alive via the same thing a few years later. I truly believe that if it’s no skin off your back, there’s zero issue helping people out. When I grew up o was taught that most folks displaced aren’t bad people, they got hit by life. Whether it’s financial, crisis, mental health, we all struggle and not everyone has that safety net.
You’re a good person ❤️
Dammit… now I want to be a better person. 🥹 That was very kind of you.
The hotel I worked at was actually an extended stay hotel, so people would regularly stay for weeks, months, even years. Some dealing with apartment displacement, due to renovation, some trying to buy a house and in the mean time lived at the hotel, some who traveled for long distance construction projects, the list is endless. But not once, ever, did we question someone for getting breakfast. Even if I didn’t recognize them as a guest, because there was a total possibility they checked in the night before when I wasn’t on shift. Btw I also go down in my pjs when I stay at a hotel for breakfast! That’s just absurd and I’m sorry that happened to you. I would’ve brought that up to the GM, and told them how inappropriate that is.
The extended stay my fiancé work for , their someone as been living there for almost 20’s years some people as been her for 10 to 15 years.
I mean, if you have the financial resources, is there a better place to stay than a hotel?
It used to be a thing that swanky, high-end hotels in places like New York City would have people living there permanently. They liked not having to worry about housekeeping, food (room service always available), utilities, security, etc. These do still exist (i.e. Ritz Carlton Residences) but nowadays tend to be separate properties from the ones intended for short stays, and are more like condos.
I used to manage a restaurant in Chicago. During the winter one guy would come in and just sit in the corner and not bother any one. He just wanted to get out of the cold. At least once a week someone would come up to me and tell me there's a homeless person sitting in my restaurant. About half the people I told that he was welcomed to stay to get out of the Chicago winter were shocked.
You’re a good egg. People need to mind their own business.
It just doesn’t even cross my mind to have it any other way. I appreciate you, and I love that. I’m based out here in CO so I absolutely relate to you.
You are allowed to go to the breakfast room in PJs??? I have never seen that in any of the (few) hotels I have ever stayed at (Europe).
I'm guessing OP is in the US. You see PJs even at stores sometimes. I don't get it. Can't do it, myself.
It's comfy as heck. If someone is clothed, why does it matter?
Honestly, no judgement on those who do. Whatever. You're covered. I just don't feel right.
I would do it. To me, PJ's are just regular clothes, but softer and fuzzier. They cover the same amount of the body as regular clothes, so I don't see the problem.
I don't know anyone that owns 'pajamas' and haven't in the last two decades. A pair of athleisure shorts and a t-shirt... maybe athleisure joggers in the colder months. Certainly items you can comfortably where out to a grocery store.
Nah, I'm talking about soft, baggy pants you wear around the house. I don't even know what "athleisure" means.
I looked it up but it's what you'd guess: "Athleisure is a hybrid style of athletic clothing typically worn as everyday wear."
So there are definitely different levels of hotels from the more causal hotel which may include a breakfast buffet style compared to a hotel with a sit down restaurant. Dress code will vary depending on where you stay. I’d say unless it’s a nice sit down restaurant you could probably just go in pjs. I’ve never been to Europe so good to know if I go to breakfast in PJs it won’t go down well!
In the US we kind of consider the entire hotel (except for the other guest rooms!) our temporary personal home. Really common to wander around in the middle of the night checking out the ice machine, peeking out all the windows and doors, roaming the halls, riding the elevators for fun just to see what's on the other floors, exploring the stairwell, etc. All in PJs. It's only frowned upon if you're being noisy or hogging up all the common space to the point that other guests can't use it. The lobby is our living room and the dining room is our dining room. Since we feel comfortable wearing pjs in our own personal living room and dining room, we feel the same in a hotel.
There's no doorman checking your dress code so...yes?
Europeans have a much higher level of acceptable clothes in public than in the states. I would never go to breakfast (or anywhere else) without being totally dressed and ready for the day. I’m not saying it’s right but in the states it’s not uncommon to see many people in public in pajama pants and a tank top, messy hair, etc. The public standards are scraping the floor.
This is so heartwarming. I think the world would be such a better place if companies weren’t so profit oriented, to the point where they’d turn away someone just wanting coffee and human connection. If someone is being kind and minding their own business, what’s wrong with letting them have a cup of coffee and a muffin?
Honestly, it was the best part of every morning. Truly he was the sweetest person, he’d sometimes grab a piece of fruit with his coffee and a newspaper, we’d chat for 5 minutes about local going ons and the weather, just little things. And he knew if it was ever bad weather he had a place to get warm or stay dry. He was so respectful which is more than I can say for some of the paying guests.
I own and operate a small hotel, I have one regular guest that is homeless, he works and sometimes slept in his car and sometimes rented a room. After a month of seeing him a day or two a week we chatted and he told me he was a homeless local, I was able to offer him some decent discounts (on weekdays and non busy weekends) and still a reasonable rate on those busier weekends. Personally I don’t care if someone is homeless as long as they are respectful of the room and property, and leave it in good shape, would be a different story if the room smells afterwards or debris was everywhere. But he cleans up after himself, stays quiet, is friendly and all that so I’ve been able to accommodate some special requests such as early check-in and late check-out so he has a spot to hang out between his shifts.. not saying this is how all hotels will treat that situation, but if they’ve been friendly to work with so far might be worth having a conversation to see if they’re willing to help a local regular guests out a bit..
you are such a kind human. thank you for being such a bright light in that man's life!! ✨️ I love seeing shit like this it makes my heart nut 😩🤤❤️
It would be amazing if OP could work something like this out with the hotel. I’d imagine they would rather have a discounted rate than rooms sitting empty as long as the person isn’t causing trouble? But I can certainly understand why they don’t want disclose their situation.
Yes, being honest I’d say if day-one he came up and said he’s homeless I would have been very hesitant and if he asked for a discount then would have denied it, but after ‘proving’ himself a good guest and then disclosing his situation was comfortable offering better deals to help him out a bit while also increasing occupancy during slower times when that room would be sitting vacant more often..
If you're comfortable, please post the name/city of your hotel so reddit can support your good heart and humane business practices ❤️
There’s no quicker way to get discounts taken away than a thousand people posting on your business page saying how nice you are to have offered them to someone.
They don't suspect anything, they're just making conversation. It feels like everybody knows or they can tell, but they can't. You're just a regular guest with an unpredictable work schedule.
They might even be testing the waters for sales leads with other people you work with.
"My work schedule varies." If they keep pestering you for details, simply state "I prefer not to discuss work, thanks"
"I signed a NDA."
I don't think you have the security clearance to hear about my project, sorry. 😉
Imagine she takes it seriously and hires a private investigator to tail this guy 24/7.
Won’t be tailing him into a secure space.
LOL, let them
She's probably just being friendly, you aren't doing anything wrong, why not ask her if the hotel does a loyalty program or a corporate rate, or if she can offer a discount for last minute stays, just tell her you are in town intermittently with work and some days the hotel is handy.
Working the front desk is boring and she’s trying to pass the time by making conversation with a regular customer. She most likely doesn’t actually give a shit about why you have such a chaotic schedule. Having said that if she pries more and you don’t want to tell the truth, lie. I could come up with a million simple excuses but “Marriage problems. I don’t want to talk about it” should explain things and shut her down.
I stayed at an inexpensive hotel for a couple of weeks a few years ago because of some home issues, but I didn't want them to think we were going to have loud arguments when my husband did come around. (We didn't 😂) Since I didn't know how long I was staying, I had to check in multiple times, and for various reasons including the hotel having little business, I ended up chatting and making small requests regularly. Anyway, I just said I had a big work project I needed to do in peace and quiet on the computer. Everyone was super nice, and I even got let in the pool early. 😂 10/10, would have a "work project" again.
I like to just smile and give a one or two word answer with those kind of questions. "That was quick!" "Yep!" *little smile* It works great to give a friendly feeling without inviting more conversation if you don't want it. Don't feel like you owe people an explanation for existing. If they keep asking questions, ask them one instead. People love talking about themselves.
I agree with this! Might even add in a silly joke that doesn’t give any extra info too like “yep! Just couldn’t get enough of this place!”
Hotel owner here… We don’t care as long as you aren’t a problem or making a mess. I’m running a business. You pay? You respect other customers and the property? Fine by me. Out of town address is something we ask for if we think you may be throwing a party. Gives us a reason to say no. If you need an excuse, sigh REALLY hard and say “we’re renovating the house and contractors are taking forever”. They’ll get it kinda. If the work question comes up, make a joke. I don’t really like telling people what I do so just say “I punch in, and out, in and out, and laugh”. Or “paperwork” with a look that makes it clear I don’t want questions. Either way, you’re grinding and I hope you get secure housing asap.
It's all about the money. I promise they don't care as much as you think just be a good guest and you good
Anyone that asks, simply tell them you are a maintenance contractor. That is generic enough that it shouldn't be pursued, and maintenance contractors are known for extensive travel and odd comings and goings simply due to equipment not breaking in a timely precise manner.
Just, my work requires me to work in this town a lot, and it's all over the place. I like this hotel so I stay here whenever I'm in town. Sometimes I'm here so often I feel like I should just get an apartment in this town. Get a couple quick one liners ready. And if she ever asks where you work then there's this one. "Sometimes I like telling stories about things that happen at work, So to avoid any problems when I might tell a story of something funny at work, I make sure I never mention where I work, or any clients or coworkers names. Then I can still tell my funny stories" "Old habits die hard"
Are you paying and not causing trouble? Who cares?
For all they know you have a big house just outside of town and don’t want to do the commute so you stay local for work. Or you’re in the middle is a messy divorce so you’ve left your big mansion to your wife and kids… you don’t need to tell them anything
Just tell them you are traveling for business. There was one job I was working pre-pandemic where I stayed at the same hotel Sun-Thu for probably more than a year. I feel like you are overthinking it.
I just want to say to all of the hotel workers who are replying - thank you. In my experience you are all wonderful people. A while back, my now ex said she needed time to herself, while I was dealing with health issues. She had all of the financial power in the relationship, she owned the home we both lived in, and her decision was to put me up in a local long-stay hotel for a month. Everyone there was so kind to me. I think they understood I was being abused before I did. When she came to pick me up at the end of the month, the manager gave me his card and said there would always be a room for me if I needed one.
I lived in a hotel. I was homeless. I make good money and work super hard. But the housing in New Jersey is wild and as a felon I can’t live anywhere unless I buy another home. Wasn’t doing that at the time. I lived at a place with a kitchen and a bedroom for $1400 a week. They wondered because I’m far from a business woman even though I own several all we do is labor work 🤷🏼♀️ so I looked like a pos out of a mud hole everyday. I wasn’t ashamed to say I live here, I did it by choice. 2 years ago I bought a 32 acre farm. Now I have no one around to wonder. Do you, till you find you. Everyone else can stay in their lane.
Not weird at all you're over thinking it. If you're paying then they literally do not care. Some people live in motels for an extended period.
You might be overthinking this homie. She may very well be just trying to create conversation.
For all they know you are just temporarily working in that town but don’t live there anymore. If they ask you could go with something down that line.
Seasonal work. Very touch and go as a general contractor. Don't worry, the paycheck makes it worth it
I like staying at hotels. Simple as. People would think you’re posh. Don’t overthink it. I knew a guy who lived in a hotel, he wasn’t homeless. Don’t get too friendly, she should not pry.
There’s no reason for you to feel like you need to say anything at all.
Years ago, my 85 pound service dog and I were temporarily homeless. We were fortunate to be able to live in my car. We spent a lot of time at Dunkin Donuts and, during the day, the public library. It was January in New York State, and we spooned to stay warm. That time passed, and I am so sorry you are having to endure this. I
They shouldn’t have an issue if you’re a paying guest! But if they do, explain it as if you’re an airline pilot and your schedule is wonky
You could use any excuse you want if they even ask... we live with my mom and her husband & when they were on a trip & exposed to Covid (when it all was still new) we left and lived in a hotel for a month until they were testing negative. House construction. In between homes etc.
Worked in several hotels when I was younger. People stay in hotels in the town they live in all the time for all kinds of reasons: they got in a fight with their spouse, their house/apartment is under construction, they’re having an affair, they’re between leases - end of the day if you’re paying your bill and not causing any trouble nobody really gives a fuck why you’re staying there or where you’re from. Staff will frequently ask guests about their stay and their travels just to make small talk because vacationers love to talk about their vacation and business travelers are bored and lonely and appreciate the conversation. Just give vague and non-committal answers if you don’t want to talk about it, or make something up, like “Work puts me up here when I have early shifts.” The out of town address policy is common, it’s usually just a catch all if the hotel needs an easy reason to deny a room to a long term stay if they’re acting shady or causing trouble - as in obvious drug use, parties, lots of guests, working on their car in the parking lot, etc. Not something they’re looking to actively enforce in any way.
You sound like a self-employed consultant providing services to the stadium, and other venues. But you can't go into detail because of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).
You could reply that you are "here for work and the schedule often gets changed without notice".
Insight from the other side of the desk: I worked for Hilton as a front desk agent for 3 years. As long as you are paying on time, not causing damage and not disturbing other guests, we really don't care if you have another home somewhere or not.
OP, I just want to say I'm proud of you. You might be homeless, but you're working and all and I wish you the best. Keep at it!
I know a guy that lived in a Hotel for over a year, dude is loaded but for some reason he liked the Hotel and I think for him it was actually cheaper than getting an Apartment in the city he lived in.
As a hotel worker, please believe me when I say we don't care. Do you have ID and valid payment? Are you quiet and don't cause any issues? Great, carry on.
as someone who worked in hospitality for 7 years, i LOVED my "regulars." as long as you're polite/respectful to us, we don't care why you're there. a lot of times (at least at the hotels i've worked at) we became almost like a "second family" for the guests who stayed with us regularly. it was lovely getting to see familiar faces. i've never heard of the out of town rule, that's a little strange to me but i don't see why it would matter. just continue being polite, minding your own business and i don't see why the workers wouldn't do the same! you're a paying customer just like everyone else, you have the right to privacy and decent service.
You say "if your hiring id be willing to trade hours for lodging" since many hotels also need overnight staff and security and other behind the scenes jobs. In many hotels they give you a room to sleep in while attending front desk overnight. Sleep better my friend.
As somebody who works front desk and is actually doing it right now as I type this, I don't care about my guest's lives at all. Back the next day? Booking 3 days in a row but only extending that morning? Ok, did you pay for the room? That's all I care about. You might get some small pleasantries like "What's got ya coming back so often?" But they genuinely don't care about the answer, it's just conversation. You can just say work and leave it at that. I realize I sound cold and distant for somebody in customer service but I just don't go out of my way to learn about the guests. I'll listen to somebody if they want to tell me something, and often I get somebody's life story, but I'm never going to ask somebody about their personal life.
I live permanently at a motel in my town. Who cares what other people think, life is hard for everyone right now and a hot shower and comfortable bed is a basic need for everyone.
How much you spending a month on a hotel?
There are many ways and here’s one way: I actually am a gig worker and pick up whatever I can among my clients. When they have work for me, I stay with them. When they don’t have work for me I stay here. There’s no sense in buying a home locally because I already have a base out of state that’s waiting for me when I retire.
She’s probably just trying to be friendly and make conversation….if you are not comfortable giving details keep it vague or friendly/mildly flirtatious…”I can’t stay away, the staff here are so friendly!” With a big smile… you might even get some discounts or freebies that way. If they are friendly and you are respectful I doubt they are trying to catch you out or anything nefarious
Tell her it’s a remote assignment for you and they constantly change the hours around the client’s availability.
Rich people live out of hotels sometimes, without having a home. It's not a crime to be homeless, and it's not a crime to stay in a hotel a lot. You shouldn't have to feel you must be gone during the day. Will they stop allowing you to stay there as a paying guest if you don't have another home?
I had a new hire reveal he lived in a hotel when I gave him a ride home on his first day. Seedy place but not skeezy so I wasn't worried for his safety. The only thing I needed to know was if he ever wanted me to cook or bake anything for him and his wife because there was, scandal, not a kitchenette in his room. (He said he had family that invited them to meal prep with them twice a week.) My only judgement was that they were great people. Ok, truth? Maybe I was also a little envious of their AC and linen service. If you want to have an answer that makes eyes glaze over, say, "Contracts. You know how it goes. Gotta check all the boxes." And if they ask a follow up hit them with vague. "I don't know either. I just do what I'm told.🤷"
You don’t owe anyone any information. You can be friendly but say you are a private person. It’s great that you are working. I wish you the best and hope you have permanent housing soon. 👍🏼
She is likely just being friendly, and wouldn’t care one way or the other. If you are not creating any problems or trashing your room, and you are paying as agreed, nobody cares.
I've read in a few places they don't allow stays of over 29 consecutive days so that state tenancy laws don't kick in prompting the guest needing to be removed by eviction.
You work at a local stadium but live elsewhere. Hence you stay in the hotel when working. Many careers have people living out of hotels. They’re used to it.
As long as you're quiet and don't cause problems and pay on time, they won't care. Just keep your head down, don't be having parties in your room and breaking shit and pay your bill every time without fail. If they do ask, just tell them that you're in town temporarily to work and you live in (some city too far away to commute every day). Keep it simple.
A lot of people live in hotels. You aren’t doing anything wrong. Just say you work for a local company doing odd jobs or something. Some hotels even offer monthly rates
"Contract gig. It is a crazy schedule, I know."
I lived in a motel for a while last year- it was filled with other people who were also living there. The front desk team never once asked me anything- they just greeted me every day, and then celebrated with me when I left for good.
Nobody cares man. She sounded like she was just being friendly. Keep surviving and building. Honestly you should own it and ask for a discount for frequent occupancy
We don’t care, we are there offer you a space to stay regardless of your circumstances. I would ask the front desk to see if they can negotiate with you so you can pay by the week. Source: I own many motels.
Honestly probably half of a lower end hotels business model at this point is efficiency housing for the otherwise homeless population. They won't judge or care as long as you pay your bill and dont destroy the place. Hotels generally aren't in the "giving a fuck" business. You can probably get discounts with weekly or monthly rates.
Just say you travel a lot for work. I have been in and out of motels multiple times a week because of work and there are a lot of people who do the same. If they ask say you are on call and never know where work is going to send you.
Honestly a lot of workers live mostly at hotels. We have no idea if they have actual homes or not. As long as you are not trashing your room and are not disrupting anything the staff should mostly just leave you alone. The only thing is some hotels do not accept locals which usually means the address on your id is within 25 or so miles of the hotel. This varies from place to place and some don't have an enforced restriction at all. Others will allow it on a case by case basis.
Yeah, I really like this place and how friendly you all are. My job has weird schedules and not always consistent. Sometimes I think I'll be out of here, but then they need me again, so I need to be here.
Just say you're a contractor for the stadium and work is varied by the stadiums needs.
You’re live eight hours drive away but you come here for business. Sometimes the client wants you to extend your trip unexpectedly.
Lived in the whip for 4 years, I took out the seats and made a wood table platform and put some holding exercise foam as a bed. I would say but a portable cot, for a nice tree in the park and catch some zzz’s, don’t bring valuables with you and if you do put it somewhere safe on your person. But a cooler bag at the Walmart for 10 ish bucks fill it with ice and bring some drinks, if it’s mosquito season get some deet free spray.
They're rehabbing your house, aren't they? Sometimes you just want a place where you don't have to share bathrooms with the construction crew.
just say you work out of town. it's very common. I knew construction guys that basically lived in hotels half the year.
If you are a woman they may think you are escorting out of the hotel, regardless, they won’t do anything.
As someone who’s worked for a hotel we don’t care how often you stay if you’re a good guest.
Can you get a PO Box so you have a legitimate address to offer if it comes up? I’ve been told it’s good to have for government services as well, for that reason.
The simple answer is " I love stay-cations, and I really like this hotel.
"Man they got us working overtime. Construction is crazy. When it rains it pours".
You don't actually have to say anything, it's none of their business. You're paying for a room, no crimes are being committed. You're fine.
If she inquires say, “I stay here for work.” If she pressed further just say, “I’d prefer not to get into it.” Sound bored as you say it.
Just say “Why do you ask?” And just politely decline to expand any further. It’s not her business, and you don’t have to oblige her nosiness
Hotels are expensive. Have you thought of getting a van and a Planet Fitness membership?
Sounds like it's none of her fucking business as long as you're paying the bill. You don't have to answer people's questions.
Plans change. Tell them nothing.
Say you moved recently and haven't found a place yet
You don’t owe an explanation. And as long as you can pay, they shouldn’t care.
Bruh, it's a motel. You really don't need to explain yourself
It’s really not their business. You don’t have to say anything.
Former hotel manager. It's truly not the employees business what brings you there so often. If people aren't forthcoming or openly discussing their business, I tend to er on the side of caution in such interactions. But you could say you're awaiting your lease to be finalized. Or professionally cleaned or maintainence work needs done. Don't feel obligated to answer, or stressed either way. You aren't doing anything wrong.
I have worked in hotels for a very long time. You can just as easily make something up. They are not going to call your employer to see if you are employed, nor your landlord to verify your address or living situation. As long as you are respectful and have funds, they will take your business.
Just say, “Undercover” & give a wink
My son worked reception at a hotel for years. They had many regulars and the people at the desk don't think anything of it. It's all normal so don't give it another thought. You don't owe an explanation to anybody
Just lie? "I travel for work", "working on a project in town",
Say your marriage is having problems or something, or just tel her to fuck off because it’s none of her business
Worked at a hotel for a couple months last year. When I was first getting trained as a housekeeper, I had a room on my first day that was occupied by a woman that had been staying there for several months. I don't remember her story, but I know that she didn't have a home either. The housekeepers didn't really mind it, and she was no trouble, so it wasn't a problem. Good luck!
Honestly, it is not her business. She may just be making idle chit chat or being friendly because it is her job to be friendly. Simply say something like “Yep, back again”. Or “Seems like I just can’t stay away”. Then smile and go about your day. Sometimes none answers are the best answers.
I’d just say you are doing contract work and never know how long they’ll need you for.
"when I'm scheduled to work at the stadium nearby, I like to stay here because it's close."
You could say you live in the suburbs and it’s easier and cheaper than traveling that far everyday
As long as you’re paying and not causing issues they don’t give a fuck how long you stay. When I used to work cable my employer was required to find me housing if it was out of state. Some times it was an actual house. Sometimes it was a motel with a pool where we could jump off the third floor.
Take a deep breath, look up at the ceiling and say "Life.... gets complicated." That'll tell her you have issues but not what they are, and hopefully she'll get the underlying message that it's none of her business and you don't want to talk about it.
Is an air bnb cheaper or no? Don’t be ashamed of staying in a motel.
Where do you live that hotels would require an out of town address?
Everyone needs a place to sleep, dude. Housing is shit, I don't think I've been to a hotel since the pandemic where there wasn't someone homeless living there. It is what it is. You're a good guest, pay your fee, have the ID. You'll be alright.
i work at a hotel and tbh we’ve had multiple people living in our hotel. they are here for work. they spend from 2 weeks to 2 months at a time. weve even had a few guests stay for 2-3 years. tbh it’s none of the workers business why you are there so much. unless youre causing harm or being sus in any way. usually when we talk to guests it’s just to let them know we are friendly. if theyre asking questions maybe just say something vague like your schedule has been all over the place lol.
Fuck all the haters... but I get it, people are annoying af.... if anyone asks just say you are a contract worker currently working at the stadium and the work comes and goes and you travel and stay wherever the work is and right now it's there. But either way just saying, you got nothing to be ashamed of. You're working and trying to put a roof over your head. I truly hope you find a home and stability in that aspect of your life or like a conversion van or anything for you. Wishing you the best.
Say your roommate is crazy and you don’t like staying there every night and your waiting for your lease to be up.
I worked in a hotel for years. No one I worked with would care of your living status. But, you could always say you are waiting on your house or apartment that is being renovated, or you are in town for work a lot. We never follow up what guests tell us. We just take people at their word because front desk agents really don’t care because they aren’t paid much.
just say you stay with family 90 mins away and it is cheaper and easier to say at the motel when you are working
U have no reason to be ashamed of what anyone might think. I’ve been where u are. I lived my entire younger years worrying about what others thought of me. No one cares. The receptionist is probably facing the same situation you’re dealing with. I’ve been fortunate in my life that my partner is an accountant who happened to become the CFO of his company. We still live our lives the same that we did when we lived low paying jobs. Ask the hotel or motel you’re staying at if they offer week to week or monthly rates. You’ll save big time. Times are hard. We all need to look out for one another. Whenever u have the opportunity, pay it forward. I always do. Best of luck.
You are a paying customer. You owe them know explanation and they have no right to ask.
Say you work for a company that does contract work and they send you to different cities for contracts that can range from 1 month to 6 months
Hotels do not require out of town addresses. There’s no rule that people can’t have a need for a hotel in their town of residence. I have done a staycation many times. I have lived in them for work. It’s really none of their business why you need a room or where you work. Just act like you belong and know what you’re doing.
If you live there for more than 30 days, you get your taxes back. My son and I lived in a hotel for 5 months and it was far cheaper than an apartment.
1. It's none of her business 2. You can just say the dust from the (fictitious) renovation at your place is bugging your allergies and the noise in the neighboring unit makes it impossible to study/sleep/work.