We spoke to several hotel employees from across Europe, who shared their experiences and observations of the hotel industry. Their stories paint a picture of a complex and often contradictory world, where the lines between luxury and licentiousness are blurred.

But hotel staff are not immune to secrets either. One bartender confessed that he had been involved in a romantic relationship with a guest, and that the hotel’s management had turned a blind eye. “It was a bit of a scandal, but we were all adults and we knew what we were doing. The management just wanted to avoid any bad publicity.”

Another staff member shared a story about a guest who had been using the hotel as a hideout. “He was a high-stakes businessman, and he would often have meetings in his room with various… associates. I would bring him breakfast and see stacks of cash and briefcases full of documents. It was clear that he was involved in some shady dealings, but I didn’t pry.”