Diet Water? No-Egg-White Omelette? Top 10 Weirdest Room Service Requests

A new report shows that travelers love crazy and casual when it comes to in-room dining
A room service tray in a hotel room
What’s your oddest in-room dining experience? Cory Bjork on Unsplash

Diet water? Melted ice cream? Those are just two of the most unusual room service requests in the United States over the past year, according to a survey by Hotels.com.

Demand for room service is up 45% in U.S. hotels, and what people are asking for is almost as bizarre as how much the items can cost. (Who’s ready for a $1,600 hamburger or a $300 ice cream sundae?)

Among the trends revealed in the report:

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.

Top properties are pushing the boundaries of room service to go beyond food, offering in-room concerts and even a personal Lego butler. Yes, a butler made of Legos.

Burgers are the most popular room service order not just in America but also globally, beating out pizza, club sandwiches, tacos and fries.

Related: The Best Food in Florida, According to Insider Food

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.

Hotels said steak and champagne are the most expensive items on their room service menus.

The 10 most unusual room service requests, according to Hotels.com:

  1. Diet water
  2. Melted ice cream
  3. Blowfish
  4. Boiled bottled water
  5. A cooked fish that the guest brought with them
  6. Cockle popcorn
  7. No-egg-white omelette
  8. Rice bowl for a dog
  9. Bison
  10. Eggless eggs in hell (shakshuka)

Capitalizing on the fun report, starting June 12, Hotels.com is offering guests nationwide a chance to win $100 toward an indulgent room service experience this summer. Enter by July 12 at Hotels.com Room Service to take advantage of the offer and to view the terms.

“Room service holds a special place in the hearts of hotel guests,” said Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Hotels.com. “Whether it’s a treat-yourself moment or must-have after a long day of sightseeing, there’s a certain satisfaction in having someone else foot the bill. That’s why we’re covering up to $30,000 in room service bills this summer, so guests can go all-in on their favorite in-room experience.”

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