Hotel workers see it all—stained carpets, broken AC units, and guests who think “do not disturb” is optional. But ask them where they’d never lay their heads, and you’ll get a unanimous answer: there’s always that one room. From strange noises to cursed locations, we talked to seasoned staffers who dished on the hotel rooms they steer clear of—and why you might want to, too.
The Corner Room Curse
Maria Delgado, a 12-year housekeeper at a boutique hotel in San Diego, doesn’t hesitate when asked about Room 412. “It’s the corner suite on the top floor,” she says. “Great view, terrible everything else.” Guests rave about the skyline, but Maria knows the catch: it’s a maintenance nightmare. “The pipes groan like a horror movie, and the Wi-Fi barely reaches. Plus, it’s right by the elevator—ding, ding, all night.” She’s seen too many checkouts over it. “I’d rather sleep in the lobby,” she laughs.
The Ghost of Room 13
At a historic inn in Savannah, Georgia, front desk clerk Jamal Carter swears Room 13 is off-limits—for him, at least. “It’s not just the number,” he insists. Built-in 1890, the hotel has its share of ghost stories, but Room 13 takes the cake. “Guests say they hear footsteps pacing at night, and the TV flickers on by itself. I’ve felt it, too—chills for no reason.” Jamal’s cleaned it once and vowed never again. “I’ll book you there if you want,” he says. “But I’m not stepping foot inside.”
The “Forgotten” Fifth Floor
In a bustling Miami chain hotel, bellhop Carlos Ruiz avoids Room 508 like the plague. “It’s the one nobody remembers to fix,” he explains. Tucked at the end of a hallway, it’s plagued by quirks: a window that won’t close, a shower that runs cold, and a musty smell no amount of bleach can kill. “Management knows, but it’s low priority,” Carlos says. He’s hauled bags there for guests who complain within hours. “I’d sleep in my car first.”
The Noise Trap
For New York City housekeeper Aisha Patel, Room 204 is a hard pass. “It’s right above the loading dock,” she says. “Trucks roll in at 4 a.m., banging and beeping. You can’t sleep through it.” The room’s marketed as “cozy and affordable,” but Aisha’s seen the fallout—grumpy guests demanding refunds. “I feel bad checking people in there,” she admits. “No way I’d stay myself.”
Insider Wisdom
These stories aren’t just gossip—they’re a peek behind the curtain. Hotel workers spend more time in these buildings than anyone, and their vetoes come from experience. Maria’s advice? “Ask about noise and maintenance when you book.” Jamal suggests avoiding rooms with “weird vibes”—even if you’re skeptical. And Carlos has a pro tip: “If the rate’s suspiciously low, there’s a reason.” Next time you check-in, you might want to channel your instincts. After all, they know the skeletons—literal or not—in every closet.