Budget hotel brand, Travelodge, has revealed some of the interesting items left behind in its 557 UK hotels during 2018. From an ice cream van to an amazing Technicolour Dream Coat, not to mention a replica of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, forgetful guests are leaving behind far more unusual items than the usual phone chargers and toothbrushes.
A life-size scarecrow was among the items left behind at Travelodge branches in the UK. Image: Dimitri Otis/Getty Images
“We have seen a rise this year in important business papers, valuable items and lucky charms being left behind in our hotels,” says Travelodge’s Shakila Ahmed. “This includes a chest of semi-precious jewels, a rare bottle of vintage champagne, a Coutts cheque book and a 21-year-old lucky penny belonging to a CEO.”
Travelodge has published a list of items found in its UK hotels. Image: sdominic/Getty Images
Whatever about leaving inanimate items behind, it’s surprising that the hotel chain has seen a growing trend in forgetful pet owners. One animal-lover left behind a blue-eyed cockatoo called Brexit, and a fashionista forgot her three butterfly tail fish. They’re called Kim, Kourtney and Khloe, and they travel with her in a decorated tank as they inspire her fashion designs. One Travelodge branch had a cat show enthusiast who was so overjoyed that her two Persian cats, Moet and Chandon, won best of show, she checked out without them in all the excitement.
One royal enthusiast forgot her replica of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress. Image: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images
During the past 12 months, Travelodge hotel staff also found a number of items belonging to forgetful performers. Joseph’s Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat was discovered in one room, but luckily the hotel manager personally took the coat to the theatre just in time for the curtain call. It was touch and go when a cheerleading team forgot their case of pompoms ahead of competing at the UK National Cheerleading Championships, but the hotel reception team managed to save the day and ensure the team had them in time to dazzle the crowd.
A cheerleading team forgot their case of pompoms at a Travelodge. Image: Pete Saloutos/Getty Images
Other items left behind include a flat pack greenhouse and a life-size scarecrow, a 50-foot handmade chocolate Easter bunny, a glass eye and a doggy throne. Then there was a royal enthusiast from the US who had to make a return journey from Heathrow airport to her hotel after she left her treasured Meghan Markle replica wedding dress behind. “When it comes to why so many customers forget their treasured items, there is one common theme, and that’s living in a fast and furious world,” says Shakila Ahmed. “When time is of the essence, especially when getting from A to B, valuable possessions can easily be forgotten.”
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