We've all been there - you've had a lovely relaxing hotel break, you head home... only to find that you've left something back at the hotel.
In fact, new research from Travelodge has unveiled the top 10 items most commonly left in its hotel rooms, and they range from chargers and phones to toys and books.
When it's something like a laptop or an item with sentimental value, it can make for a stressful situation, but the good news is that it's one which can easily be rectified.
Call the hotel as soon as you realise something is missing, and give them a detailed description of the item, as well as your room number. In most cases, your item will be easily found and returned to you (although you may need to cough up the postage fees).
According to Travelodge's Lost and Found audit, chargers are most commonly left behind by guests, closely followed by gadgets such as phones and laptops.
Books, teddy bears and toiletries are also amongst the belongings that families tend to forget when checking out (you can see the full list below).
Of course there are also plenty of not-so-common items which people have forgotten while staying in a Travelodge.
In the last year the brand's hotel staff have uncovered some bizarre offerings such as a 5ft-high wedding cake piñata in Edinburgh, a Grandmother clock in Harrogate and a Skywatcher telescope in Aberdeen.
Oh, and in some cases, some people have even forgotten their beloved pets! An Angora rabbit called Thunder was left behind in Leamington Spa, while one bridesmaid forgot a pair of love birds called Will & Kate as she rushed off to a wedding because she was dealing with a 'bad hair day'.
Top 10 items left behind in hotel rooms
- Chargers for mobile phones, smart devices, kindles and laptops
- Mobile phones, tablets and Kindles
- Books
- Teddy Bears
- Toiletry bags
- Jewellery
- Clothing
- Toys
- Business papers/notebooks/presentations
- Gifts and presents
So, what happens to the items that are left behind?
The good news is that these forgotten gadgets, toys and presents go to a good cause if they remain unclaimed.
Most hotels around the world tend to hold on to items for a few weeks, and if these aren't claimed they will then donate them to a charity. (The amount of time they keep forgotten items depends on the property).
Travelodge for example keeps items for three months, before donating them to the local British Heart Foundation Charity Shops, its charity partner.
If you're thinking of booking a hotel getaway for 2022, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. Our cheap hotels page is packed with plenty of tips, deals and other useful updates we think you'll want on your radar. If it's Travelodge you're specifically after, we've got a guide for finding cheap Travelodge rooms including prices from £29 a night.
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