I work at Travelodge and these are the most bizarre requests we get from guests

FOR the less adventurous hotel guests among us, the only request we really have is if someone could please make the bed, or if we could order room service.

For others, the world is seemingly their oyster - with budget chain Travelodge recently revealing the most bizarre queries they've received over the past year.

From requesting a children's paddling pool to accommodate a pet fish, to organising an afternoon tea with pandas - some guests are not afraid to really test the boundaries.

Hotel manager and mum-of-two Eva Rostoka, 39, from London, has worked for Travelodge since 2006.

Here, she reveals what it's really like working for a hotel, and shares her tips and tricks to ensure you enjoy your stay...

Seagull song requests

The range of requests hotel staff receive is truly mind-boggling, as Eva can testify.

She says: “With more Britons holidaying on British shores than ever before, all our hotel teams have received a high volume of interesting requests and questions.

“Where possible, our hotel teams will go above and beyond to help customers as they relish a good challenge.

“However, there are some requests beyond their control, such as arranging afternoon tea with pandas, getting a shooting star to appear at 10pm, getting a part on Emmerdale and getting seagulls to sing instead of squawk!   

“We had one customer ask us to contact the Emergency Services and see whether we could get them to turn their sirens down at night.

“One customer returned from a sightseeing trip, and asked why Big Ben had gone quiet, thinking it was because it had ‘gone digital’ rather than it was undergoing restoration."

'What time is the train to Hogwarts?'

Guests also have some unique travel questions too.

Eva says: “Only last week, we received a call from a stressed PA asking if we can add a helipad to the roof of the hotel, to make it easier for her boss to check-in.

"My personal favourite was during October half term, when a dad seriously asked what time the train leaves for Hogwarts from Platform 9 and three quarters at King's Cross!

"No two days are ever the same, which makes the role so exciting - I can honestly say I have never been bored in my 15 years at Travelodge!​"

It's not just the requests that can be bizarre - what turns up in lost property can be quite unusual too.

Eva says: “Interesting items to make our lost property audit over the years have included a pair of alpacas called Ant and Dec, a 65-year-old Bonsai tree, and an Aston Martin.

"Also a dissertation, deeds to a fish and chip shop, a precious 20-year-old celebrity autograph book and a five foot floral unicorn.

“When it comes to why so many of our customers forget their treasured items, it’s basically due to us all being time poor, juggling multiple tasks and being in a hurry to get from A to B.

"In the rush, valuable possessions are easily forgotten.”

Tips and tricks

Thinking of booking a little get away? Here's how to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

Eva says: “Make sure you note any requests regarding your booking when making your reservation, as we’ll always do our best to ensure you have the perfect stay.

"Also, if for any reason you are not happy with something or have a question during your stay, let us know immediately so that we can help.

"Don’t wait until you’ve checked out and then contact customer services when it’s too late for the team to address your needs."

Meanwhile, Travelodge has released 150,000 rooms for £29 or less over the 12 days of Christmas.