Behind the Glam: The Hidden Irony of Hotel Staff Offices

Does the Beauty of the Guest Experience Meet the Reality of Staff Spaces?

The Irony of a Beautiful Hotel and the Dingy Office Environment Behind the Scenes

Ever stayed at a hotel so stunning it felt like a dream? The kind of place where every detail, from the lighting to the furniture to the scent of fresh flowers, seems carefully curated to provide the perfect experience? You know the vibe—serene, polished, and immaculate. But here’s the thing that often goes unnoticed: the behind-the-scenes environment where the hotel’s staff are actually working, often a far cry from the gorgeous spaces guests enjoy.

On the way to my hotel room in Montreal I accidentally peaked into the GM’s office he snuck into while I walked towards the elevators. “Demotivating” is the only word that comes to mind.

I’m not just talking about the backstage areas like the laundry room or storage closets (though, yes, they’re definitely not part of the hotel’s polished exterior). I’m talking about the offices—the spaces where hotel management, HR, and admin teams spend their days. So often, they’re nothing like the stylish, luxurious atmosphere that greets guests. Instead, they’re typically filled with fluorescent lighting, outdated furniture, and a general sense of neglect. It’s like the staff are expected to work in environments that are the complete opposite of the tranquility guests experience.

And why does this happen? The logic behind it usually boils down to budget allocation. Guest areas are seen as revenue drivers, so they get the top-tier design and investment. Staff spaces, on the other hand, often get the short end of the stick. After all, the staff don’t have a direct hand in generating revenue in the same way the guest-facing parts of the hotel do. But the irony is hard to ignore: the very people who make that beautiful hotel experience possible are working in spaces that don’t reflect the same level of care or consideration.

We know that a happy, comfortable, and well-supported team leads to better guest experiences. So, why not apply the same level of attention to staff spaces? A simple office upgrade can do wonders for morale and productivity. And let’s be honest, it’s a little sad when the workers behind the scenes are stuck in environments that are, quite frankly, uninspiring.

Next time you’re staying at a gorgeous hotel, remember the unsung heroes who are making it all happen. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to rethink how we treat the people who make the magic happen behind closed doors. After all, it’s not just about how the hotel looks—it’s about the people who work there too.

What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts or any hotel experiences where the office environment left you scratching your head.