Shortlet Apartments: 8 Hilarious Stories from Hosting Guests

Here are 8 hilarious in-house stories that showcase the lighter side of shortlet apartments and why, despite the quirks, it’s worth every moment.

1. “The Overzealous Energy Saver: Taking Power-Saving Too Far in Shortlet Apartments” 

One guest checked into a shortlet apartment and immediately went on a mission to save electricity. Lights? Off. TV? Switched off at the socket. AC? “Do I really need it?” he muttered while flipping the switch. Amused, we asked him if everything was alright. “Ah, I don’t want to waste electricity o! My power unit must last till I leave!” he replied, forgetting that this wasn’t his home and the bill wasn’t coming out of his pocket.

After we burst into laughter, we explained, “Sir, you’ve already paid for unlimited electricity during your stay; your unit is safe!” The look of realization on his face was priceless as he slowly turned the AC back on and even left the living room lights on for effect.

Takeaway: Shortlet apartments often come with perks that allow guests to enjoy their stay without worry. Sometimes, it’s about helping them let go of old habits and enjoy the full experience of convenience and comfort!

2. “The Instagram Studio”

A group of young influencers booked a weekend stay, and before we knew it, they had turned the living room into a photoshoot spot. They posed with the furniture, rearranged the decor for better shots, and even asked, “Do you have curtains that match a gold theme? It would really pop in our pictures!”

Although we couldn’t provide gold curtains, their photos of the apartment looked amazing and brought in three new bookings after they shared them on social media.

Takeaway: Designing your shortlet apartment with stylish and photogenic decor can attract social media-savvy guests who share their experiences online. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also serves as free marketing, bringing in new bookings through visually appealing content. Shortlet apartments that stand out visually can turn into organic advertising powerhouses.

3: “Jollof at Midnight: Shortlet Apartments Cheff”

One evening, a guest craved Nigerian jollof rice for his and his friends’ late-night hangout. As they sat down while the chef served, the guest quickly noticed the chicken in the jollof wasn’t the smoke-grilled chicken he was used to. “Wait, no smoke-grilled chicken?” he asked, realizing he had forgotten that our chef wasn’t his personal chef back in the UK… and they all burst into laughter. The jollof? Still delicious. But it was a funny moment that reminded them just how homey the apartment already felt.

Takeaway: It’s the little details, like creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, that make shortlet apartments feel special. Even without all the usual personal touches, a memorable experience is always possible.

4. “The ‘Is This Free?’ Guest”

Interestingly, a guest once asked if the decorative fruit bowl on the dining table was complimentary. When told it wasn’t, they jokingly replied, “Oh, I thought it was part of the package.” Thankfully, they didn’t take the centerpiece as a souvenir. Shortlet apartments often attract curious guests who sometimes misinterpret the amenities.

Takeaway: Creating interiors so appealing that guests find it hard to differentiate between amenities and décor is essential in shortlets. It’s a mark of thoughtful design and attention to detail that elevates the guest experience.

5. “The ‘Village Meeting’ Gathering:

Unsurprisingly, what was supposed to be a booking for four guests somehow turned into a family reunion of 15. When asked, they replied, 'We’re all family; it’s like booking one person, right?' Negotiations followed, and while everyone had a great time, we updated our guest capacity policy the next day. Overcrowding not only disrupts the intended experience but also makes post-stay cleaning significantly more tedious. This is one of those shortlet apartment tales that leaves a lasting impression.

Takeaway: Clearly stating guest limits in your booking terms is crucial to avoid overcrowding and its challenges. Shortlet apartments with explicit policies ensure smoother experiences for both hosts and guests.

6. “The Kitchen Conqueror:

Hilariously, a guest once booked a week-long stay and enthusiastically declared, “I know you have an in-house chef, but I want to use this trip to finally learn how to cook!” Inspired, he stocked up on ingredients and got to work. By day two, the smoke alarm had gone off twice, and the blender lid had mysteriously disappeared (we found it in the oven).

Eventually, he threw in the towel and called the chef for a quick lesson. The chef whipped up a masterpiece while patiently walking him through the process. By the end of his stay, he proudly proclaimed, “I may not be ready for a restaurant, but at least I can chop onions without tears now!”

Takeaway: Providing a well-equipped kitchen and access to an in-house chef can create unique and memorable learning opportunities for guests. It’s the perfect blend of independence and support that enhances their stay.

7. “The Christmas Tree Surprise: Shortlet Apartments Holliday Vibes”

It was a cozy Christmas Eve when a family checked in, and the kids immediately began exploring the apartment. Moments later, one of them blurted out, “Where’s the Christmas tree?” Their wide-eyed expressions made it clear this was a serious situation.

Sensing the holiday spirit at stake, we swung into action. Within an hour, our team had set up a beautiful Christmas tree, complete with twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, right in the living room. When the kids saw it, they gasped in delight. “You did this just for us?!” one asked, eyes sparkling.

The parents smiled and said, “You’ve officially saved Christmas—thank you!”

Takeaway: Quick thinking and thoughtful holiday touches can create magical moments for guests. In shortlet apartments, it’s often the little gestures that leave the biggest impressions.

8. “The Vanishing Booking: Why Payment is Key for Shortlet Apartments”

A gentleman once booked an apartment online but didn’t complete the payment. On the day of his supposed arrival, he showed up at the apartment with luggage in tow, ready to check in. However, there was one small issue: the apartment was still occupied by the previous guest, who had extended their stay.

Confused, he exclaimed, “But I booked it! How can someone else be there?” We gently reminded him of our policy: bookings are only confirmed once payment is made. He paused for a moment, then laughed, “I guess I learned the hard way—no payment, no reservation!”

Luckily, we quickly found him a suitable alternative apartment nearby, and he left happy, saying, “Lesson learned. Next time, I’ll pay right away and call ahead just to be sure!”

Takeaway: Payment validates bookings, and it’s always a good idea for guests to confirm availability before arrival if payment hasn’t been made. Clear communication ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for everyone.