Guest Shocked After Finding Human Tooth in Hotel Closet During Stay
ILLINOIS — A traveler’s work trip took a disturbing turn after discovering what appeared to be a human tooth inside a hotel closet, prompting both laughter and disgust across social media.
A Shocking Discovery in the Closet
The man, who was traveling with friends for work, said the group opened a cabinet in their hotel room only to find a tooth sitting on the shelf next to an iron. Initially in disbelief, they quickly realized it was real — and definitely not the kind of souvenir they expected.
“We opened up the cabinet and found an entire human tooth,” the traveler said. “Quite possibly the nastiest thing I’ve ever encountered in a hotel.”
He added that while the hotel had received positive online reviews, the incident has changed the way he thinks about “budget-friendly” lodging.
“Now I understand why my wife says, ‘You need to spend more money on nicer hotels,’” he joked.
Guests Question Hotel Cleanliness Standards
The photo, which shows the traveler peering into the dark wooden closet where the tooth was found, quickly went viral. Many online commenters shared their own unsettling hotel stories, ranging from moldy showers to strange leftover belongings.
Hospitality experts say that while hotels are required to perform thorough room cleanings between guests, items like jewelry, clothing, and even bizarre objects occasionally slip through. However, finding something biological — like a human tooth — raises serious questions about cleaning standards.
A former hotel manager told NapervilleLocal.com that housekeeping lapses can occur when staff are rushed due to high occupancy or understaffing.
“It’s rare, but things like this happen when rooms are turned over too quickly,” she said. “If guests ever find something unusual or potentially hazardous, they should immediately contact management and avoid touching it.”
The Lesson: Read Reviews Carefully — and Inspect Closets
The traveler said he didn’t name the hotel publicly, but emphasized that it had strong online ratings before his stay. “This one had good reviews too,” he said. “Guess you can’t always trust them.”
While no health issues were reported, the incident has reignited discussions on social media about the importance of choosing reputable hotels and checking rooms thoroughly upon arrival.
Whether it was an overlooked prank or an unsettling oversight, the traveler says he’s learned his lesson — next time, he’ll be spending a little more for peace of mind.
For more odd and eye-opening travel stories, follow NapervilleLocal.com, where everyday experiences meet the unexpected.
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