Why There Are No Bolsters in Hotel Rooms and the Mystery of the Missing Wall Clock

When staying in a hotel, have you ever wondered why there is no pillow on the bed or why the wall clock is often absent from the room? These two things may seem trivial, but it turns out there are interesting reasons behind them. Let's explore deeper.

Why Are There No Bolsters in Hotel Rooms?

Bolster, or known as “Dutch wife” in English, is a long pillow that is usually used to hug while sleeping. In Indonesia, bolsters are an inseparable part of comfortable sleep. But why is this item rarely found in hotel rooms?

The Origin of the Guling

Bolsters have a long and unique history. In the Dutch colonial era, bolsters were known as “Dutch wives” because they were used by Dutch men who lived far from their wives. These bolsters provided comfort and a sense of presence for distant partners. In Indonesia, bolsters are part of a sleeping culture that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Reasons There Are No Bolsters in Hotels

  1. International Customs : Hotels around the world cater to guests from different countries with different sleeping habits. Bolsters may not be familiar or used by international guests, so hotels choose not to provide them.
  2. International Standards : Many hotels follow international standards in providing room amenities. Bolsters are not included in this standard, so they are not provided.
  3. Efficiency and Cleanliness : Providing additional bolsters means hotels have to manage more linens and pillows, which can increase operational costs and the complexity of maintaining cleanliness.

Mystery of the Missing Wall Clock in the Hotel Room

Now, let's move on to the second mystery: why are there often no wall clocks in hotel rooms? The answer may be simpler than you think. First, wall clocks are objects that hotel guests often don't notice. With clocks on various devices such as mobile phones, laptops, or televisions, the need for wall clocks is reduced.

Reasons There Are No Wall Clocks in Hotels

  1. Tranquility and Relaxation : When staying at a hotel, guests usually want to relax and forget about the pressure of time. A ticking clock can remind guests of the passing of time, reducing the feeling of relaxation.
  2. Design and Aesthetics : Many modern hotels adopt a minimalist and elegant design. A wall clock can be seen as disruptive to the clean and simple aesthetic of the room.
  3. Maintenance : Wall clocks require regular maintenance, such as battery replacement. This can be additional work for hotel staff.
  4. Security : Wall clocks mounted on walls can be a security risk if not properly installed. Hotels prefer to avoid this potential problem.

Conspiracy Theory of No Bolsters and Wall Clocks in Hotel Rooms

Mind Control

Some people believe that the absence of pillows in hotel rooms is part of an attempt at mind control. Pillows are considered objects that provide emotional and physical comfort. By removing pillows, hotel guests may feel less comfortable and more susceptible to external influences, such as advertisements or subliminal messages delivered through televisions or other devices in the hotel room.

Hidden Cost Savings

There is a theory that hotels intentionally do not provide bolsters to save on hidden costs. Bolsters require extra care, such as more frequent washing and replacement than regular pillows. By not providing bolsters, hotels can reduce operational costs without guests realizing it.

Time Manipulation

One popular conspiracy theory is that hotels intentionally do not provide wall clocks to manipulate guests’ perception of time. Without wall clocks, guests may lose track of time and be more likely to spend more time in the hotel, which means more spending on hotel services such as restaurants, spas, or room service.

Psychological Influence

There is also a theory that the absence of a wall clock is part of a psychological strategy to make guests feel more relaxed and less rushed. As such, guests may be more likely to extend their stay or return to the hotel in the future.

Conclusion

So what can we conclude from this mystery? Both the disappearance of bolsters and wall clocks in hotel rooms seems to be based more on practical reasons and standardization of the hotel industry. While it may be a bit disappointing for those who are used to bolsters or who like to look at wall clocks, it seems we have to accept that hotel rooms are designed to meet the needs and comfort of the majority of guests, not personal preferences.

Hopefully this article has shed some light on a few little mysteries you may have never wondered about before. And who knows, maybe in the future, with enough demand, we could see bolsters and wall clocks return as part of the standard hotel room standard. Until then, we can enjoy the other comforts and amenities that hotels around the world have to offer.

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