Going to a Motel Isn't Just for Romance! Employee Reveals Real Uses of Auto Lodges – 'God-Level Services Nobody Knows' – Insiders Praise: 'More Comfortable Than Home'

When people think of motels, the first thing that comes to mind is often romantic dates or couples resting. However, the reality may differ significantly from public perception. A recent post by an employee at a car motel in New Taipei City has shed light on the diverse reasons guests check in—reasons far removed from the typical image. From playing video games, singing karaoke, live streaming, filming short videos, taking naps, escaping family, to even bringing laptops to 'write reports'—the employee expressed surprise, sparking heated online discussion.

Motel Uses Go Beyond Imagination—Employee Shocked to See Guests Writing Reports

The employee shared on the social media platform Threads that since joining the auto lodge industry, they've realized guest needs are highly diverse. Beyond standard overnight stays, many guests use the rooms to play games, sing, shoot short videos, stream live, or simply find a quiet, undisturbed space to relax.

One guest left a particularly strong impression: someone who brought a laptop and spent the entire stay focused on writing a report, not using any entertainment facilities. The employee couldn’t help but wonder: 'Why on earth would someone do that?'

Netizens Share Real-Life Experiences—Board Games, Bathing, and Napping as Reasons to Stay

After the post went viral, many netizens shared their own stories. One wrote: 'My family was holding a funeral outside my house—it was so noisy I felt like dying. I walked in wearing pajamas with an extra-long charging cable. The front desk initially refused to serve me, so I begged: “There’s a funeral happening outside my home, seriously. I’ve called the police and posted online to complain. Please, just let me sleep here! I’ll check out at 10 PM to go to work—please call me then. I haven’t slept in a week.” Only then did they let me in…'

Another shared: 'We once checked into a room as six friends—two women and four men—to play board games. When the police came for a spot check, they looked completely stunned. One officer even joked, “Can I join you after my shift?” We replied, “We’re doing an escape room tomorrow—wanna come?” He looked thrilled.'

Others revealed: 'I stayed at a motel to recover after surgery—checked in the same day I was discharged, just to stay close to the hospital for daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy and wound care.'

'I used to go to motels just to de-stress when I couldn’t live alone. Big bed, cold AC, huge jacuzzi. I’d buy four of my favorite bubble teas, stock up on snacks, instant noodles, and chocolate, then lie in bed eating sweets while watching TV, or eat ramen in the bathtub—my own little joy.'

'I actually went to a motel once to write a report. I had no office, was exhausted, and commuting home to work took over an hour each way, so I checked in, slept a bit, then got up and finished my report.'

'In college, before a midterm exam, I was studying late and felt suffocated. I lost my magnetic door key, and the manager was off-duty on a holiday. So I immediately booked a two-night stay, studied seriously, and slept well.'

Additionally, many shared experiences of using motel rooms for editing event videos, remote work, or completing academic or professional tasks in a quiet environment.

Bathing and Pools Are Highlights—Family and Friend Groups Increasingly Visiting

Beyond providing rest spaces, many motels have upgraded their facilities in recent years, including large bathtubs, massage pools, karaoke systems, and even pool-equipped rooms. These features attract diverse groups.

Parents shared: 'Friends take their kids to a nearby motel with a big bathtub just for water play.' 'We book pool rooms to let the kids splash around—it’s safer, and adults can sing karaoke.'

Some specifically visit because their homes lack bathtubs, seeking the luxury of a relaxing soak. As amenities grow more diverse, motels are evolving from simple lodging into multifunctional spaces for gatherings, entertainment, relaxation, and even temporary offices.