Darkside of Dubai

The hospitality industry offers a unique and often eye-opening experience that sheds light on the stark disconnect between the extremely affluent and the rest of society. Throughout my time working in various hotels, I have witnessed the darker aspects of humanity, including suicides, murders, spousal abuse, and human trafficking. These disturbing encounters leave a lasting impact, serving as a reminder of the harsh realities that exist beyond the glamorous facade of luxury accommodations.

One particular incident stands out in my memory, where a large group of approximately 60 individuals expressed interest in buying out an entire hotel for a weekend to host a massive orgy. The exorbitant cost of around $250,000 for just two nights highlighted the extravagant wealth and spending power of these guests. However, their stay left behind a nightmare scenario, with rooms tainted by blood, feces, and other unspeakable substances. The use of a black light revealed the extent of the filth, painting a disturbing picture of the debauchery that had taken place.

Over my tenure as an operations manager spanning over a decade, I have worked in hotels catering to a wide range of clientele, from budget-friendly establishments with average daily rates of $99 to high-end properties where prices soar to $1400 per night. It became evident that the more luxurious the accommodation, the more likely guests were to exhibit a sense of entitlement and treat staff as though they were beneath them. Celebrities, wealthy individuals like Russian oligarchs, and other VIPs often arrived in a cloak of secrecy, shielded by private planes, vehicles with tinted windows, and security details, expecting to be catered to without question. This entitled behavior became a common occurrence at luxury hotels, where guests demanded unwavering attention and service, reinforcing the stark divide between the elite and the everyday worker.

Most individuals who choose to stay at boutique hotels are typically seeking leisure and relaxation rather than visiting for business purposes. However, there was a particular group of incredibly affluent individuals who stood out among the usual guests. Their immense wealth was evident in their casual conversations about extravagant purchases, such as acquiring an entire fleet of Boeing aircraft. These individuals went beyond the norm and actually bought out the entire property, spending an exorbitant amount comparable to that of a luxury wedding.

What made their stay even more unconventional was the fact that their gathering resembled a massive swinger's orgy. The hotel premises became a playground for their uninhibited desires, with people engaging in sexual activities in the pool and others lounging naked at the wine bars. The open balconies provided a voyeuristic experience for onlookers, as couples engaged in sexual acts in plain view. Each room in the hotel had a distinct theme, and a safe word was prominently displayed outside each door to ensure the comfort and consent of all participants. One room that particularly caught my attention was the mermaid-themed room, which showcased intricate details and an enchanting under-the-sea ambiance. Additionally, there was a wild west room and even a room dedicated to BDSM activities.

As a staff member, I found myself in numerous uncomfortable situations while attending to the needs of this unique group. Conversations with guests often took place while they were completely naked, and some couples intentionally waited for housekeeping to arrive before engaging in sexual activities, seemingly desiring an audience. The day after their departure, I received a call from housekeeping reporting a broken shower. To my astonishment, upon inspection, I discovered that the shower head had been hacked off and replaced with a four-foot-long hose designed for anal play, complete with various settings. It was a repulsive sight that left me feeling disgusted.

Despite the challenges and mental strain that came with accommodating this orgy buyout group, which consisted of approximately 30 staff members, the financial compensation was substantial. We received generous tips, amounting to around 20 boxes. However, the monetary gain did not outweigh the awkward situations I found myself in, caught between husbands, their lovers, and their actual wives. The most distressing scenario occurred when a wife discovered the hotel charges on her shared credit card and confronted us, accusing us of lying about her husband's whereabouts. It was a difficult situation to navigate, and we had no choice but to apologize and assure her that we had no knowledge of her husband's presence.

The composition of hotel staff typically shows a relatively equal distribution, with a preference for attractive white individuals who are fluent in English. These individuals are often assigned to roles such as reservations or front desk positions, which require frequent interaction with guests. On the other hand, those who do not fit this demographic profile may find themselves relegated to roles like housekeeping, often due to having an accent that is perceived as less appealing to guests.

In terms of compensation, employees working in front desk positions at reputable properties can expect to earn between $10 to $15 per hour, while those in housekeeping roles may receive around $9 to $10 per hour. This disparity in pay reflects the underlying biases and unfair treatment that exist within the hotel industry, where certain staff members are undervalued and underpaid compared to others. Such practices not only create a toxic work environment but also hinder the unity and collective voice of the housekeeping team.

Looking back on my experience in the hotel industry, I can attest to the demanding nature of the work environment, the long hours, and the hazardous situations that employees often face. Despite the challenges, many individuals continue to work in this industry, unaware of the hidden realities that occur behind closed doors. From wealthy guests engaging in questionable activities to the intense pressure and stress faced by hotel staff, there is a side to the hotel industry that the public rarely sees or understands. It is crucial to shed light on these issues and advocate for fair treatment and better working conditions for all hotel employees.