Not really a tale, hope the post doesn't get down (and I post it here instead of r/hotels because it is full of guests over there) but I wanted to share with you front desk people of the world the latest Karen-de-escalating hack I've been using that allows me to guide people with less chance of failure, slapback and retorts :

Thank you

Now you may think I'm pulling your leg, but listen to me. It is the placement in the phrase that makes the magic happen.

Here's an example:

We've got a lot of guests starting to vape in the lobby. I'm into vaping myself, but I don't believe doing it in the closed common areas of the hotel is respectful for other people. Whenever I try to dissuade vapers I always get into a debate but sometimes I just haven't got the time or energy for that.

So instead of asking politely to please stop vaping in the lobby, I've switched to giving an order but adding thank you at the end for the expected politeness:

"Excuse me sir, I need to ask you to please stop vaping in the lobby out of respect for the other guests" - starts a debate.

"Excuse me, vaping is not allowed in the lobby, thank you" - processed as an order adding thank you reduces the chance of a reply.

Works with almost everything! Of course the real Karens do still show up but it's quite a good trick. I know, nothing new, but it's been working like a charm for me.