Karin Dhadamus and her family own and operate the charming, pet-friendly Hotel Marcel in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
During their stays, guests enjoy the hotel’s helpful service and stylish decor, and are treated to delicious local foods and wines. But there’s one thing particular that people seem to enjoy above all else about the place.
The hotel’s resident cat — named Gucci.
“When guests check in, he’s the first to go and greet them,” Dhadamus told The Dodo. “He’s free to wander where he pleases. Sometimes, he’ll enter guests’ rooms, and if they want him to stay — and he wants to stay — he stays.”
For the hotel’s often travel-weary visitors, Gucci’s warm company is second to none.
Though Gucci seems to like absolutely everyone, he recently met someone he found to be especially special. She was an American tourist, in town for a little over a week.
We she met Gucci, the feeling was clearly mutual.
“Apparently, Gucci ended up sleeping with her for her entire stay,” Dhadamus said. “When she checked out, she said she was traveling to the south for a few days and asked to leave her suitcases here with us. When she came back to get her suitcases, before heading to the airport, she said she had something for Gucci.”
For their nights together, the American tourist wanted to offer a tip to the friendly cat.
“She handed me a $100 bill, saying that she was so extremely happy to have slept with Gucci. She asked me to buy something nice for Gucci,” Dhadamus said. “I was positively shocked.”
Dhadamus said that guests occasionally give small treats to Gucci, but never something quite so substantial as a hundred dollar bill.
She plans to spend it wisely, all on things Gucci will love.
When Dhadamus’ daughter, Nerjis, learned of the generous tip, she was surprised as well.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought my mom was making a joke,” Nerjis told The Dodo. “But then again, Gucci is also a very special cat.”
Nerjis even took to TikTok to describe what had happened — and before long, her video went viral.
When the Dhadamuses rescued Gucci from the streets as a stray six years ago, they never could have guessed what a positive impact he’d have on the experiences of people who stay with them. But clearly, Gucci has been good for business.
“Most guests fall in love with him instantly,” Dhadamus said.
