“I was positively shocked,” said Karin Dhadamus. She 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. “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.
While Gucci typically enjoys the company of everyone, he recently encountered someone who truly captured his attention. She was an American traveler, visiting Buenos Aires for just over a week.
Their meeting sparked an instant connection, evident in the mutual fondness they shared from the moment they met.
“Dhadamus recounted, ‘Apparently, Gucci ended up sleeping with her for her entire stay. 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 express her gratitude to the friendly cat.
“She handed me a $100 bill, saying that she was so extremely happy to have spent time with Gucci. She asked me to buy something nice for Gucci,” Dhadamus shared. “I was genuinely taken aback.”
Dhadamus mentioned that guests occasionally give small treats to Gucci, but never something as substantial as a hundred dollar bill.
She intends to use it thoughtfully, purchasing items that Gucci will truly appreciate.”
“Dhadamus recounted, ‘Apparently, Gucci ended up sleeping with her for her entire stay. 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 express her gratitude to the friendly cat.
“She handed me a $100 bill, saying that she was so extremely happy to have spent time with Gucci. She asked me to buy something nice for Gucci,” Dhadamus shared. “I was genuinely taken aback.”
Dhadamus mentioned that guests occasionally give small treats to Gucci, but never something as substantial as a hundred dollar bill.
She intends to use it thoughtfully, purchasing items that Gucci will truly appreciate.”
When Dhadamus’ daughter, Nerjis, heard about the generous tip, she was taken aback as well.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought my mom was joking,” Nerjis shared with us. “But then again, Gucci is also a very special cat.”
Nerjis even took to TikTok to share the story—and soon enough, her video went viral.
When the Dhadamuses rescued Gucci from the streets as a stray six years ago, they never imagined the positive impact he would have on the guests’ experiences. But clearly, Gucci has been a boon for business.
“Most guests instantly fall in love with him,” Dhadamus remarked.