New York-based author Fran Lebowitz offered “Travel Hints” in her book Social Studies (1981):
“Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back.”
The advice has been frequently cited on Twitter.
Wikipedia: Fran Lebowitz
Frances Ann “Fran” Lebowitz (born October 27, 1950) is an American author and public speaker. Lebowitz is known for her sardonic social commentary on American life as filtered through her New York City sensibilities. Some reviewers have called her a modern-day Dorothy Parker.
Google Books
Social Studies
By Fran Lebowitz
New York, NY: Bantam Books
1981
Pg. 97 (Fran Lebowitz’s Travel Hints):
Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back.
RodMcKuen.org
17 November 2000
(...)
TRAVEL HINTS
by Fran Lebowitz
(...)
15. Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back.
Twitter
Wyndham New Yorker
@WyndhamNYH
#hotelhumor “Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back. ”—Fran Lebowitz
10:17 AM - 5 Apr 2010
Google Books
Neverisms:
A Quotation Lover’s Guide to Things You Should Never Do, Never Say, or Never Forget
By Dr. Mardy Grothe
New York, NY: HarperCollins
2011
Pg. ?:
Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back.
FRAN LEBOWITZ
Twitter
Jewish Comedians
@JewishComedians
Fran Lebowitz: Never relinquish clothing to a hotel valet without first specifically telling him that you want it back. | #Quotes
4:23 PM - 4 Feb 2016
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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