Andorra Hotel Staff and Police Catch Runaway Guest Before Border Escape

A hotel receptionist in Andorra spotted a guest attempting to leave without paying part of his bill early this morning and alerted police, who intercepted him just before the border.

The incident unfolded before 6am when the tourist, who had booked through an agency, drove off after loading his luggage into his car. The hotel had cameras covering the parking area, and the night-shift worker noticed the vehicle's registered number plate had vanished from the system. She checked the footage, confirmed the guest's departure was permanent by inspecting the now-empty room, and immediately contacted the police with the car's details.

Officers located the vehicle within minutes and stopped it near the frontier. The guest had no choice but to turn back, returning to the hotel less than 30 minutes later to settle the outstanding amount—several hundred euros covering dinner, breakfast, parking, and spa services. He claimed it was an oversight, though hotel staff expressed scepticism about his intentions.

The establishment praised the police's swift response, with sources noting that such rapid intervention is especially vital for night workers. "They're always there, and sometimes we don't appreciate their effort enough," one said. They highlighted how the presence of an efficient police force reassures staff handling overnight responsibilities, where "a lot happens even if it doesn't seem that way," providing essential support and peace of mind.