Japan's Henn na Hotel chain, famed for its 'strange' humanoid robots, has navigated early hiccups—like assistants mistaking snoring for commands—to refine a hybrid model that slashes costs and caters to touchless travel. With robots now handling 24/7 front-desk duties and concierge services, this experiment offers critical lessons on AI's role in solving labor shortages and redefining guest experiences in the post-pandemic era.