Hotel Full of Con Artists

[MyNameIsMud]

I am working on a semi real world spy homebrew where the party stays at a hotel where the entire staff are con artists and grifters. I'm trying to think of different ways that they can scam the party out of money and valuables. The 'staff' includes the manager/desk clerk, the housekeeper who uses a credit card skimmer while she cleans rooms, a chauffeur, security guard, an on site escort, and an extra female expert grifter who recently joined the staff at the hotel.

 

[James Gasik]

I suggest watching some Leverage, as they often perform scams where each member of the team has taken on a different role in a location, like "The Wedding Job".

 

[aco175]

The classic spy hole / 1-way mirror / hidden camera into the room to see if they have any valuables or information that can be stolen or used for blackmail.

The bellhop, waiter, desk clerk, etc... giving the finger rub gesture for a tip.

The escort ladies to make people feel good- and then drug them to take their wallets. Same for the drinks at the bar.

Special guests gambling room with all the games being rigged.

You want ice- $. Want to use the pool- $. Want to use the gym- $. etc...

Eventually you need to ask the question on why anyone would want to stay here once word gets out. Perhaps all the spy stay here and each knows that the other spies will not kill them like John Wick or something. Maybe they let you smoke in the rooms or are pet friendly or such.

 

[Koloth]

2nd Leverage for source material. Also the Oceans # movies.
The old school Las Vegas approach was to provide the hotel rooms, food and especially drinks at or below cost and reap the profits at the gambling tables from drunken gamblers. Modify to fit your scam. Maybe the attractive event is a art/gem/antique/??? sale. Poker or Magic the Gathering tournament are other reasons for the party to attend.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I’d crib notes heavily from legends of the Fey and the goings-on of Underhill.

Also, FWIW, look up anybody’s descriptions of traveling behind the iron curtain or anyplace with a notable & thriving black market. I did that once (to Hungary) as a teen, and I can’t tell you how many people- everywhere- asked me if I wanted to “change money” at illegal rates. Seriously, bellhops, pool attendants, street vendors- basically anyone near tourist attractions might have some kind of “deal” to offer.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Don’t forget “poachers”. IOW, those criminals who appear to be part of an organization but aren’t- in this case, conning the marks before the usual suspects can do so.

Example: a fake bellhop who makes steals luggage before the REAL bellhops can do whatever grift they were planning on pulling.