Centurion Lounge front desk staff vs hotel
Oct 23, 2016, 4:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Centurion Lounge front desk staff vs hotel
After a week of staying in mid-level hotels, it was such a surprise checking in to the Centurion Lounge in Houston. The lady didn't flinch when I said I forgot my platinum card, looked it up and got me in. She smiled and was very pleasant.
Whereas at the hotels they look at you like if you're from Mars when you ask a question like "can I leave my luggage?" or respond with "I'm not sure that can be done" after "I'm here for two nights. They're on separate on reservations. Can you combine them?"
Why are the people so much more pleasant in the Amex lounge? Is it because their place looks nicer than these hotels, and so feel classier? Is it because they are paid more (I have no idea how much people make in comparison, but neither of these groups gets tips)?
Whereas at the hotels they look at you like if you're from Mars when you ask a question like "can I leave my luggage?" or respond with "I'm not sure that can be done" after "I'm here for two nights. They're on separate on reservations. Can you combine them?"
Why are the people so much more pleasant in the Amex lounge? Is it because their place looks nicer than these hotels, and so feel classier? Is it because they are paid more (I have no idea how much people make in comparison, but neither of these groups gets tips)?
Oct 24, 2016, 10:06 pm
#7
Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,580
I think it has a lot to do with the clientele they work with. Not to sound elitist or anything, but people who have lounge access at airports are usually at least middle class or higher, and the lounge has an aura of exclusivity around it. Once-a-year travelers probably won't be using lounges. Hotel desk clerks, on the other hand, are dealing with everyone from all walks of life, and therefore may get jaded and cynical quickly.
I've generally found lounge attendants to be more pleasant than any other employees I encounter at a given airport.
I've generally found lounge attendants to be more pleasant than any other employees I encounter at a given airport.
Oct 24, 2016, 11:17 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
I think it has a lot to do with the clientele they work with. Not to sound elitist or anything, but people who have lounge access at airports are usually at least middle class or higher, and the lounge has an aura of exclusivity around it. Once-a-year travelers probably won't be using lounges. Hotel desk clerks, on the other hand, are dealing with everyone from all walks of life, and therefore may get jaded and cynical quickly.
I've generally found lounge attendants to be more pleasant than any other employees I encounter at a given airport.
I've generally found lounge attendants to be more pleasant than any other employees I encounter at a given airport.
Jul 16, 2017, 3:10 am
#10
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Jul 16, 2017, 3:22 am
#11
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Jul 16, 2017, 9:50 am
#12
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Jul 16, 2017, 11:09 am
#13
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Jul 16, 2017, 11:41 am
#14
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It's my recollection that American Express added my card to Samsung Pay immediately upon approval. If I had needed it, I would have asked them nicely if they would let me try once to swipe the slot and if it came up as recognized, I would then asked to be admitted.
Just an odd data point . . .
Just an odd data point . . .