Hilton HHonors - Proper Attire for Concierge Level?

Just got back from NYC after a quick 2 day trip staying at the Waldorf Astoria. I booked a Junior Suite on the 25th floor w/ access to the Concierge Suite on 26. The Junior Suite was fantastic—excellent view of Park Ave. But here is my issue—this morning for breakfast the Concierge Suite was quite full, so I got my coffee and pastry and stood looking out on Park Ave. A seat opened up and I took it—After about ten minutes of sitting and relaxing, a man about 30 entered the Concierge Suite in a white tee shirt, black gym shorts, and no shoes or socks. He walked in right past the two desk clerks at the entrance—and started to help himself to breakfast—Then he sat down next to me. I went up to the concierge and asked if that was proper attire for the room, and they said there was nothing for them to do. I asked them to call the manager, but they did nothing. Other geusts went up to the Concierge to complain, but again nothing was done. I finished my coffee and left, checked at around noon and made mention of the incident to the manager of the check out desk. He did apologize and said he would speak with the staff on 26.

Should the Concierge done something or am I just particular by dressing when in a public area?

(1) Yes, its nice when people dress nicer, but especially at breakfast time, I think things would be fairly lax. That said, (2) There is probably a health law prohibiting the no-shoes. That further said (3) maybe if the other patrons in the lounge started staring and smirking at Mr. Elegance, he'd get a clue. Fear not, one day he'll step on broken glass.

Its a tricky situation for the hotel, as they don't want to offend someone who may be paying $500+ a night for a room - both YOU, the good guest, and Mr. Elegance, the offending guest. But I think if the hotel could politely pull him aside and say something... I'd sure appreciate it.

That it inappropriate attire and the staff should have acted immediately! I'm surprised that this happened because the Waldorf has stricter attire rules than most hotels in NYC. You should write a letter to the general manager of the hotel.

well, i've been in club lounges in a suit and tie and i've been in them in jeans. i've worn shorts and i've also worn a tux (preceding an event... i asure you i didn't dress that way just for lounge access!)

but i've never been barefoot.

bare feet should not be allowed. i agree that it probably violates local health codes, if the lounge is considered a licensed "restaurant."

if the waldorf does have some sort of posted dress code prohibiting sweats or shorts or casual attire, then they have the right to remove the guy. but beyond that (or the enforcement of health code laws), i don't see that they could have done anything else.

of course, they might have asked to see his room key, to ensure he was permitted to use the lounge. but chances are good that he probably was... in any hotel lounge, you have a m ix of business people and leisure travelers, particularly at holiday times in resorts or big cities. and, frankly, sometimes you can't tell from the way they're dressed who is who.

quite often, i see people pop into the lounge in the morning after a workout - in workout clothes - simply to grab an apple or a bottle of water. sometimes they stay and sometimes they don't. personally, it doesn't bother me, but i can certainly understand why some would not think it's appropriate attire.

Hmm, this is probably why a few lounges have decided to keep their doors locked (closed) and only those with card key access may enter. I've seen guys walking in for breakfast in their robes, hair standing up, 5am shade on their faces...and bunny slippers. No big deal as long as they don't have morning breath.

In regards to barefootness, I was told (this is at the Hyatt) that guests are not allowed barefoot in the lounge due to "potential" that they may slip and fall and then the hotel can be sued for this (hey, this is America, people go to courts for dumb things they do).

But then I could be wearing shoes and trip on a banana peel and kaboom. *shrug*

I would personally try to look presentable when going into the lounge or any other public area in the hotel. Gym clothes are perfectly acceptable.

Thx
Jamester

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[This message has been edited by ontheroad (edited 12-17-2000).]

Shoes should be required (for health and safety reasons), but I would have no problem with the shorts and T-shirt. Live and let live.

I think of this as 'downgrading' of America. Little concern for others is the theme now a days.

A couple of months ago, a 'mature' couple came into the concierge lounge for breakfast at the Beverly Hills Renaissance in their bathrobes and toeless slippers. Not a pretty sight! Made me feel as if I was in their home and seeing them at one of their poorer moments.

And do not forget the earthy early morning joggers, barging into the lounge while dripping their new and/or old sweat, oozing obnoxious odors and bragging to no one in particular, "how great an early one hour jog is" as they drink their orange juice while standing over the open oj pitcher etc etc. Disgusting to say the least!

MisterNice

No wonder I hate the Waldorf! I am definitely in the cruising to the lounge in my bathrobe barefoot set. I wear a full beard so I don't have 5oclock shadow, but that's about all I could say in my defense. I guess I never thought of this as troubling to anyone. I certainly don't like to think that I am being offensive. But at the same time, hotels are like home to me, judging by frequency of waking up in them, and if I do not have to rush right out the door to a meeting I like to have coffee and check my email before I shower and dress. (Yes, sometimes I do partake of the usually foul in room cofee). In fact, I would probably go to my meetings barefoot and in my bath robe if I thought I could get away with it...