Originally Posted by
newbiztraveler
I've only done this once, at the end of a job interview out in the burbs. I had been dropped off by a friend, had almost no idea where I was, and had another interview lined up shortly after. I asked the security what the best way to get a cab was, and they offered to call one for me. I think it's perfectly within reason, although they may be more apt to do it if you set the situation such that they offer to do it.
That was my thought when I first read this thread a few hours ago. Ask in such a way that they offer to help, such as (what you said), "Do you know the best way I can get a cab?" or "Do you have any phone numbers for taxi companies?"
I'm not a business traveler, but I work in the service industry, and if someone came up to me (even if they weren't my customer) and phrased the request in that way, I'd be happy to provide that information or even call for them (even as jaded as I am after too many years dealing with the traveling public, whose collective IQ is infuriatingly minuscule).
I would think that a request phrased like that would be received just as well with your client's receptionist or even the client himself/herself--as long as it's phrased as a friendly request and not a demand to impose yourself on him/her.