As it says, third time lucky. I arrived at the hotel at about 19.30 having just hopped over from London for two days. I would normally have flown in the morning, but with the hour we lose, I needed to fly this evening. There was a huge queue at reception, for checking in. They were having to do everything manually, as the computer system had broken down. As usual I threw down my entourage of plastic, Amex, LH FF card and always on top, my new found friend the Hhonors gold card. On only his second outing he has so far been worth, well his weight in gold. I am here on a bounce back rate as I booked the trip just before Christmas. I was a little disappointed when I saw the #802 on the card he was about to give me, and asked (while playing coyly with my HhGC) if there was a possibility of an upgrade. He said sadly not (I knew he was lying) but said I could use the club room (not something us euros are guaranteed if your read the GC rules – as I found out in Belfast). I went up to my room and opened the door – a twin room. No way, not happening, that snowballs gonna melt in Hades tonight. Straight down to reception, and I asked the same guy for a non-smoking double as requested in booking. C’est bon monsieur, la chamber dans la executive floor. #2219. I went up to the room and noticed a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door. I figured maybe housekeeping were being lax ( or maybe there’s a beautiful, naked women stepping out of the shower – you decide) and opened the door. Cue old man from NYC yelling ‘what u doin , get the F out of my room’. Down to reception we go, The manager please I say, he comes, apologizes and insists on accompanying (and carrying my bags) to my suite – and what a suite it is. The bed, huge, the bathrooms (with an S) beautiful, the steam shower – tell you later. Two days of this – Sheer hell.
Jongar
Reflection. I wrote this back in December, but never got round to posting the message. Since this occasion I have been back to the Hilton in Brussels 7 times, mostly one nighters, one for three nights. The manager makes a point of coming out to meet me, when I arrive at a human hour, and I have always stayed in room 1922. The Suite. I have negotiated a rate with him for about $125 with the standard 4pm cancel policy, and I would recommend to any of you to stay there. It is not the most beautiful hotel, but the service can be wonderful. The little crème brulee’s they leave in my room when I get in late. Noelle, the girl in the exec room, who calls me Monsieur Jon.
Don’t condemn the management for a mistake they made in December, I just want all of you to know that if your in possession of a Gold Card, or even better a Diamond Card, there is a girl in Brussels who can’t wait to get your name wrong.
It makes being away from your friends and family just a little easier. The next one though, who says ‘your so lucky to travel….’ Gets the same treatment waiting for the Parisienne Taxi driver with my mobile phone.