Originally Posted by
twb3
Basic question: should I reasonably expect bell service (i.e luggage assistance) to be available when checking into a 3 or 4-star "full service" hotel?
I think it should "be available", yes. I had the something of the same experience at the JW Indy, came in with a husband on crutches and a massive amount of luggage and the staff just stood by and watched us struggle. Acceptable for a Fairfield Inn, not the JW. The manager rather snottily informed us later that there was a conference in town and and carrying our own luggage was standard for a convention hotel. As if we should have known what the hotel's schedule was (we were there on vacation).
Then again, it's a balancing act for the staff, because there's another hotel that yanks my 22" rollaboard out of my hands as soon as I enter the lobby. But really, they should be able to determine who needs the service and who doesn't.