Are some of you LOOKING for confrontation EVERYTIME you check into a property? Life is too short isn't it?
Seriously, I think there might be a problem with the attitude of the individuals on this board who routinely have "problems" obtaining what they feel as though they "deserve". I don't.
As a HHonors VIP Preferred, I very RARELY find myself in a circumstance in which the property failed to deliver to my expectations. While I can be very demanding I am very gracious when I tell ask for the best possible accomodations and other amenities. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I AM FLEXIBLE AND REALISTIC. If my reservation was made at the very last minute (as in five minutes before I arrive) and the property is full - I am more understanding as far as the possibilities for being upgraded are concerned.
There are rare instances in which the front desk manager has a negative attitude toward HHonors Elites. I interpret that to mean he or she doesn't appreciate the long-term value of the customer - and as a stock-holder in the company AND an HHonors Elite, only THEN do I feel the need to through my weight around. This happened ONE TIME LAST YEAR out of a total of over 100 nights with Hilton Hotels Worldwide.
It seems to me that some of the SAME people are complaining AGAIN AND AGAIN about properties all over the country. Could there be more to the problem? I think that those of you who go to check-in LOOKING for a confrontation will never be disappointed.
Just as an aside I will tell you that when I was a very young man I used to get a thrill out of trying to get upgraded into first class wherever I could whether that involved hotel suites, commercial airplanes, private dining rooms, private limousines, etc. Back then - I didn't have the STATUS (the official credentials) - all I had to go on was charm - pure charm. I never forgot how successful I was on charm all by itself. I still lead with it and my "credentials" come second - I suspect that method has much more to do with my 99% satisfaction rate than my "status". Perhaps those who "always" have problems "getting what they deserve" might give it a try sometime? They might be surprised at how well they might do on charm alone. Its a good lesson in humility.
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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci
200 nights/200 legs a year
[This message has been edited by hotlancer (edited 04-23-2002).]