Lesson learned on airport/hotel transfers .
May 26, 23, 2:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: 1MM*G, 1K
Posts: 131
Lesson learned on airport/hotel transfers .
Before relaying friends’ experience I want to quote the Welcome Pick Ups' response to their stolen items “We have also reached out to the driver regarding the issue & were informed that due to the road blockage…they asked if it would be OK to leave you at the corner…”.
The story: When our friends got close to our hotel, their Welcome Pick Ups driver informed them that he couldn’t drop them in front of the hotel. He dropped them, without much advance warning, in busy traffic on a large street about 100 meters from the hotel.One of them was trying to find euros to tip the driver during this hasty drop-off that required getting suitcases out of the trunk, getting to the curb, and figuring out how to get to the hotel. While this was happening, they were pickpocketed, losing a purse.Once at the hotel, it became immediately clear to my friends that cars and taxis routinely drop people off at the door, where there are hotel staff members.
This is a great learning opportunity & I believe, applies to all services. I am so sorry I recommended the Welcome Pick Ups to my friends . The hotel has a lovely, staffed drop off area. We were already there. This was Athens, but could have been anywhere.
The story: When our friends got close to our hotel, their Welcome Pick Ups driver informed them that he couldn’t drop them in front of the hotel. He dropped them, without much advance warning, in busy traffic on a large street about 100 meters from the hotel.One of them was trying to find euros to tip the driver during this hasty drop-off that required getting suitcases out of the trunk, getting to the curb, and figuring out how to get to the hotel. While this was happening, they were pickpocketed, losing a purse.Once at the hotel, it became immediately clear to my friends that cars and taxis routinely drop people off at the door, where there are hotel staff members.
This is a great learning opportunity & I believe, applies to all services. I am so sorry I recommended the Welcome Pick Ups to my friends . The hotel has a lovely, staffed drop off area. We were already there. This was Athens, but could have been anywhere.
May 26, 23, 7:16 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,433
I guess, because they're US Americans; they always tip! We once delivered the rental car at an airport and used the Hertz bus, along with very good American friends, to get to the terminal. They tipped the driver with a 20$ bill for the 5 minutes ride...
May 27, 23, 9:38 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: WAW
Programs: SQ(*G), A3(*G), Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,500
When in Rome (or Athens) do as the Romans do. If the taxi driver dumps you on a busy road away from the hotel, don't bother reaching into your wallet to give him a tip!
