Dude...sorry to hear about the layoff. I think that's going to happen to me in about 5 weeks - I'm already starting to get the resume in order.

I guess if you are going to tell any *really* juicy stories, you could sanitize the names and let us guess. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif

Have no idea what would happen in the US, but in the UK, under the Data Protection Act, you can demand to see any information which any organisation holds on you (initially it was only computer records, but I believe it has been extended to include paper records too). The organisation has the right to charge you a service fee, but this has to be reasonable (it's normally about £10).

Best thing to do from a legal standpointis to make them "blind items" where you give very obvious clues about someones identity without mentioning actual names. Lawyers for gossip columns require writers to do this all the time especially if the information is especially juicy.

Ok due to popular demand, the first story is up: http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/008263.html

Thanks everyone for the legal advice http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

How should I tip the chambermaid if I'm out of the room while it's being cleaned?
If I've left some change at the desk or the bedstand, is there a chance of her mistaking it for a tip while she's cleaning?

I've never had that happen. One time, I accidentially left a couple dollars sitting on the desk, and they were still there when I returned that night.

The best way to tip is put your money in an envelope and have it delivered to the room service manager. If there is money lying in your room, the housekeeper should NOT take it. You can however leave cash in the room when you check out as a tip, but who knows if another employee might take it before the housekeeper can get it.

I had a valet parking attendant in Seattle think that he could eat snacks we left in our car; I wouldn't trust anyone.

d

Are there any industry-wide standards/ requirements for valet parking attendants?

I realize they frequently are youngsters on minimum wage, but have had bad experiences leaving anything other than an empty rental car in their hands. For instance:
- my sunglasses disappearing from a rental at the Embassy Suites in Maui (yes, I did tip the standard amount).
- a friend's admittedly racy vehicle being constantly moved and its engine revved at a nightspot in Greece


I would assume a responsible hotel would try to instill some sense of responsibility into its parking attendants, and have insurance coverage for whatever damage they might cause.

I have experience in the valet parking business as well. I used to manage private events in the Seattle area. It does not at all surprise me to hear stories of things being stolen from cars, or "joyriding".
My advice to you is NEVER leave anything of value in plain view, the safest thing to do is lock it in the trunk.

As far as hotels go, many hotels have contracted outside agencies to handle their valet parking service to save insurance costs and avoid other hassles. Depending on the relationship with the hotel, the hotel can pressure them into certain service standards and the hotel may take control of compensation for a guest's damage complaint. It's a different situation at every hotel.

A couple of things to keep in mind:
-ALWAYS check for damage to your car before you drive away. If you drive even just to the end of the block, and then notice damage, the valet company is not liable.
-If you have a fancy sports car, record the mileage. I know of two guys working at the SEA airport valet parking, who were fired for putting 400 miles on a Porsche 911 (true story).
-Tipping when you drop your car off (instead of when you pick it up) may increase your level of service.
-Never, ever, ever, leave a valet with your entire set of keys. Only the door and ignition keys on a key chain should be surrendered to the valet. Valets lose keys all the time. For example, they put them in their pocket and they fall out in someone else's car. Also, its a good idea to have a spare set, just in case the valet locks your keys in the car.

I don't mean to bash the valet parking industry. 99 times out of 100, valet parking is a nice, safe, convenient service. Just wanted to provide a few tips to avoid being the other 1%.
Safe travels http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif!

Wow! So many great questions, and so many fantastic answers (now I know you're going away for a while, but I'm hoping you can touch on this when you get back).

My question is along the lines of "Why the **** did they do this to me? - In a good way"

First time HHonors user, booked two rooms [for myself and a friend] at the Waldorf in NYC (middle of August). Paid $179/night for normal Waldorf rooms. Showed up in the hotel lobby with big backpacks looking scruffy (I worked at a summer camp for 10 weeks so my s/o and I decided to be luxurious for a night, my friend wanted the same for his partner). Checked in early (11am), and get upgraded to the Waldorf Towers without saying a thing!

Why did they do this to me? Of course, my 'thanks for the splendid service letter' is on the way (bearing in mind that I now have a record there...)

This also begs the question, although I'm sure this would get anyone fired if they ever admitted to this at their workplace, is if whether you would be more willing to upgrade guests that perhaps carry themselves more professionally than others... I think that's the right way to say this, no? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Thanks again for your reply!

Hi YYC-
I can almost guarantee you that this was an operational upgrade, especially since you were only staying one night. You checked in early and maybe the only clean room that was available was the Towers. Because the hotel was probably going to have to upgrade people anyways, and because you are an HHonors member, they gave you a Tower room instead of making you wait for another clean room to become available. Happens all the time. You were just at the right place at the right time. Congrats!!

As far as upgrading people based upon their looks or how they carry themselves....
This is totally subjective and really each person behind the desk will have a different take on it. A manager may be more inclined to upgrade a business person because it might increase business from that company, etc. But, an 18 year old kid working the evening shift at the front desk, might want to upgrade the scruffy looking people with the backpacks http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif because they are more on his/her level.

Happy to hear you had such a good experience, and even happier to hear that you will be writing a thank you letter!!

I have to say thanks, one of your tidbits saved me some money at cheeck-in quite recently.

Let me first say what an enjoyable thread this is. I've always been fascinated with what goes on in the backside of the house. Thank you for providing some very interesting reading.

Going back briefly to one of your earlier posts, what are some of the tip offs to determine whether a guest may be actually a spotter or reviewer ?



[This message has been edited by Flymark (edited 09-19-2002).]

Great to hear hfly, happy to be of help!!!
Would you care to elaborate? I'd be very interested to hear your experience. If you don't feel comfortable posting the details on the thread, feel free to e-mail me.