Last Wednesday evening, (June 24), I had the singular privilege of being a guest in Room 302 of the Fairfield Inn in Stillwater OK. I was on assignment for the "day job." The hotel was "worn" and the room had a deadbolt that was sticking. Upon returning from work on June 24, I found that the door to my room was ajar. The deadbolt latch was extended and it blocked the door from closing. I routinely carry my valuables (laptop, camera etc) with me when I leave my room for work and, as near as I can tell, nothing was missing. It was apparent to me, however, that the room was open all day and any passerby could have gained access. I think that the maid failed to secure the room after doing her daily housekeeping service.

The manager was not on property. The front desk clerk (Loren?) was apologetic and offered to adjust my bill. I am reimbursed for travel and a bill adjustment, while a nice gesture, would have not really solved anything.

I am not anxious to return to this hotel. Both Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn have locations in town and I am pretty sure that I will be staying at either of those facilites during my next visit.

So the question is:

How far should I take this? What would be appropriate for me? Should I ocmplain to Marriott? Should I ask for anything?

Thanks

Well, you certainly have a right to be upset.... privacy and security are very important.

I would personally send a note to the hotel manager. Indicate what happened. At a minimum, they need to "retrain" their staff.

Since nothing was taken, if I was in your position, I would not be asking for anything. But, I expect you will get something anyway.

Personally, this type of thing can happen at any property... I guess it was an accident and not intentional.

I must admit that I'd feel my belongings were likely to be safer in a room with the door ajar in a dingy FfI in Stillwater, OK, than any any number of upscale boites in which I've stayed in more cosmopolitan locales.

Yeah well...

My attorney associates claim that if you write a complaint letter, you should demand something. The hotel does not really have anything that I want. The front desk manager was quite contrite and represented to me that she would take the matter up with the general manager when he arrived the next morning.

I agree that the door was not left ajar intentionally and that this is a mistake made (probably) by housekeeping. Still, it is uncomfortable.

So there you have it..egregious mistake, no damage done. Nothing worth demanding so no point in complaint letter.

Stillwater is OK to visit...home of OSU, easy drive to OKC or TUL.. Never heard of Eskimo Joe's before arriving in town. I think that TMOliver is correct in implying that the town is quiet enough so that not much happens and most of the really sleazy types have moved on to venues with greater opportunity.


Tnx for the advice

As this is focused around Marriott, let me move this to the Marriott Hotel forum for further discussion. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Fine by me