it’s true. there always is. it’s best to ask up front. “i’m going to be here a week…does my room have a good view?” never does. usually faces the brick wall or near the service elevator.
simply tell them the truth: “it would be so much easier to just switch it now rather than tomorrow morning…don’t you think?” stare them straight in the eye. gently. with a genuine smile let them know that you don’t want to put them in an uncomfortable position…you’ll wait for the manager. they do nothing for a moment. you breathe. they make no eye contact. they’re sure they didn’t hear you correctly. they hope you’ll just go away. you don’t , though, because you’re patient and understanding.
then it happens. they excuse themselves and find someone else to get rid of you. they think. but, you’re still calm and in a zen like state waiting for your delightful room. the manager arrives. you repeat what you said earlier which is important because what you said and what the manager was told you said are very different. hold your ground. you’re even more polite than before: “thank you SO much. i’m happy to wait.” (this is when the first attendant gives a knowing glance to the manager that implies “see? she’s crazy!” )
meditate: i’m in no hurry. what is it about silence and stillness that makes them so nervous? they both look at the computer screen for quite a long time. you glance at them periodically…ever patient… then he asks the question: “how many keys would you like?”
i’m on the 25th floor of the Pennisula Hotel, overlooking 5th avenue with a divine box of chocolates.
Original source: http://janetscherrparks.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/theres-always-a-better-room/
