Do you think these boards make us expect too much sometimes?

[AlexandNessa]

I was just wondering ...

I mean there is always a plethora of posts re: it's my birthday, it's my honeymoon, it's my anniversary; what will the hotels do for me or whoever?

Or, I need this vacation to go as smoothly as possible (doesn't everyone?), and I need to know exactly which room to request.

Or, how do I get a free upgrade, apart from the LF program? Like how do I get upgraded to Club for free?

I have to say that it really doesn't take a whole lot to make us happy. I expect my room to be ready on time, I expect it to be clean and free of health hazards and well stocked, I expect turn-down service. I expect any problems to be fixed promptly and with only one phone call. (Don't make me call twice to fix one problem. )

I have been to the RPR for my honeymoon and got squat, zilch, zero, even though the reservationist was all excited about that and asked if I'd mind if she noted it on my reservation. Did it ruin my trip? No. Was I surprised we didn't get anything special? Nope. I have been to both RPR and HRH for my birthday and gotten squat.

Just wondering, is it really the end of the world if you don't get the exact room you request? Doesn't someone have to get the crummy room? Or is that a DISBOARDS' entitlement that no one on the DIS gets a crummy room? Is it the end of the world if no one acknowledges your birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, Little Bethany's A+ report card? If you don't get an upgrade? If the kids don't get a free gift at check in?

For every person who bothers to post that he got something special, do you think that perhaps there are 100 people who didn't get anything, but just didn't bother to post?

 

[katiee511]

Your post made me laugh!

I have to agree completely. That is not to say I don't mention special occassions or ask what extras may be available to us, because I do. Does it ruin it for me if we don't get it? Nope. If a better room, better view, upgrade is so very important to me for that particular trip, I book that and pay for it upfront. No problem, no disappointment!

On the other hand, if I DO pay for something, I DO expect it. I don't think making a fuss about getting what I paid for is wrong.

Since the hotel room is a place to sleep and keep our stuff while we are doing everything else we came for, as long as it's clean, everything works and my family makes it there safely and makes memories that last a lifetime, we are golden!!

On a side note (kinda off topic ) it gets me all the lively debates going on about boycotting airlines that charge for a second bag now. Will the one bag rule effect us? Probably not. Will I get all bent out of shape if I have to pay an extra fee? Hope not. I don't like it (if I need it) but I can get used to it.

Hate getting used to the $3+/gallon of gas, higher grocery costs, higher utility bills.............. whatever......... now I am so far off topic.....

 

[disneyfreakk]

I always go in expecting to get exactly what I paid for. No more, no less. If/when something special happens, it is always a pleasant surprise. I haven't really had anything go wrong while at the HRH, so I cant complain there. And honestly, I don't post about anything extra special happening to me while at the HRH. I agree that people would just say "but disneyfreakk got such and such, you should do that for me too!"

HOWEVER, I really think Mickey has it in for me. Every single time I stay at WDW something goes horribly wrong!! They have lost my room reservations, lost a weeks worth of ADRs, room not cleaned (used soap and razor still in shower upon check in), concierge sent us to another resort for an event (using disney buses)..... too bad it had gone on THE NIGHT BEFORE . And this year I got food poisoning! lol. Yep, my cup runneth over at the house of mouse!

 

[goofy!]

I think you are absolutely right.

All I want is what I pay for. If I get an upgrade from our standard Loews upgrade, then that is a wonderful bonus. We have been spoiled and have been upgraded to a Villa Suite at PBH quite a few times, but do I expect it? Nope. (well usually not )

I do expect reasonable service without many hassles. I even tolerate the occasional glitch, as they happen can happen.

And I have found that Loews is wonderful at fixing glitches. Which is why we keep going back and back. In fact, I just finished booking another trip today.

We had a few glitches in our last trip (ie: paying for a bay view but put into a garden view and front desk wouldn't amend rate), but in the end, a fabulous Loews employee more than fixed it. They went above and beyond in addressing the glitch.

I think many, and I am guilty of this, report the over and above service we have received, so that people begin to think that it is the regular service and expect it. And then get mad when they get the standard 4* service - which is outstanding in its own.

 

[dsmom]

I totally agree with what everyone has said so far. I am not a material person so the things I look forward to can not be bought. I thank God every time we arrive safely and just enjoy our stay. I look forward to seeing all the friends we have made at Portofino- I do not care what room we are in or what our view is- I am just happy to be there. I have never asked for an upgrade or asked for anything special. I think the Portofino goes out of their way to make your stay special - for my birthday last year they sent up a cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries with champagne, free breakfast vouchers- was it nice? Yes! But I did not ask or expect anything. For my husband and son's birthday last year I had dinner delivered to the suite. They went out of their way to make it special- the Chef showed up and he brought Scooby doo for a private visit with my son. I think that's what makes it special- when you do not ask for or expect anything- it makes the surprise that much more special.

 

[donaldduck352]

Been going to Orlando for 15 years.Many DW trips many US trips.We are a hardworking family and earned our way the hardway, we earned it..We never ask for upgrades or such just like getting our dollars worth.It does'nthurt to ask though.But never expect it.

 

[keishashadow]

interesting, thought-provoking thread

i do think a large majority of DISers are travel junkies/perfectionists and keep looking for something different to keep things fresh on repeat visits. Another contingent are the newbies & those who very well might be taking a "once in a lifetime trip" due to financial circumstances & want to have a "magical" experience ; so they're stressing.

as for me, i'm still wondering if the old $20 trick @ check-in will snag an upgrade @ either U or WDW

 

[goofy!]

as for me, i'm still wondering if the old $20 trick @ check-in will snag an upgrade @ either U or WDW

There was that poster that told everybody that if we bribed the front desk, we could pretty much get any room we wanted

Haven't tried it yet though.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Oh, yes, how could I forget that it goes without saying we would be very upset if we didn't get what we paid for. And, if there was some reason that we didn't get what we paid for, we'd expect at least an equivalent type of accommodation or at the very least, an apology and rate adjustment.

Some posts (not recently, but in the past) have honestly left me shaking my head. This may sound harsh, but, bottom line, the advice in some of the above posts is sound: book and pay for what you need to make your vacation a good one. I think "extras" are nice surprises, but they always that .... surprises; not an expectation based upon a post someone made.


Janet, let me know if you're ever brave enough to execute the $20 trick. But, that brings up an interesting topic as well. Is there a pecking order to accommodating requests or recognizing special occasions? Does a Platinum member paying a qualifying rate trump someone who is paying an APH or FLO rate? Does a business traveler trump a Platinum member? Does someone with special needs trump all? Does it just depend on someone's mood, be it the front desk clerk, the manager on duty? What's the return on investment if you tried a Benjamin instead of an Andrew Jackson at check-in? Totally kidding on that one folks ... I can just see it now: BUT JODIE ON THE DIS said .....

And now for my last thought-provoking question of the day: Did neurotic travelers create the DIS or did the DIS create neurotic travelers?!

 

[MRS AR]

I also am not expecting to get more than what I've paid for but find in doing the pre-planning I can make my $$ stretch farther and not miss some restaurants that make wonderful memories. Stress is something that work creates. Vacation planning helps you "live" your vacation months before you actually set foot on the plan. That's fun!

 

[pixeegrl]

. Vacation planning helps you "live" your vacation months before you actually set foot on the plan. That's fun!

That is so very true, don't know why I never thought of it that way! I have an excuse for the madness now!

 

[keishashadow]

hey Jodie, thanx for the helpful hint

i've been hanging on a vegas message board where there is a sticky as to success with the $20 tip method. If i understand correctly you are to approach the seediest looking check in clerk (better success rate with the dudes- is that profiling ) and sandwich the $20 between CC and ID on top with exactly just the corner of it peeking out...sounds like you're dealing something for sure

never read about whether they take the $20 if you don't get what you want . Although out there it's probably akin to playing the odds/slot & everybody is just so blase about it, as though it's a piece of TP on your shoe or something.

disturbing thing i've read re other markets is the consistent "overbooking", even when guaranteed by a CC; if you check in later than the norm...many reports of no room @ the inn . Evidently, they're supposed to be obligated to find you accommodations elsewhere, but still...could you imagine the posts here if either U or WDW pulled that stunt.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Janet, tell you what ... I'll split it with you. I'll kick in $10, this way you're only out $10 if the seedy clerk keeps your $$ without giving you Jack ... you just have to tell me how it goes.

 

[goofy!]

disturbing thing i've read re other markets is the consistent "overbooking", even when guaranteed by a CC; if you check in later than the norm...many reports of no room @ the inn . Evidently, they're supposed to be obligated to find you accommodations elsewhere, but still...could you imagine the posts here if either U or WDW pulled that stunt.

They have done it. Not for a long time now, but when RPR first opened, there used to be posters coming on here fuming because when they tried to check in, they were told:

"sorry, no room - we are moving you to the Peabody." And they weren't moved to the Hard Rock or PBH, so they also lost their FOTL privileges. I remember some pretty irate posters.

The complaints only lasted a few months, so I assume it was just the novelty of the new hotel and learning the capacity of a new hotel.

 

[katiee511]

hey Jodie, thanx for the helpful hint

i've been hanging on a vegas message board where there is a sticky as to success with the $20 tip method. If i understand correctly you are to approach the seediest looking check in clerk (better success rate with the dudes- is that profiling ) and sandwich the $20 between CC and ID on top with exactly just the corner of it peeking out...sounds like you're dealing something for sure

never read about whether they take the $20 if you don't get what you want . Although out there it's probably akin to playing the odds/slot & everybody is just so blase about it, as though it's a piece of TP on your shoe or something.

disturbing thing i've read re other markets is the consistent "overbooking", even when guaranteed by a CC; if you check in later than the norm...many reports of no room @ the inn . Evidently, they're supposed to be obligated to find you accommodations elsewhere, but still...could you imagine the posts here if either U or WDW pulled that stunt.

Okay, this put this mental picture in my mind: you hand the 'seedy' desk clerk $20 for an upgrade and unknown to you, 'he' checks and sees you already HAVE been upgraded with no finagling on his part and he smiles slickly and says "that will be no problem, let me take care of you" click click click.... "here you go, come back and ask for me anytime" wink wink

Seriously, as to the other comment. I can personally attest this is true It happened to us in Vegas. We had a late flight in, it was noted for late arrival.... we take a paid shuttle to hotel (last of 6 stops, no less!) arrive close to 1 am, wait in check-in line only to be told when it was our turn we don't have a room!! Apparently first come, first serve even if your ressie is booked AND PAID FOR
The desk clerk proceeds to tell us we were moved to another hotel at no cost to us. Well, except for the taxi fare which they refused to pay to transport us back to the other end of the strip to the new hotel
In the end, it worked out great. I had never travelled much before on my own and made the amateur mistake of booking the cheapest hotel I could get on the strip. Needless to say it was a dive! and we were moved to a rather nice 3 star hotel at no add'l cost
But in hindsight, the late night hassle was soooooo not worth it. I only book and pay for what I want and can live with now. And only stick to reputable hotel chains

 

[Emmaline Lola]

I used to work at the front desk of hotels in NYC and on disney property, and I would always give upgraded rooms to nice, happy people.........rude, grumpy, or guests who felt they were "owed" the best room got the WORST room from me!

I say, just be nice........if you want to tip $$$ after you see your room that would be great and appreciated, but not a check in.....seems tacky.....

 

[ldmilton]

I was just wondering ...

Is it the end of the world if no one acknowledges your birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, Little Bethany's A+ report card? If you don't get an upgrade? If the kids don't get a free gift at check in?

You don't get what you don't ask for.....so, no harm in asking. But, only EXPECT, what you PAY for...nothing more. Then you can be surprised when it happens, but not disappointed if it doesn't happen!

DH and I will be at RPR this May...our first UO trip. I will request a specific room in a specific tower on the 7th floor facing IOA. Will I be dissappointed if we are on the 3rd floor facing I4? Nope, because that is what I am paying for. The top floor, park view will be a nice little bonus if it happens, but not a vacation breaker if it doesn't. We will celebrate our anniversary while there. I will mention this also. Do I expect champagne and strawberries as some on these boards said they have received? Nope, but it will certainly be a nice touch if it happens.

 

[calgarygary]

I always expect only what I pay for but am more than willing to share that I am celebrating a special occasion when I'm doing so. There is a downside to that approach - and I don't mean a resort not acknowledging the event. The downside is when you are spoiled, you will need to invest more $ on your next trip to insure the same experience. I'm now at a point where I don't think I can afford PBH. First they give me free club, knowing darn well that in the future I will pay for it. Then they give me platinum knowing that in the future, if I don't have sufficient stays, I will pay for the suite. Then they give me a hospitality suite complete with piano - now that will blow my vacation budget in the future! Darn those inablers at the front desk of the PBH, you keep feeding my habits.

 

[keishashadow]

Janet, tell you what ... I'll split it with you. I'll kick in $10, this way you're only out $10 if the seedy clerk keeps your $$ without giving you Jack ... you just have to tell me how it goes.

only problem is i was wondering what their idea of seedy is...especially in Vegas

They have done it. Not for a long time now, but when RPR first opened, there used to be posters coming on here fuming because when they tried to check in, they were told:

"sorry, no room - we are moving you to the Peabody." And they weren't moved to the Hard Rock or PBH, so they also lost their FOTL privileges. I remember some pretty irate posters.

The complaints only lasted a few months, so I assume it was just the novelty of the new hotel and learning the capacity of a new hotel.

i wouldn't mind getting bumped to the peabody (isn't that the one with the ducks in the lobby?) if they still offered FOTL...bet the folks were very upset.

Okay, this put this mental picture in my mind: you hand the 'seedy' desk clerk $20 for an upgrade and unknown to you, 'he' checks and sees you already HAVE been upgraded with no finagling on his part and he smiles slickly and says "that will be no problem, let me take care of you" click click click.... "here you go, come back and ask for me anytime" wink wink

Seriously, as to the other comment. I can personally attest this is true It happened to us in Vegas. We had a late flight in, it was noted for late arrival.... we take a paid shuttle to hotel (last of 6 stops, no less!) arrive close to 1 am, wait in check-in line only to be told when it was our turn we don't have a room!! Apparently first come, first serve even if your ressie is booked AND PAID FOR
The desk clerk proceeds to tell us we were moved to another hotel at no cost to us. Well, except for the taxi fare which they refused to pay to transport us back to the other end of the strip to the new hotel
In the end, it worked out great. I had never travelled much before on my own and made the amateur mistake of booking the cheapest hotel I could get on the strip. Needless to say it was a dive! and we were moved to a rather nice 3 star hotel at no add'l cost
But in hindsight, the late night hassle was soooooo not worth it. I only book and pay for what I want and can live with now. And only stick to reputable hotel chains

in my mind, i consider $20 to be an insult of a bribe in the 1st place , if you're going to do it...go for the gusto

eek, to the bump...since the Luxor is owned by MGM, worst case hoping they'd send us to another property they own...still DH & DS would be disappointed (that whole pyramid thing lol).

whatever happened to if you guarantee your room with a CC, you have guaranteed late arrival?

jodie - champagne wishes sent your way for a romantic trip! Strawberries or not

 

[AlexandNessa]

Geez, how hard would it be to print room keys with no charging privileges to get you FOTL if you HAD to be bumped off-site? If that happened to us, OK, I get it, sometimes that happens. BUT, staying at the Peabody wouldn't mean JACK to me (free or not) with no HRH room keys. Thankfully though, we have not had reports of this in some time.

Thank you, Janet for your champagne wishes ... only 26 more days!

And true, you can't get what you don't ask for, but again, I wonder if that is in any way associated with rate, LF status, etc. I seem to remember a while ago reading an article about how if hotel guests had to be bumped, if someone got the crummy room, it was those poor people who booked through Priceline or Hotwire or some such. Wonder if Loews does the same thing or similar?