OT-No room at the Inn for us-final update! Last page

[eek40]

Good points Rick, I will try to edit them or split them in some way, its hard to write this letter!

I will also take out the intention statement..I do want to know what their response is and if this is normal or not. But seriously, I could never go back there again, they just do not need to know it

I think you're getting the point across but please edit those two super long paragraphs into shorter ones or at least split them up!

And more importantly, in your last paragraph, you state "I have no intention..." That may be true but you should delete that sentiment altogether. If you have no intention, then the powers that be will figure it's a lost cause so why bother to make amends or even respond? Let them think they can help or do something.

 

[mickeysaver]

I would consider these two issues to be somewhat unrelated and would consider addressing them in one letter each. It is quite possible that they are even going to need to be handled by two different branches of their customer support/legal team and one issue might get overlooked in the process, if you send only one letter. I think that whatever communication that you have with them needs to fit on a one page letter or else you are most likely going to be ignored. Maggie

 

[lillielil]

You might want to consider dropping the paragraph about being billed the wrong amount - it isn't relevant to your primary complaint, and it was remedied. It might be a stronger letter if you really drive home the point that you are dissatisfied solely because you encountered discrimination. Otherwise it sounds like you're just giving a list of complaints.

Definitely send it. The higher-ups NEED to know.

 

[eek40]

I have to figure out how to address both issues, I never was told why my card was charged, and 900 dollars could have been a hard one, but I agree they do not really go together, I just need to figure out how to deal with both issues, maybe 2 different letters? Or drop the overcharge issue completely. Ugh this is hard, keep the suggestions coming.

You might want to consider dropping the paragraph about being billed the wrong amount - it isn't relevant to your primary complaint, and it was remedied. It might be a stronger letter if you really drive home the point that you are dissatisfied solely because you encountered discrimination. Otherwise it sounds like you're just giving a list of complaints.

Definitely send it. The higher-ups NEED to know.

 

[Notatourist]

While you had an experience where the situation was refunded, the bigger and more important point here is that you were discriminated against.

When this originally happened, I would have asked to see the manager, after booking another ressie. Then the manager would have to explain it. to you.

You need to take the discrimination issue to the front of this letter. Also, like it mentioned before, I have no intention, gives them a way out. If you ask "Is this a normal response to same sex couples?" they have to answer it.

Then, you go to the state and pursue it, because it's just not right.

Good luck and godspeed...

 

[lillielil]

I have to figure out how to address both issues, I never was told why my card was charged, and 900 dollars could have been a hard one, but I agree they do not really go together, I just need to figure out how to deal with both issues, maybe 2 different letters? Or drop the overcharge issue completely. Ugh this is hard, keep the suggestions coming.

If I were you, I'd try to settle the overcharge issue with a phone call, and send a separate letter about it if it isn't resolved over the phone. It is serious, but less serious on a large scale than the other issue.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Ok everyone, if you do not mind looking this over and seeing what you think and making suggestions, I am wanting to make sure its not over the top but still clarifies the problems we had. Thanks!

Dear Harrah’s Corporate Offices and St. Louis Office,

It is not often that I have to write a letter of this nature. I am a well seasoned traveler and also a former travel agent, I also continue to book vacations for family and office employees. I realize that things can and will go wrong and try to keep a light heart and just enjoy my travels.

Let me outline the problems I had while on my most recent vacation. On 4/26/07 I reserved one room for the night of June 6th, reservation FVMY3 one night only. We arrived and checked into our room #601 for the evening. We loved the casino, we signed up into your player’s club program, and we gambled well into the night before turning in. Since this was a half way point in my driving trip to Columbus, Ohio, we were not sure of the date we would return. I kept checking to make sure rooms were available for the return dates and watching prices online. I checked out of the room at approx 8:30am and my charges showing on the TV checkout showed 123.62. While in Ohio I checked my bank account, and was shocked to find 3 charges on my card, one for 123.62 and two for 391.81 dollars. This is a total of 907.24! Thank goodness I had the money in my bank account to cover this, the reference numbers in case you decide to investigate this are VISA RF#715929004065 RF#715925004065 and RF#715921004065. When I called the St. Louis Casino I was transferred several times, once to a voicemail, so I had to call back. Finally I was able to speak with a front desk clerk who advised me that the two charges for 391.81 were for my other rooms? I only had one room at check in, she then stated that I had checked out late and these were the charges for the late check out? I can certainly understand having to access a late checkout fee, but when I checked out at 8:30am I do not consider that late, when I mentioned this the clerk remarked, oh yes I see you checked out on the TV by 9am, well I do not know why but we refunded it. Typically this would be fine, but I have questions, who has access to my credit card and who booked extra rooms. I could never get these answered. I am still concerned about the charges, it seems rather odd. Plus had I not had the 907.24 your hotel charged me in my account I would have bounced and received several charges from my bank. Would these have been refunded to me? I doubt it as I know from past experience working at a hotel that those charges are the customer’s responsibility.

Even with the problem above, we did enjoy our experience at the resort, we found the room clean and smelling GREAT. The casino was well staffed and fun. So when we made our plans for the trip home I called in the morning and was told there were plenty of rooms, then about 2pm before we departed Ohio I looked on-line where there were rooms available for 100.00 or so for the night, plus suites. We were not sure if we would be able to make it all the way to St. Louis since we got a late start so we decided that based on what we had found we would just head towards our goal and go from there. This is where the most horrible part of the trip occurred.

I arrived at the hotel at about 10 to 11pm on the 12th of June. My partner and I made our way from the garage to the lobby with a small amount of personal items for the evening. I approached the clerk and asked for a room for the night. She said “sure 2 double beds?” I stated that I preferred a King bed but would take what was available. At this statement she started to behave oddly she acted nervous and was not looking at me, she typed a few things into the system then told me “They are playing around with the rooms, I will have to go ask my manager” and left. She came back 2 minutes later with a manager behind her, who never even looked at me. The clerk did not look at me either, just coldly said “We are sold out”. Now I had a hard time believing this since I had been looking, and felt so embarrassed by her behavior and the manager standing behind her. See my partner is also a female, in all my travels I have never felt so discriminated against. My partner and I turned to leave and she said to me “Were we just refused service?” I was so shocked that I just said I do not know, we got to the car where I called reservations, I asked for a room and had no problem in getting a quote for the night and I asked if there was room available and was told yes. At this point I knew I had been refused service at your casino simply because I asked for a King bed and because I am a Lesbian. Had I not been able to get a room when I called reservations that would be a different story, then the fault lays on me for not booking a room in advance. We were so upset and angry that rather than book the room and return to the lobby we just left and drove further for the night and dropped all our plans for gambling that night, breakfast in the morning and most likely more gambling! We both were so shocked about the way we were treated. This is simply not acceptable treatment for any guest! Regardless of sexuality or race, if rooms are available we should be given a room if one is available. I do not know if this is a companywide policy to refuse service to gay couples or if it was simply an uneducated desk clerk and manager who decided to make that decision. I would like to know your views on this. I have to wonder all this because checking in was not a problem.

I have no intent of ever staying at or gambling at your properties again. I am fully aware that you own several different properties in lots of different locations. I also am not naïve to think that we not using your company will have any effect on you. I know your pocketbook is a lot heavier than mine. However pending your response I may decide to take further action, and at the least I will share my views with anyone that asks and to encourage them to avoid your resorts.

The changes I would make are in red. Stuff I'd take out is underlined.

Dear Harrah’s Corporate Offices and St. Louis Office,

It is not often that I have to write a letter of this nature. I am a well seasoned traveler and also a former travel agent, I also continue to book vacations for family and office employees. I realize that things can and will go wrong and try to keep a light heart and just enjoy my travels.

I agree with the poster who said you should leave this issue out completely and address it under seperate cover.
Let me outline the problems I had while on my most recent vacation. On 4/26/07 I reserved one room for the night of June 6th, reservation FVMY3 one night only. We arrived and checked into our room #601 for the evening. We loved the casino, we signed up into your player’s club program, and we gambled well into the night before turning in. Since this was a half way point in my driving trip to Columbus, Ohio, we were not sure of the date we would return. I kept checking to make sure rooms were available for the return dates and watching prices online. I checked out of the room at approx 8:30am and my charges showing on the TV checkout showed 123.62. While in Ohio I checked my bank account, and was shocked to find 3 charges on my card, one for 123.62 and two for 391.81 dollars. This is a total of 907.24! Thank goodness I had the money in my bank account to cover this, the reference numbers in case you decide to investigate this are VISA RF#715929004065 RF#715925004065 and RF#715921004065. When I called the St. Louis Casino I was transferred several times, once to a voicemail, so I had to call back. Finally I was able to speak with a front desk clerk who advised me that the two charges for 391.81 were for my other rooms? I only had one room at check in, she then stated that I had checked out late and these were the charges for the late check out? I can certainly understand having to access a late checkout fee, but when I checked out at 8:30am I do not consider that late, when I mentioned this the clerk remarked, oh yes I see you checked out on the TV by 9am, well I do not know why but we refunded it. Typically this would be fine, but I have questions, who has access to my credit card and who booked extra rooms. I could never get these answered. I am still concerned about the charges, it seems rather odd. Plus had I not had the 907.24 your hotel charged me in my account I would have bounced and received several charges from my bank. Would these have been refunded to me? I doubt it as I know from past experience working at a hotel that those charges are the customer’s responsibility.

Even with the problem above, We did enjoy our experience at the resort, we found the room clean and smelling GREAT. The casino was well staffed and fun. Because of our very positive experience, So when we made our plans for the trip home I called in the morning and was told there were plenty of rooms,. At about 2:00 pm, before we left Ohio, I looked at your available room inventory online. I was able to find rooms selling for $100 per night, as well as some suites. Because of the length of the drive, we weren't sure if we'd make it to St. Louis that night. We decided to not book and take our chances getting a room at the front desk. then about 2pm before we departed Ohio I looked on-line where there were rooms available for 100.00 or so for the night, plus suites. We were not sure if we would be able to make it all the way to St. Louis since we got a late start so we decided that based on what we had found we would just head towards our goal and go from there. This is where the most horrible part of the trip occurred.

I arrived at the hotel at about 10 to 11pm 10:50 pm on the 12th of June. My partner and I made our way from the garage to the lobby with a small amount of personal items for the evening. I approached the clerk and asked for a room for the night. She said “sure 2 double beds?” Upon arriving at the front desk, I asked for a room for the night. Your company's representative at the front desk asked if 2 double beds would be okay. I stated that I preferred a King bed but would take what was available.

At this statement she started to behave oddly. She acted nervous and was not looking at me,. Sshe typed a few things into the system then told me, and I quote: “They are playing around with the rooms, I will have to go ask my manager”. and left. She left and came back 2 minutes later with a manager behind her, who never even looked at me. The clerk did not look at me either, just coldly said “We are sold out”. Without looking me in the eye, your company's representative simply told me that everything was sold out.

Now I had a hard time believing this since I had been looking, and felt so embarrassed by her behavior and the manager standing behind her. See my partner is also a female, in all my travels I have never felt so discriminated against. My partner and I turned to leave and she said to me “Were we just refused service?” I was so shocked that I just said I do not know, we got to the car where

Remember how I suggested leaving emotions out of it? I personally think this is a HIGHLY emotional sentiment. You can address this in closing in a much less emotional way.

At this point, I left your establishment. From my vehicle, I called reservations., I asked for a room and had no problem in getting a quote for the night. and I asked if there was room available and was told yes. At this point I knew I had been refused service at your casino simply because I asked for a King bed and because I am a Lesbian. Had I not been able to get a room when I called reservations that would be a different story, then the fault lays on me for not booking a room in advance.

The fact that you found rooms through their phone department speaks for itself. I don't think you need to re-state this. Remember - you were wronged. Your story speaks for itself. There's absolutely no need to reiterate that you didn't book in advance

We were so upset and angry thoroughly disgusted that rather than book the room and return to the lobby we just left and drove further for the night and dropped all our plans. Your representative's attitude and prejudices cost your company not only the charges for the room, but additional gambling and dining in your establishment. for gambling that night, breakfast in the morning and most likely more gambling! We both were so shocked about the way we were treated. This is simply not acceptable treatment for any guest!

The treatment we received was substandard and unacceptable by any standards. Further, this was an incredibly ignorant decision from a business standpoint. As I previously mentioned, a room that otherwise would have been occupied sat empty. Additional money that would have been spent on meals and recreation instead went to another business.

I would like to know if your company has a policy - written or otherwise - about discriminating against particular guests. If so, I'd like to see it as I saw nothing of these policies when I booked my initial stay at your property.Regardless of sexuality or race, if rooms are available we should be given a room if one is available. I do not know if this is a companywide policy to refuse service to gay couples or if it was simply an uneducated desk clerk and manager who decided to make that decision. I would like to know your views on this. I have to wonder all this because checking in was not a problem.

I have no intent of ever staying at or gambling at your properties again. I am fully aware that you own several different properties in lots of different locations. I also am not naïve to think that we not using your company will have any effect on you. I know your pocketbook is a lot heavier than mine. However pending your response I may decide to take further action, and at the least I will share my views with anyone that asks and to encourage them to avoid your resorts.

As Rick said, this is a fine line to tread. Go too far, and you'll be viewed as the dismissed and they won't take you seriously. Don't go far enough and you'll get a patent apology form letter. A nice gesture but accomplishing nothing.

I understand that negative experiences can be the exception and not the rule. Because of my first, very enjoyable, experience with your company, I'd like to do business with you again. However, I am extremely trepidacious to attempt this for fear that I may be treated the same way I was on my last visit. I thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Those are just my suggestions for how you could make your case just a bit stronger.

Also - if you can - get a name. Call the hotel back and get the name manager of the hotel. Chances are you spoke to a shift or area manager. You want the name of the guy that runs the place. If it's too uncomfortable to call, look at the website. His or her name may be listed there. Dig deep and see if you can't get the name of the head of guest relations for the entire chain - rather than sending it to a generic department.

 

[LukenDC]

I would consider these two issues to be somewhat unrelated and would consider addressing them in one letter each. It is quite possible that they are even going to need to be handled by two different branches of their customer support/legal team and one issue might get overlooked in the process, if you send only one letter. I think that whatever communication that you have with them needs to fit on a one page letter or else you are most likely going to be ignored. Maggie

I agree. I would focus on one issue at a time. Like Rick said, shorten the paragraphs and get to the point. I like your opening paragraph where you identify yourself as a well seasoned traveler and a former travel agent. I think that you should also add a sentence or two stating that you have stayed at Harrah's before and are fond of the resort. Then segue into the discrimination issue.

 

[mikelan6]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I am sure that Harrah's corporate offices will make things right for you. Please let us know how it turns out.

 

[eek40]

I love the changes you suggested. I tried hard to make it non emotional, it was harder to do than I orginally thought! I think I will work from your suggestions, leave out the overcharges and address those by phone or another letter or leave them out all together. I hate having to resort to letter writing, but I honestly feel that if I do not address it someone else will be in my shoes and be turned away. I am curious enough about the response that I will leave off the fact that I do not want to stay there again, and leave that up to them. Guess if they send me the standard comps I can just throw them away. I keep wondering if I called and said I wanted to surprise my wife with a stay for our upcoming year anniv if they would book two lesbians in a room? LOL I so appreciate all that everyone has done here to help. Its the first time, aside from a gay pride incident long ago, that I have been hurt by discrimination, I guess I should feel lucky its only these incidents. I meant to tell you all, I ended up at a great Holiday Inn by Six Flags, I told the lady on duty we had been refused a room, and she went beyond the call of duty to get me in a room at close to 1am, even helping me with luggage and ice! So I know there are great people out there, and I fully intend to write a letter to that holiday inn as well to thank the dear soul that helped us that night!

The changes I would make are in red. Stuff I'd take out is underlined.

Dear Harrah’s Corporate Offices and St. Louis Office,

It is not often that I have to write a letter of this nature. I am a well seasoned traveler and also a former travel agent, I also continue to book vacations for family and office employees. I realize that things can and will go wrong and try to keep a light heart and just enjoy my travels.

I agree with the poster who said you should leave this issue out completely and address it under seperate cover.
Let me outline the problems I had while on my most recent vacation. On 4/26/07 I reserved one room for the night of June 6th, reservation FVMY3 one night only. We arrived and checked into our room #601 for the evening. We loved the casino, we signed up into your player’s club program, and we gambled well into the night before turning in. Since this was a half way point in my driving trip to Columbus, Ohio, we were not sure of the date we would return. I kept checking to make sure rooms were available for the return dates and watching prices online. I checked out of the room at approx 8:30am and my charges showing on the TV checkout showed 123.62. While in Ohio I checked my bank account, and was shocked to find 3 charges on my card, one for 123.62 and two for 391.81 dollars. This is a total of 907.24! Thank goodness I had the money in my bank account to cover this, the reference numbers in case you decide to investigate this are VISA RF#715929004065 RF#715925004065 and RF#715921004065. When I called the St. Louis Casino I was transferred several times, once to a voicemail, so I had to call back. Finally I was able to speak with a front desk clerk who advised me that the two charges for 391.81 were for my other rooms? I only had one room at check in, she then stated that I had checked out late and these were the charges for the late check out? I can certainly understand having to access a late checkout fee, but when I checked out at 8:30am I do not consider that late, when I mentioned this the clerk remarked, oh yes I see you checked out on the TV by 9am, well I do not know why but we refunded it. Typically this would be fine, but I have questions, who has access to my credit card and who booked extra rooms. I could never get these answered. I am still concerned about the charges, it seems rather odd. Plus had I not had the 907.24 your hotel charged me in my account I would have bounced and received several charges from my bank. Would these have been refunded to me? I doubt it as I know from past experience working at a hotel that those charges are the customer’s responsibility.

Even with the problem above, We did enjoy our experience at the resort, we found the room clean and smelling GREAT. The casino was well staffed and fun. Because of our very positive experience, So when we made our plans for the trip home I called in the morning and was told there were plenty of rooms,. At about 2:00 pm, before we left Ohio, I looked at your available room inventory online. I was able to find rooms selling for $100 per night, as well as some suites. Because of the length of the drive, we weren't sure if we'd make it to St. Louis that night. We decided to not book and take our chances getting a room at the front desk. then about 2pm before we departed Ohio I looked on-line where there were rooms available for 100.00 or so for the night, plus suites. We were not sure if we would be able to make it all the way to St. Louis since we got a late start so we decided that based on what we had found we would just head towards our goal and go from there. This is where the most horrible part of the trip occurred.

I arrived at the hotel at about 10 to 11pm 10:50 pm on the 12th of June. My partner and I made our way from the garage to the lobby with a small amount of personal items for the evening. I approached the clerk and asked for a room for the night. She said “sure 2 double beds?” Upon arriving at the front desk, I asked for a room for the night. Your company's representative at the front desk asked if 2 double beds would be okay. I stated that I preferred a King bed but would take what was available.

At this statement she started to behave oddly. She acted nervous and was not looking at me,. Sshe typed a few things into the system then told me, and I quote: “They are playing around with the rooms, I will have to go ask my manager”. and left. She left and came back 2 minutes later with a manager behind her, who never even looked at me. The clerk did not look at me either, just coldly said “We are sold out”. Without looking me in the eye, your company's representative simply told me that everything was sold out.

Now I had a hard time believing this since I had been looking, and felt so embarrassed by her behavior and the manager standing behind her. See my partner is also a female, in all my travels I have never felt so discriminated against. My partner and I turned to leave and she said to me “Were we just refused service?” I was so shocked that I just said I do not know, we got to the car where

Remember how I suggested leaving emotions out of it? I personally think this is a HIGHLY emotional sentiment. You can address this in closing in a much less emotional way.

At this point, I left your establishment. From my vehicle, I called reservations., I asked for a room and had no problem in getting a quote for the night. and I asked if there was room available and was told yes. At this point I knew I had been refused service at your casino simply because I asked for a King bed and because I am a Lesbian. Had I not been able to get a room when I called reservations that would be a different story, then the fault lays on me for not booking a room in advance.

The fact that you found rooms through their phone department speaks for itself. I don't think you need to re-state this. Remember - you were wronged. Your story speaks for itself. There's absolutely no need to reiterate that you didn't book in advance

We were so upset and angry thoroughly disgusted that rather than book the room and return to the lobby we just left and drove further for the night and dropped all our plans. Your representative's attitude and prejudices cost your company not only the charges for the room, but additional gambling and dining in your establishment. for gambling that night, breakfast in the morning and most likely more gambling! We both were so shocked about the way we were treated. This is simply not acceptable treatment for any guest!

The treatment we received was substandard and unacceptable by any standards. Further, this was an incredibly ignorant decision from a business standpoint. As I previously mentioned, a room that otherwise would have been occupied sat empty. Additional money that would have been spent on meals and recreation instead went to another business.

I would like to know if your company has a policy - written or otherwise - about discriminating against particular guests. If so, I'd like to see it as I saw nothing of these policies when I booked my initial stay at your property.Regardless of sexuality or race, if rooms are available we should be given a room if one is available. I do not know if this is a companywide policy to refuse service to gay couples or if it was simply an uneducated desk clerk and manager who decided to make that decision. I would like to know your views on this. I have to wonder all this because checking in was not a problem.

I have no intent of ever staying at or gambling at your properties again. I am fully aware that you own several different properties in lots of different locations. I also am not naïve to think that we not using your company will have any effect on you. I know your pocketbook is a lot heavier than mine. However pending your response I may decide to take further action, and at the least I will share my views with anyone that asks and to encourage them to avoid your resorts.

As Rick said, this is a fine line to tread. Go too far, and you'll be viewed as the dismissed and they won't take you seriously. Don't go far enough and you'll get a patent apology form letter. A nice gesture but accomplishing nothing.

I understand that negative experiences can be the exception and not the rule. Because of my first, very enjoyable, experience with your company, I'd like to do business with you again. However, I am extremely trepidacious to attempt this for fear that I may be treated the same way I was on my last visit. I thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Those are just my suggestions for how you could make your case just a bit stronger.

Also - if you can - get a name. Call the hotel back and get the name manager of the hotel. Chances are you spoke to a shift or area manager. You want the name of the guy that runs the place. If it's too uncomfortable to call, look at the website. His or her name may be listed there. Dig deep and see if you can't get the name of the head of guest relations for the entire chain - rather than sending it to a generic department.

 

[eek40]

This is one of my regrets, I honestly was so upset that I just couldnt, the shame and embarassment that was shown to us in the lobby literally made me feel like I was a 3rd class citizen. I just had no idea at all what to do at that time.

While you had an experience where the situation was refunded, the bigger and more important point here is that you were discriminated against.

When this originally happened, I would have asked to see the manager, after booking another ressie. Then the manager would have to explain it. to you.

You need to take the discrimination issue to the front of this letter. Also, like it mentioned before, I have no intention, gives them a way out. If you ask "Is this a normal response to same sex couples?" they have to answer it.

Then, you go to the state and pursue it, because it's just not right.

Good luck and godspeed...

 

[Gillian]

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I hope that your letter gets you some satisfaction.

 

[PghLybrt]

I am curious enough about the response that I will leave off the fact that I do not want to stay there again, and leave that up to them. Guess if they send me the standard comps I can just throw them away.

I wish you the best of luck in this situation.

Just a suggestion but if they do send you comps maybe you could donate then to your local LGBT center? If they do not have your name on them maybe they could use them for something......and then even more gay people would invade their hotel, but for free!

 

[Hodder]

I cannot believe this happens in this day and age. I am of the belief that it was the opinions of the staff that were there that night and not the hotel....hopefully

 

[AlyssinWonderland]

Wow. I worked in the hotel industry for 4 years and that is completely unacceptable. I would send your letter to the manager of the hotel, and then look up the address to their corporate office and send one there as well. This is completely ridiculous as well as hurtful and I'm so sorry it happened to you and your GF. I'm sorry you were treated that way and while I understand the embarrassment I want to say that it wasn't your fault and you really have no reason to be embarrassed...just very angry.

I hope they respond to your letter, you might want to add your Email address to your letter as well in your contact information. I know many of the larger hotel chains are required to get back to you within a week for large level complaints...perhaps this chain has the same requirement. I would be interested to know what happens. Once again, I'm sorry and I can't believe that would happen in this day and age.

 

[ChrizJen]

I'm disgusted by this!
I live in St. Louis...and I've NEVER experienced anything like that! (although we live further into the city...and Harrah's is further out, and the further you get out of the city, the more you deal with stuff like that...
We've found much more diversity and acceptance here in the city.
I don't frequent the casinos here, but I know people who do, and I will DEFINITELY spread the word about this! My family and friends will be told, and I can assure you that it won't just be YOUR business that Harrah's will be missing out on!!

I'm sorry this happened to you, and next time you're in town, let me know, and I'll find a nice hotel for you to stay at!!
-Christal

 

[eek40]

LOL I love this idea and will most definately do so!

Aimee

I wish you the best of luck in this situation.

Just a suggestion but if they do send you comps maybe you could donate then to your local LGBT center? If they do not have your name on them maybe they could use them for something......and then even more gay people would invade their hotel, but for free!

 

[ChrizJen]

I responded before I had read your letter. I totally agree with the comments by others. I think that the 2 issues should be in seperate letters. One big rule is the shorter and more to the point your letter is, the better. You don't want them to get halfway through, and then start "skimming" the rest just to get through it. I also agree that while you want some of your emotions to come through in the letter (after all, you are hurt, saddened, and angered by what happened. You can't completely set those feelings aside), you should limit what you say. That way they don't just assume there's nothing they can do to make you happy.

Anyhow, good luck, and please post back when you get a response!! I'm curious to see how they respond, if they seem shocked that something like that happened in one of their hotels, or if they just shrug it off like it's nothing. Should be interesting to say the least.

 

[crisi]

If I may - I'd keep the last paragraph but change it "Naturally, it is too late for you to do anything to retain me as a customer. However, an apology and assurance that this is not corporate policy and has been rectified would go a long way to making me not discourage my friends from booking your properties."

I don't think they'd believe for a minute that they are going to win your business back magically with a free night. But, what they are interested in stopping is you doing things like posting here - or on every GLBT forum on the internet. THAT is a far more dangerous situation for them.

 

[Rence]

You may want to review Harrah's website. Go into the company information section and look around.

For example, under employment, they state that they do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. They also have a section where they talk about their devotion to diversity.

You could possibly reference that the treatment you received seems inconsistent with the corporate values esposed on their website.