Tale of the Bottom Bed Sheet

[EpcotQueen]

One of my biggest frustrations with Disney resort housekeeping staff is their inability to make a bed so that the bottom sheet stays tucked in. This trip is no different. Night after night as I fold down the top sheets, the bottom sheet pulls out. Ok, I hear you all....just tuck it back in. Well, easy enough to do if they've put the sheet on so that there is enough to tuck. More nights than not, the sheet edge only came to the bottom edge of the mattress. There's nothing there to tuck. I left notes on the bed about this. Didn't work. I finally had enough and called Housekeeping and ranted a bit. Promises were made to address the issue. Half an hour later their manager called to discuss and promised to refund 2 nights back to us. They DID comp the 2 nights (almost $400!) AND the manager went to Walmarts and bought a fitted bottom sheet for our king bed! He personally (he claims) made our bed to make sure all ok. And told us to take the bottom sheet home! So, if you have an issue, speak up! You never know what will happen as a result!

 

[Islandwdw]

Maybe I haven’t had enuf coffee... you’re saying they comped you 2 nights because your sheets weren’t tucked in. And you’re pleased— you think they should have done so.
Sad.

 

[SaintsManiac]

 

[EpcotQueen]

Maybe I haven’t had enuf coffee... you’re saying they comped you 2 nights because your sheets weren’t tucked in. And you’re pleased— you think they should have done so.
Sad.

You misunderstand. I had no thoughts about a Comp. They offered. I was shocked that they did so. What is so sad about being comp’d?

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

You misunderstand. I had no thoughts about a Comp. They offered. I was shocked that they did so. What is so sad about being comp’d?

I don't mean to speak for anyone else, but the tone seems like you're advising others to call and rant about things and get comped. I realize that may not be what you're saying but that is how it comes across. The issue with that mentality is that if everyone calls and rants and gets comped it only makes it harder for those of us with problems that need a resolution.

I agree that if you have a concern about the room, it helps to call and let someone know so that they have the opportunity to fix it. It was kind of the manager to refund 2 nights, but I wouldn't advise anyone to expect the same. It's also wise to be aware that notes on the bed do not work- housekeeping likely doesn't stop to read them and just thinks you left trash on the bed. Also when you call a number from your room you are generally getting a call center and not someone actually on hotel property. A quicker method is to go to the front desk and politely discuss the issue- any time I have had an issue with a room this has been the fastest way to get it resolved.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

You misunderstand. I had no thoughts about a Comp. They offered. I was shocked that they did so. What is so sad about being comp’d?

I would have been shocked too! What resort are you staying in? I would say, this is not par for the course at WDW resorts. I've had two instances at BWI where things were SO bad, that I was quite adamant that they refund some of my money - water pipes breaking, flooding, drilling into the back of our room walls all at the wee hours of the night. I've also had minor issues (and I would kind of put your sheet issue on the "minor" list) where they solved the problem and we all moved on. I'm surprised they comp'd you as they did.

 

[MainMom]

I’m speechless. lol Good on you for getting comped for bed sheets.

 

[nkereina]

I'm surprised they offered you anything. In many hotels (I assume Disney also), they don't use fitted sheets. They use the same flat white sheets for everything, which is more efficient when laundering and making the bed. Can you imagine trying to sort the fitted from the flat sheets in a large scale resort with high turnover? Its also easier and faster for a housekeeper to change the sheets when they can throw a fitted sheet on and tuck in the sides as they go.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

I would have been shocked too! What resort are you staying in? I would say, this is not par for the course at WDW resorts. I've had two instances at BWI where things were SO bad, that I was quite adamant that they refund some of my money - water pipes breaking, flooding, drilling into the back of our room walls all at the wee hours of the night. I've also had minor issues (and I would kind of put your sheet issue on the "minor" list) where they solved the problem and we all moved on. I'm surprised they comp'd you as they did.

This has been my experience as well. They have always worked to resolve the issue but only once did we get any compensation (and it was enough for dinner at the resort QS, they paid for us to have dinner while they made up the room as it had not been made up after the previous occupant).

I just wouldn't advise anyone to rant or expect this type of compensation.

 

[lcc2]

One of my biggest frustrations with Disney resort housekeeping staff is their inability to make a bed so that the bottom sheet stays tucked in. This trip is no different. Night after night as I fold down the top sheets, the bottom sheet pulls out. Ok, I hear you all....just tuck it back in. Well, easy enough to do if they've put the sheet on so that there is enough to tuck. More nights than not, the sheet edge only came to the bottom edge of the mattress. There's nothing there to tuck. I left notes on the bed about this. Didn't work. I finally had enough and called Housekeeping and ranted a bit. Promises were made to address the issue. Half an hour later their manager called to discuss and promised to refund 2 nights back to us. They DID comp the 2 nights (almost $400!) AND the manager went to Walmarts and bought a fitted bottom sheet for our king bed! He personally (he claims) made our bed to make sure all ok. And told us to take the bottom sheet home! So, if you have an issue, speak up! You never know what will happen as a result!

It’s just a bed sheet. They definitely went above and beyond; good for Disney.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

OP, that's a very impressive comp. I didn't take your post to mean that everyone should complain just to try to get something. So many people just accept a situation they're unhappy with, which is a silly thing to do when you're paying lots of money. All you wanted was your bottom sheet to fit. A reasonable request. You addressed the issue with mousekeeping, and when the problem wasn't fixed, you escalated the situation with the manager, still only asking for your bottom sheet to stay put. The manager went way above and beyond. If you haven't already done so, let Disney know what a wonderful job he did.

 

[AngiTN]

You misunderstand. I had no thoughts about a Comp. They offered. I was shocked that they did so. What is so sad about being comp’d?

Sad is probably not the right word. I think amazed is more likely the right emotion, more than sad.
I guess the sheet had to REALLY bother you to escalate the complaint.
I think most simply can't comprehend being so upset by it that it warranted any comment at all, much less a call to housekeeping. And the fact that you did escalate it so far is what prompted management to know you were so upset and that is what prompted their comp. So clearly, if you were that bothered I'm glad they made it right. In the grand scheme of things to most readers, it's just so minor

Heck, I'm so tired at Disney I don't notice much of anything about the sheets. It's never come close to keeping me from sleeping, even pulled out. Most are probably similar to that.

 

[ClapYourHands]

I don't mean to speak for anyone else, but the tone seems like you're advising others to call and rant about things and get comped. I realize that may not be what you're saying but that is how it comes across. The issue with that mentality is that if everyone calls and rants and gets comped it only makes it harder for those of us with problems that need a resolution.

I agree that if you have a concern about the room, it helps to call and let someone know so that they have the opportunity to fix it. It was kind of the manager to refund 2 nights, but I wouldn't advise anyone to expect the same. It's also wise to be aware that notes on the bed do not work- housekeeping likely doesn't stop to read them and just thinks you left trash on the bed. Also when you call a number from your room you are generally getting a call center and not someone actually on hotel property. A quicker method is to go to the front desk and politely discuss the issue- any time I have had an issue with a room this has been the fastest way to get it resolved.

Thank you for pointing out how OP's message could potentially be received. This is, after all, a public message board, and I think it's important to be aware of tone, which can be difficult to read sometimes. However, I didn't get that OP was advocating that people inflate problems to get a comp. The difference here is that OP had an issue, and followed a logical protocol to try to get the issue resolved.

It also sounds like OP wasn't looking for anything monetary, just for the sheet to stay put. I think after a while people in customer service get a sort of sixth sense about which customers are being an opportunistic squeaky wheel and which ones just want something put right. Managers are much more likely to sprinkle pixie dust on someone legitimately looking for a resolution. Make someone like OP happy and he or she will come back and pay more money to stay at the hotel again. On the other hand, someone who creates "issues" in hopes of a comp is not someone they want as a repeat customer.

I also want to say, you give good advice on how to try to get the issue resolved more quickly should the same issue come up at a later date. I'll remember to go to the front desk rather than call if I have issues in the future.

 

[AngiTN]

I don't mean to speak for anyone else, but the tone seems like you're advising others to call and rant about things and get comped. I realize that may not be what you're saying but that is how it comes across. The issue with that mentality is that if everyone calls and rants and gets comped it only makes it harder for those of us with problems that need a resolution.

I agree, it did come across like this, even if not intended. The bold is what is sending this message, intentionally or not.

<snip>....So, if you have an issue, speak up! You never know what will happen as a result!

It's kinda like the boy who cried wolf mentality to many. This is a minor thing (real yet minor) and got a major comp. Not in proportion. What happens when there's a major thing? What bigger comp is next?

Thank you for pointing out how OP's message could potentially be received. This is, after all, a public message board, and I think it's important to be aware of tone, which can be difficult to read sometimes. However, I didn't get that OP was advocating that people inflate problems to get a comp. The difference here is that OP had an issue, and followed a logical protocol to try to get the issue resolved.

I haven't seen that suggestion anywhere.

 

[ClapYourHands]

I haven't seen that suggestion anywhere.

I was referring to PP who said it sounded like OP was suggesting we "rant about things to get comped." To me that sounded like she thought OP was suggesting we blow small issues out of proportion to get a major comp - i.e. inflating problems.

When I read OP's post, I read it more like there was an annoying problem and Disney went above and beyond to make things right. Tone is a tricky thing. To me, OP's post sounded like, "I have an amazing pixie dust story to share!"

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

Thank you for pointing out how OP's message could potentially be received. This is, after all, a public message board, and I think it's important to be aware of tone, which can be difficult to read sometimes. However, I didn't get that OP was advocating that people inflate problems to get a comp. The difference here is that OP had an issue, and followed a logical protocol to try to get the issue resolved.

It also sounds like OP wasn't looking for anything monetary, just for the sheet to stay put. I think after a while people in customer service get a sort of sixth sense about which customers are being an opportunistic squeaky wheel and which ones just want something put right. Managers are much more likely to sprinkle pixie dust on someone legitimately looking for a resolution. Make someone like OP happy and he or she will come back and pay more money to stay at the hotel again. On the other hand, someone who creates "issues" in hopes of a comp is not someone they want as a repeat customer.

I also want to say, you give good advice on how to try to get the issue resolved more quickly should the same issue come up at a later date. I'll remember to go to the front desk rather than call if I have issues in the future.

I was referring to PP who said it sounded like OP was suggesting we "rant about things to get comped." To me that sounded like she thought OP was suggesting we blow small issues out of proportion to get a major comp - i.e. inflating problems.

When I read OP's post, I read it more like there was an annoying problem and Disney went above and beyond to make things right. Tone is a tricky thing. To me, OP's post sounded like, "I have an amazing pixie dust story to share!"

This is where the issue of tone comes in. You correctly pointed out that tone is difficult to infer on a message board, and I do acknowledge (again) that OP may not have meant to come across as it does. However, OP clearly said that if you have an issue, speak up because you never know what you'll get, after indicating that they received a 2 night refund and so it does come across that way. OP is the one who indicated they ranted, not my words. Ranting at someone in a call center who is not empowered to solve your problem, or ranting at anyone in general because you want something fixed, is uncalled for. Just as you caution others about tone, I suggest you consider the same.

Logical protocol for most guests is not to rant at someone on the phone (which OP indicates they did) or leave notes for housekeeping on the bed (which OP states they did). Disney fixing a wrong is not pixie dust, it is customer service.

I agree, it did come across like this, even if not intended.
It's kinda like the boy who cried wolf mentality to many. This is a minor thing (real yet minor) and got a major comp. Not in proportion. What happens when there's a major thing? What bigger comp is next?

I haven't seen that suggestion anywhere.

Agreed, a sheet is a minor issue and they were given a disproportionate comp. My point is to caution others (whom OP has told "call to see what you'll get") that they may find they do not get the same. I don't accuse the OP of making up or pointing out problems to get a comp, I simply caution others that the more likely scenario is that Disney will fix the issue and that may be all they get.

 

[AngiTN]

I was referring to PP who said it sounded like OP was suggesting we "rant about things to get comped." To me that sounded like she thought OP was suggesting we blow small issues out of proportion to get a major comp - i.e. inflating problems.

When I read OP's post, I read it more like there was an annoying problem and Disney went above and beyond to make things right. Tone is a tricky thing. To me, OP's post sounded like, "I have an amazing pixie dust story to share!"

Had that been stated vs. "if you have an issue, speak up you never know what will happen" then yeah, you are spot on regarding the tone. Going by the words posted, it's not
I didn't even see that PP suggested embellishing a problem was a factor here either.

Agreed, a sheet is a minor issue and they were given a disproportionate comp. My point is to caution others (whom OP has told "call to see what you'll get) that they may find they do not get the same. I don't accuse the OP of making up or pointing out problems to get a comp, I simply caution others that the more likely scenario is that Disney will fix the issue and that may be all they get.

Yep. 9.9 times out of 10
Heck, I'd say that 9 out of 10 times even a major problem won't get 2 nights comped
When folks see things like this posted, they do get a "why can't I get that too" thought going, that's for sure.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

This is sad. Complaining about a sheet not getting tucked in, getting comped 2 nights, saying how much it is worth then publicly posting!

I’m shaking my head. Sad what people have to complain about.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

You misunderstand. I had no thoughts about a Comp. They offered. I was shocked that they did so. What is so sad about being comp’d?

It’s sad being comped over such a stupid thing! It’s sad you post it publicly and seem proud of it!

 

[ClapYourHands]

Had that been stated vs. "if you have an issue, speak up you never know what will happen" then yeah, you are spot on regarding the tone. Going by the words posted, it's not
I didn't even see that PP suggested embellishing a problem was a factor here either.

I definitely see how it can come across this way, but that's just not how I read it. I think Disney wants to make things right. Sometimes that means correcting the problem quickly. Sometimes it's pixie dust sprinkled on top of that. But speak up and give them a chance to show that Disney's customer service is top-notch rather than being silently annoyed and possibly not returning.

DH travels frequently on business, and if there are enough issues at a hotel, he won't go back. They don't have to be major issues, but if there is a series of minor issues and he has to keep asking for things to be fixed (or asking multiple times for the same issue), then he will just go somewhere else next time.