Hotel employees, please forgive me

[JoitheArtist]

I'm writing a travel section for our next big newsletter (which is actually really fun), and of course in the tips, I have to put in something about how you can ask for discounts or upgrades, just to see if any are available to you...

I DID also put in that they should be polite about it, and intend to mention that again, but...So sorry! I had to put it in! It's my job!

[Hyndis]

Politeness is the best way to get discounts or extra, free things.

[smileyeagle1021]

Ditto what Hyndis said... if our occupancy is low and you're nice about it I have no problem bumping you a room type... if you're sucky about it though I don't care if you're the only one in the hotel you get what you paid for.

[Iris Kojiro]

No need to endanger your job for our sake, Joi. ^_^;; In fact, tips from a person who is understanding of what goes on behind the counter can be very welcome indeed.

*gives pocky*

[JoitheArtist]

*gives pocky*

Pocky! *nomnom* Mmmmm....

Seriously though, I did make one of the travel tips into this:

8. To ensure a pleasant experience, be polite. Even the most enjoyable trip can have its moments of stress, but you can lessen those just by retaining a positive mental attitude. Don’t take frustrations out on hotel or airline employees—you’re far more likely to get what you need by being polite than by getting angry. And an added benefit: it’ll keep your blood pressure low, and make for a better trip all around!

[Hyndis]

Just a few weeks ago I managed to get some car repairs done. For free. Just by being polite.


I had a flat tire and had gone to a shop to get it patched up. They were extremely busy and they were short-staffed. The owner was there working the desk trying to move things along as quickly as possible, but they were hopelessly behind.

I let him know what I'd like done, went over some of the basics (where the car is parked, whats wrong with it, etc), then sat down to wait. The wait was nearly an hour long due to how short staffed they were, but it was no biggy. I wasn't doing anything that day, and there was this place right next store that made the most awesome chili fries ever. I went and had lunch, read the newspaper, and watched a bit of TV there. The owner would occasionally apologize for the wait but I told him it was no big deal.

Turns out I had driven over a drywall screw. A big honking razor sharp screw. Yeah, that'll give you a flat.

When the repair was complete he handed me back my keys. I asked him how much I owed him, and he said nothing.

[jedimaster91]

Turns out I had driven over a drywall screw. A big honking razor sharp screw. Yeah, that'll give you a flat.

Even better when you get out of the car and can hear the air hissing out. Add that to housesitting for someone (so not home), wimpy arm muscles (couldn't loosen the bolts on the tire to get the spare on) and one panicked call to Daddy (). Yeah, that was a fun day.

[Evil Queen]

Oh honey, it's okay. *hugs*

We're not going to kill you. Just remember that it helps to be nice and try to teach the clerk something; I gave a gentleman and his wife both free breakfast passes just for being nice and trying to teach me something today (I told him I was polish and he told me the words for "How are you?" and "I'm fine". Niether of which I remember but, hey, it's the thought that actually counts).