Sold out night

[Desk clerk knows all]

It was one of those nights when all the hotels in town were sold out, so I got to spend all night dealing with people who couldn't believe they couldn't get a room. I did call around and found the Motel 6 had some rooms, but when I told people that they would turn up their nose like I had insulted them. Then they want me to call all the other hotels in town to find them a room (like that's my job, I'm not their travel agent). Even after I tell them I've already called the the other hotels and know they have no rooms they don't believe me. I swear on those nights it takes longer to deal with the people who don't have a reservation then it takes me to check in our actual guest. Hey people, there is this thing called a reservation-make one!

[Moosenogger]

I wonder if it would be considered too rude (by your bosses, not the idiot EWs) if you were to simply hand a list of phone numbers to the people who demand you find them a room elsewhere. Then say something like, "Here are the numbers to all the hotels in town. Hope you find a room!" while smiling and acting like you give a damn.

It would be a good show for everyone else, at least.

[hotelslave]

That was probably the thing I hated most when working at hotel. My hotel and all surrounding hotels sold out at least Mon thru Wed every week. We would get people come in demanding n/s king rooms and then would act like I was lying when I said we were sold out. My favorite though is the people who would stand in line hear we were sold out and still come and ask for a room.

[Teskeria]

If they want you to call around and find them a room 'Certainly, Our fee is non-refundable, cash only of $75.00 to make the calls. There is no guarantee we will locate a room.'

[Redbeard]

IThen they want me to call all the other hotels in town to find them a room (like that's my job, I'm not their travel agent).

I get that one CONSTANTLY.
"So..you don't have cable at my address? Can you check and see who does?"
Or better yet
"I don't like your prices, give me the numbers to your competitors."
well let's see....hey, how about 1-800-die in a fire?

[Dark Psion]

Well, there is the old Bates Motel out by the old highway....

[sms001]

Since you have already called them all, maybe a list with them all crossed out that you could show guests would get them out of your hair sooner? I hate having to 'prove' things to SCs, but sometimes getting rid of them is worth it...

[BroSCFischer]

I just LOVE it when someone comes up to the desk, TOSSES their credit card, and says "I need a smoking room, one bed" (or something similar) when we're sold out.

I especially love it when they argue with me, because our front parking lot is virtually empty, because our guests like to park near their rooms.

SC

[bhskittykatt]

Last night was crazy! We ended up with I think we ended with just 8 rooms left, which were either the ADA rooms (only a small bed in those) and a few left on the highway side (which is noisy). I had a hard time doing my quarterly energy audits this morning since there were not enough vacant rooms...I guess it's a holiday weekend, huh?

I have the same issue when we're sold out. Since we're sort of hiding off the main strip, we're usually not the first ones to sell out, either. In the summer, often the whole county will be sold out. During a notable bike ride (which Deskclerk knows exactly what I'm talking about...it's in August and I think we're down to two smoking rooms left this year and that's all before we're sold out), you won't find anything closer than at least an hour away. I've had guests (well, non-guests) literally SCREAM at me to find something closer. To some of those worst offenders, I have actually suggested that the WalMart parking lot allows people to stay in their vehicles free overnight...I thought I'd have to call an ambulance on those SCs since they looked like they were about to have an aneurysm, but hey, at least they left.

ETA:

I especially love it when they argue with me, because our front parking lot is virtually empty, because our guests like to park near their rooms.

During the bike ride, the guests take their bicycles inside the rooms. We may only have a dozen or so cars in the lot the whole night. And yes, guests will point out at the lot. In which case I ask if they noticed how many cyclists were on the roads when they got off the Interstate.

[emax4]

I think when they request you to call competitors and do things outside of your job duties, simply request that they present you their credit card before going further. That should shut them down.

[Ironclad Alibi]

During the bike ride, the guests take their bicycles inside the rooms. We may only have a dozen or so cars in the lot the whole night. And yes, guests will point out at the lot. In which case I ask if they noticed how many cyclists were on the roads when they got off the Interstate.

You might also mention to those wannabe guests that you rent rooms, not parking spaces. The parking spaces are provided as a courtesy to those who rent the rooms, and they are not obligated to use them.

[HotelMinion]

People get so sooo mad when you tell them no even when they're not staying there! They think that they're the only ones who would want a hotel room. I get surprised look all the time when guests see other guests, like "Oh yeah there are other people in the world BESIDES MYSELF!" My boss won't care if I tell them to take a hike, but they, the people look at you like they're gonna strangle you! Sure wish I had some bulletproof glass, tellers are so lucky.

[Desk clerk knows all]

I know the bike ride you are talking about, I always enjoy seeing all the people in bike shorts!

[Mr Hero]

On big nights like this I have people asking if I know of any hotels that still have rooms. It's the ones that press me further after I say "no" that drive me up the wall.

[hornet95]

"We have three rooms.... one's closing in 4 mins on e6ay, current bid $426.84, another's closing in 1 hr 4 mins, current bid $284.33, and the other one closes in 2 hrs 4 mins, already up to $250.00. All 3 are single bed on wheels, no privacy, no security, no bath, and no tv."