What would YOU ask for?- Page 2

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:47am

You don't have to HIRE a laywer. Just suggest that you might. Talk to the manager. Be firm. Stress that you were offered no alternative and that it's completly unacceptable. Then mention that it's really to the point that you are considering discussing it with a lawyer. Then allow him to offer the kiss ass treatment. If it's not good enough, contact someone above his head. Explain that you do a lot of business travel and that this experience will reflect on your future choices and those of your company.

[KrissySim]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:55am

Exactly JerseyGirl2 . The suggestion is all I needed.

"Friends have told me that I should talk to an attorney, but I don't really want to go to that level and hope that we can work out something here."

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:56am

I gotcha, JG. (I was just responding to the suggestion by another poster that if I'm not satisfied with the manager's response, I could always consult an attorney. I know I wouldn't do that. That's just not me. MY HUSBAND, on the other hand, would be calling a lawyer on his cell phone before he left the lobby!)

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:58am

So the good news is that even though I'm still awake--and somewhat apprehensive about falling asleep--I'm all packed, so I can sleep an hour later (if I GET to sleep, that is!)

So, I've used this time wisely.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:59am

I agree with what everyone else has said. Just talking about maybe getting a lawyer involved will be helpful, but obviously not necessary. It just will prove more how serious you are about being unhappy with your stay.

Now, whatever you do, don't get the police involved, because they can't do anything really. I'm only mentioning this because my landlord last summer called them when my apartment and the one above me became infested with honey bees. It was really scary.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 3:02am

Wow, you guys are hard-core!

I'll state my case and expect some compensation, but if they say, "Too bad!" I will write a scathing review for Trip Advisor and Yahoo Travel and take my future business elsewhere...and I will be returning to this area quite a bit throughout the year.

Oh, and contacting the BBB is a good idea, too.

But first let's see what they say tomorrow. After all, I have to give them the chance to make good, right?

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 3:21am

Well, keep us informed!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 9:08am

I'll be offering them their opportunity realign the planets in about 30 minutes!

[D2]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 9:32am

SUE THE BASTARDS!

Seriously, though, I would ask for a refund, settle for a comped night (or two, if you can get it.) And I would also tell them, calmly but in no uncertain terms, that you will be contacting the BBB. And then follow through with that. Not having any bug spray is inexcusable - and being apologetic about it isn't enough. Any manager worth his/her salt would have gone out (or sent a staff member) and bought some PRONTO!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 9:36am

Thanks, D2. This is North Carolina. The mountains of North Carolina. I doubt there was ANYONE working last night besides the woman who came up to assist me...and the closest bug spray would be found miles away...at the 24-hour Wal-Mart, natch!

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 10:22am

There is no excuse for this, MP, but you seem too sweet to make enough of a fuss...I'd make your demands and if they arent met, ask for the spelling of the managers name. It's good that it is a chain. Then write a letter with the cc at the bottom to the BBB (though I had a run in with THEM and it was a true and terrible runaround...they are not too swift, but the threat still means something). I always do this, and if the problem is bad enough, I cc the public official in charge of the violation and maybe a senator or two. Corporate and government information is easily found on the internet...write the CEO of the company. Having worked for one, I can tell you, they get stuff done. Good luck and let us know!

[D2]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 10:26am

"and the closest bug spray would be found miles away"

They don't have cars in North Carolina, Miss P?

[best12bars]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 10:31am

You DID take pictures, right, Miss Penny?

I would have pulled a DG myself.

Sorry you had to go through this! Yuck!!!

Updated On: 7/24/08 at 10:31 AM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 10:52am

Well???

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 10:57am

I think Deb is offering her legal services...or at least letterhead.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 11:04am

Whaaaaaat? (said in the tone of of Aldolpho)

You want her to get something, don't ya?

I just wonder what happened. I am hoping for a group outing to some fab vacation resort on Miss P's comped room.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 11:32am

Where in the NC mountains were you Miss P?
And please let us know how it worked out.

DG I have a similar ant trauma, I also just can not deal with the things.

I hope it got resolved Miss P.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 11:39am

I assume she has already checked out and is on the road to Charlotte for her flight. She was in Silva, penguin.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:55pm

How HORRIBLE! I'd think a hotel that has been having "a problem" with ants "for a while" would have some bug spray on hand. I think you at the very least SHOULD NOT pay for the room. I'd think a complimentary stay in the future also. (When I was in retail and someone had a REALLY awful experience I'd say "Please be my guest to come back in a few weeks so you can see how we've corrected this problem.")

If they had no bug spray did they at least have some chocolate? If you can't beat 'em, eat em!

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:58pm

Chocolate Covered Ants
(or other crunchy protein critters)

Recipe By - Chef Jacques Martine'
Yield – 12 Chocolates

Ingredients:
100 Live Black Ants (avoid red ants, their too spicy)
1 vanilla bean split and seeds scraped out
2 Egg Yolks
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Butter, melted
12 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate

Procedures
Using a medium size pot as a double boiler, heat two cups of water and place a bowl over it. Add chocolate and turn heat to low, heat until chocolate is melted. In another mixing bowl, add vanilla seeds and egg yolks, beat until smooth, add sugar and butter. Fold in ants carefully. Take care not to smash them. They stay more flavorful and retain extra moisture if intact.

Note: The chocolate should never be heated over 100 degree's F.
Use a digital thermometer to check the chocolate. Carefully fold the egg mixture into the chocolate. Use a teaspoon and immediately place a half teaspoon of the mixture onto wax paper or place in chocolate molds. Refrigerate to harden.

The chocolate covered ants can be refrigerated for up to three weeks. The chocolate helps to preserve their freshness.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 2:59pm

EXACTLY! When life gives you insects, cover 'em in chocolate!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 3:00pm

Served with a nice dry rose wine!

Updated On: 7/24/08 at 03:00 PM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 3:18pm

Awww, Miss P. That's lousy. They should have relocated you to a nearby hotel if they were 100% booked.

I would write a letter and fax it so it gets immediate attention and follow up with a phone call. Your stay should be comped and you should receive some sort of complimentary future stay.

What's the name of the chain?

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 3:22pm

Tell the manager that you'll mention the chain and his name on bww...that'll get you something!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/24/08 at 5:41pm

Where were all you hard-asses when I needed you? . Boy, you guys are tough!

You're going to think I'm a big wimp, but they offered to comp me for one night and I took it. I told them that it wasn't really about the money because I'm not actually paying the bill...it was the principle.

They were very nice and I know I should have been more demanding but I just didn't want to rant like a banshee.

I guess I should still write a letter though.

It's so funny that you guys wanted me to take pictures because all I wanted to do was get rid of them. I was in my room flailing about, thoughts of "Alice's Restaurant" swimming in my head: "KILL!!! KILL!!!"

Of course, the photos would be a nice addition to the letter!