Calendar
Let us take hotels as an example. There are many different types of hotels that range from very simple to very luxurious. The prices of these properties will vary due to things like location, size and the amenities offered. But suffice it to say that you would not expect the same accommodations in a $50 a night motel as you would a $500 a night suite hotel. Surprisingly though the rules for behavior for both are very similar; treat the room as if you are an invited guest and follow the rules of the house. Would you go to a friend’s home and sneak in extra people when they were asleep? Would you throw your trash on the floor or stain the beds and break the furniture? Would you stay up late into the evening drinking and having a party while your friends were trying to sleep in the next room? Finally, would you smoke in the room or house of a friend when you were specifically asked not too simply because you felt discriminated against or just put upon? I dare say that if anyone did these things in your home they, at the very least, would never be invited back. So, why do them when staying in a hotel? Just because you are paying to stay there? Newsflash! You are paying for the accommodations, the location and the convenience it affords you; you are not buying the hotel. If you are not pleased with your room you have the ability to talk to the management and complain (remember you catch more flies with honey than vinegar). If they are unwilling or unable to help you with a reasonable request then you always have the option to take your business elsewhere.
By the way, on the smoking part, the law stipulates that hotels and restaurants must now be non-smoking in many parts of the country. The businesses are simply following the law, so if you have a problem with the law go to your state legislature and light up there. That would be the democratic and courageous way to express your discontent.
There are also many different types of restaurants with an even greater disparate range of prices. But, again, the rules of behavior are similar. First of all it is your responsibility as a customer to know the type of restaurant you are entering. Ask the front desk staff at your hotel for some information, read the menu before being seated and talk to host/hostess. If the prices and food are to your liking then proceed, if they are not just say thank very much and try the next place. Once seated order a drink and take your time reading the menu. Ask the server any questions you might have about any item, they should be trained to have your answers. If you do this simple thing you will never be forced to say those words that every restaurateur despises “This isn’t what I expected”. It is your responsibility, as much as the restaurants, to understand what you are ordering. Something as simple as a Club Sandwich may be prepared differently in different restaurants. If something as egregious as your steak not being cooked to your specifications occurs simply ask for it to be corrected. Most restaurants will do everything they can to make your meal a pleasant one.
Understand that your attitude and behavior is infectious to the staff as well as to the customers around you. Maintain a reasonable volume level to your party’s conversation. If you have children control them. Simply because you have children does not mean you need to share them with everyone else in the dining room. No one likes unruly adults or children.
Finally, if you have a problem with the service you received inform the manager. A poor server reflects badly on the restaurant and I assure you they want to know. You may leave less than the normal 15% gratuity but let the management know why. If the food was the problem then also ask to speak to the manager when the problem occurs, normally they will try to make things right immediately. Don’t wait till the check arrives and you have eaten your meal, no one will take you seriously at that point.
It all comes down to a matter of good manners and respect. To paraphrase the late, great John Lennon, ‘The respect you take is equal to the respect you make”.
ocdevilsadvocate
[ 1 comment ] ( 549 views ) | permalink |
( 3.1 / 380 )
