Staying at a hip hotel...with reservations
Arriving late into Seattle, I decided not to show up on the doorstep of my friend's pad post-Letterman and instead decided to treat myself to a flashy stay on my first night in The Emerald City.
Sleek Lobby. Friendly front desk. Late night happy hour, downstairs. Eclectic flourishes in common spaces. Stylish corner room.
Drop luggage and leave the convenient location for some dinner in adjacent Capitol Hill.
At 2AM, long day done, I drop into the comfy bed.
At 8AM, the alarm clock goes off. Scared the Bejesus out of me, as I never set an alarm. I scramble, frantically trying to mute the damn thing and finally resort to pulling the cord from the wall. I roll back over, pulling my eyemask to the bridge of my nose. And, then I hear them.
The room next door. I had heard them the night before but figured they'd eventually conk out. No. Apparently, the goombahs had 24hr. ESPN, and a 36 pack of Schlitz. 8AM and they're still fervently cheering on their respective teams.
So, though I tried, I was up. Earplugs and eyemask were no match for the din. A full day travelling, six hours sleep...all for $259. Plus tax.
Unique Quality: Contrary to how I may appear on VT, I'm extraordinarily polite, in person. So, upon checkout, when asked about my stay, I politely mention the alarm clock and the thin wall. The clerk apologizes that the maid service overlooked the alarm, but assures me nobody has complained about noise or thin walls in my room, before.
Hmmm. I wear earplugs in bed, and could make out beer babble, so I find this difficult to believe.
This is an old building and clearly the space of my room was cut from larger one. I get that. But, you can hire a designer, invest in Ikea-esque furnishings, print your literature in fun font, but you still need to remember you're a "hotel". Where people "sleep". Or, expect to. If you can't guarantee that, then try to make some amends at checkout. Go beyond an "apology".
The attendant did promise to pass my concerns on to a manager. But, I've never received a letter, nor phone call. I may never be in Seattle again, but the offer of a future discount could make me happy, nevertheless. Yes? And, cost Max nada.
This Hotel is clearly marketed to my age and income, but I'm not buying it. Max may be "hip" but no follow up to an unhappy customer...well that just ain't "cool".
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