Why we would never go back!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 01/09/10
I had travelled to Bakersfield to visit my son whom I had not seen for 10 years. I made an on-line reservation at the Marriott for two nights at the rate of $79 per night, but informed the desk clerk on arrival that I may need to extend my stay. He assurred me there would be no problem. As it turned out, my visit went well and I decided to extend one night. After the second night I informed the desk clerk (a different clerk this time) that I needed to extend one night. She assurred me that there was no problem, which was obvious since the hotel appeared to be nearly vacant. I saw no other guests around and the parking lot was nearly empty all night. But we were informed that third night would be $113. When it was pointed out that I could have initially reserved all three nights for the lower rate, the she was very indifferent, and gave a "take it or leave it" attitude. So I told her to disregard the extension. When I told her I would check out and go elsewhere she shrugged her shoulders and told me to "Have a nice day." I then went back to the room and reserved that night at the Sheridan down the street for $70. Then, when I turned in my key she repeated, "Have a nice day" without looking up or making eye contact. Actually, it was not so much the money but rather the clerks impersonal attitude that offended me. She obviously did not care about the guests, and had no regard for the image of the hotel. Our last night at the Sheridan was terrific and the staff was very polite caring.
