Need advice on hotel shop
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I think you should reprt it, or at least contact your scheduler and ask if you should.
First of all, I would check your reservation. I have known many a person to make a mistake while booking online and not check off the correct bed size or forget to ask for a non-smoking room.
Second, if your reservation is correct, I would contact the scheduler, explain the situation and ask if you should mention it in the report. Hotel schedulers are usually pretty good about knowing what the client wants since the majority of the time, these are high-end shops.
Third, if it is too late to contact your scheduler being a Sunday and having an approaching deadline, if there is a miscellaneous comments section in the report or a place to mention something unusual that happened during your shop, I would explain the situation there.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Second, if your reservation is correct, I would contact the scheduler, explain the situation and ask if you should mention it in the report. Hotel schedulers are usually pretty good about knowing what the client wants since the majority of the time, these are high-end shops.
Third, if it is too late to contact your scheduler being a Sunday and having an approaching deadline, if there is a miscellaneous comments section in the report or a place to mention something unusual that happened during your shop, I would explain the situation there.
Good luck and keep us posted.
They are sometimes out of Queen beds and will let it pass....my guess is you will be o.k. since it's not about the service. I've had a choice (many times) as to which room I want...I would mention it not making a big deal, just saying you were given a full instead of Queen.. if there is no place on the report to say, l think your o.k. Good luck!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2017 05:14PM by Irene_L.A..
Live consciously....
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2017 05:14PM by Irene_L.A..
Yeah, I thought at check in they usually confirm the details of your reservation, that's usually asked in the report. So when you checked in did they confirm a queen bed?
I have been offered a few hotel shops in my area but I have not accepted because I"m not sure I would be able to complete properly. How hard is it to complete without getting noticed that you're a mystery shopper?
Its not staying anonymous that's the hard part, it's doing all of the required steps. I would never do one without taking my laptop. But it really depends on which MSC. Some are really detailed.
I have excellent prep skills and cheat sheets so my hotel shops usually go smoothly. When something does not go right, it is good to not panic and use your Plan B or Plan C.
On a work trip, my husband booked a king size bed so we could fly out to spend time with him. He booked a king and paid for a king, but once he checked in, he received a queen. He called to complain and the front desk assured him it was a king. He stated he slept on a king size at home every night and knew what a king size bed was. They still insisted that perhaps it was in a new setting and felt smaller. He then stated he was holding the tag on the mattress which stated it was a queen. They finally stopped talking, apologized, got him a new room with a real king size bed in it, and sent up a lavish gift basket with an apology card.
My point is they very well could be charging you for a queen size bed and are trying to pass it off as a queen knowing "full" well its a full. Now that you are checking it, there's not much they can do to fix it. If you are supposed to speak with a manager at any time during the shop, perhaps you can check your invoice at check out and ask to speak to him about it. That would give him one last chance to fix it somehow, perhaps by adjusting your rate.
On a side note, I didn't know hotels had a single full in a room. I once went to the Four Seasons in San Francisco with friends and we received a room with two twin size beds! Weirdest hotel room ever!
My point is they very well could be charging you for a queen size bed and are trying to pass it off as a queen knowing "full" well its a full. Now that you are checking it, there's not much they can do to fix it. If you are supposed to speak with a manager at any time during the shop, perhaps you can check your invoice at check out and ask to speak to him about it. That would give him one last chance to fix it somehow, perhaps by adjusting your rate.
On a side note, I didn't know hotels had a single full in a room. I once went to the Four Seasons in San Francisco with friends and we received a room with two twin size beds! Weirdest hotel room ever!
Doing what I can to enhance the life of my family! I LOVE what I do 
Not a problem, you shouldn't be detected, so many different types of people. I always bring my laptop (unable to do a hotel without one). I do it in sections, after say evaluating room service, I go to the lobby, get a coke and start my evaluation. Some hotels (most in Vegas) you pay for Wifi in the room, so will find a lobby elsewhere or SB and write report there in sections. Doing it many times eases the pain, it is a big undertaking, but one foot in front of the other, worry doesn't help. Take notes as you go along, I enjoy them.
Live consciously....
The majority of my hotel shops, usually high-end but not always, reimburse for Wi-Fi if you are charged. It will be printed right on the folio. All of the MSCs that I do hotel shops for clearly state in the guidelines NOT to use the Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby or other public places in the hotel because it is not secure at all.@Irene_L.A. wrote:
I go to the lobby, get a coke and start my evaluation. Some hotels (most in Vegas) you pay for Wifi in the room, so will find a lobby elsewhere or SB and write report there in sections. Doing it many times eases the pain, it is a big undertaking, but one foot in front of the other, worry doesn't help. Take notes as you go along, I enjoy them.
There are cameras everywhere in the public places at hotels. One project manager told me that one of their shoppers was working on her report while sitting on the couch in the hotel lobby. Some of the employees suspected that she was the shopper due to the way she was acting (she used a small notebook to record names and times right after the interaction.) Those employees gathered in the security area and one of the security guards was able to zoom the camera in close enough to see what the shopper was typing on her laptop screen and what website she was on.
I would not take any risks when it comes to hotel shops. If you are outed and/or your report is not accepted, it is a big financial hit to your wallet.
Wow, good info, Syb. I've always gotten permission to get inroom Wi-Fi from the MSC so never had to do lobby. But now I know!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2017 06:15PM by JASFLALMT.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2017 06:15PM by JASFLALMT.
@Sybil2 wrote:
The majority of my hotel shops, usually high-end but not always, reimburse for Wi-Fi if you are charged. It will be printed right on the folio. All of the MSCs that I do hotel shops for clearly state in the guidelines NOT to use the Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby or other public places in the hotel because it is not secure at all.@Irene_L.A. wrote:
I go to the lobby, get a coke and start my evaluation. Some hotels (most in Vegas) you pay for Wifi in the room, so will find a lobby elsewhere or SB and write report there in sections. Doing it many times eases the pain, it is a big undertaking, but one foot in front of the other, worry doesn't help. Take notes as you go along, I enjoy them.
There are cameras everywhere in the public places at hotels. One project manager told me that one of their shoppers was working on her report while sitting on the couch in the hotel lobby. Some of the employees suspected that she was the shopper due to the way she was acting (she used a small notebook to record names and times right after the interaction.) Those employees gathered in the security area and one of the security guards was able to zoom the camera in close enough to see what the shopper was typing on her laptop screen and what website she was on.
I would not take any risks when it comes to hotel shops. If you are outed and/or your report is not accepted, it is a big financial hit to your wallet.
Vegas doesn't, but I just bought a cable that allows you to use their wifi. at no fee. Vegas has it's own laws, different than other states, i gather you haven't worked there, I believe i put that in my post. Many people that work in Vegas use their computers for their company business, it is the #1 business place for conventions, etc. not especially shoppers. Many also use a retreat to the lobby to skype or talk to their family while away on business. Talking about any hotel and hotels in Vegas are two different scenarios, so, I'll continue doing it my way. I have a work card, know the rules, and am sponsored by a top Private Investigator firm.in Vegas.
Live consciously....
The room rate for the full was the same as the rate for the queen.
No need to get huffy, Irene. I am sure that you will continue doing it your own way because that is who you are. No prob. It is not safe to assume. I have worked in Las Vegas many a time but since I do not actually like Las Vegas, I rarely go there anymore.@Irene_L.A. wrote:
Vegas doesn't, but I just bought a cable that allows you to use their wifi. at no fee. Vegas has it's own laws, different than other states, i gather you haven't worked there, I believe i put that in my post. Many people that work in Vegas use their computers for their company business, it is the #1 business place for conventions, etc. not especially shoppers. Many also use a retreat to the lobby to skype or talk to their family while away on business. Talking about any hotel and hotels in Vegas are two different scenarios, so, I'll continue doing it my way. I have a work card, know the rules, and am sponsored by a top Private Investigator firm.in Vegas.
But we are here to help the OP with her hotel question. Since she did not state what state she was in, the odds are in my favor that the hotel was not in Nevada never mind Las Vegas. Since there are 50 states in the USA, not counting Puerto Rico, there is a very good chance that the OP is in one of the remaining 49 states not counting Nevada. But I could be wrong just like you could be wrong.
I hate to burst your Las Vegas bubble but people all over the United States, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, all around the world, etc. use their computers for company business. Before you start another argument, I did not say ALL people or ALL computers or ALL companies or ALL business. Conventions are held all over the United States, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, all around the world, etc.@Irene_L.A. wrote:
Many people that work in Vegas use their computers for their company business, it is the #1 business place for conventions, etc. not especially shoppers. Many also use a retreat to the lobby to skype or talk to their family while away on business.
People using the lobby or any public place to have a personal conversation for any lengthy period of time is just plain rude. Just like those people who have private conversations (usually rather loudly) on their cell phones while dining at a restaurant. It is rude to the person or people you are dining with. It is rude to the people at the surrounding tables within earshot. Yes, sometimes you have to take an important call. Be polite, excuse yourself from the table and step outside or go somewhere no private.
@Sybil2 wrote:
No need to get huffy, Irene. I am sure that you will continue doing it your own way because that is who you are. No prob. It is not safe to assume. I have worked in Las Vegas many a time but since I do not actually like Las Vegas, I rarely go there anymore.@Irene_L.A. wrote:
Vegas doesn't, but I just bought a cable that allows you to use their wifi. at no fee. Vegas has it's own laws, different than other states, i gather you haven't worked there, I believe i put that in my post. Many people that work in Vegas use their computers for their company business, it is the #1 business place for conventions, etc. not especially shoppers. Many also use a retreat to the lobby to skype or talk to their family while away on business. Talking about any hotel and hotels in Vegas are two different scenarios, so, I'll continue doing it my way. I have a work card, know the rules, and am sponsored by a top Private Investigator firm.in Vegas.
But we are here to help the OP with her hotel question. Since she did not state what state she was in, the odds are in my favor that the hotel was not in Nevada never mind Las Vegas. Since there are 50 states in the USA, not counting Puerto Rico, there is a very good chance that the OP is in one of the remaining 49 states not counting Nevada. But I could be wrong just like you could be wrong.
No offense taken, just many different hotels out there, so, not knowing what OP is doing remains a mystery.
Vegas holds a place in my heart, been going for years as ex was the Commercial Real Estate Appraiser
for Caesar's palace, and the good times remain.....I feel I know it well......and yes, I've been wrong, but not about this....
Live consciously....
Irene, I'm sure Sybil wasn't trying to imply that you were doing something wrong. While casino hotels do have a multitude of cameras I'm sure you are discreet enough to not get caught. Truthfully it doesn't matter what state ones shops are in we can all continue doing them in the way we find successful.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Wow, is this the same bgriffin from 12+ hours ago? Are you really backing me up? Or are you trying to give me an early heart attack? Wishful thinking for some.
@Sybil2 wrote:
Are you really backing me up? .
Not in the least bit
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
@bgriffin wrote:
Irene, I'm sure Sybil wasn't trying to imply that you were doing something wrong. While casino hotels do have a multitude of cameras I'm sure you are discreet enough to not get caught. Truthfully it doesn't matter what state ones shops are in we can all continue doing them in the way we find successful.
I agree, I'm sure Sybil wasn't trying to be rude, we both know she wouldn't do that.....it is difficult to give advice if you don't know what MSC the OP is working for,,,, Coyle is in a different league than say Mercantile .People are on their phones or laptops constantly, we can all agree on that!!!!
Nice to see you back, BGriffin......
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2017 09:12PM by Irene_L.A..
@bgriffin wrote:
@Sybil2 wrote:
Are you really backing me up? .
Not in the least bit
Good. I didn't think so. I was about to run out to Walgreen's to use one of those blood pressure machines!
I was doing a movie theater shop recently and a woman was using and talking on her cell phone during the movie. Several people said something to her but she was defiant. Another moviegoer got an employee to intervene. She started to fight with the employee. That disruption made for a fun report.
Irene, are you saying that because so many people are constantly on their cell phones, it makes it alright to be rude to others in public settings?
Irene, are you saying that because so many people are constantly on their cell phones, it makes it alright to be rude to others in public settings?
@Sybil2 wrote:
Irene, are you saying that because so many people are constantly on their cell phones, it makes it alright to be rude to others in public settings?
Do you consider the forum to be a public setting? If so we already know your answer to this question.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Also what on earth does rude cell phone talk have to do with anything in this thread??
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
For the original question, take a deep breath. Do not panic. Not noticing the difference in the bed size is not something that is going to jeopardize your report being accepted. Also, be SURE to check your guidelines. If the guidelines say that you MUST NOT complain about anything (except for the engineering request and/or the housekeeping request) do not tell the management that you did not get what you reserved. But, do note it in the report that the details of the room reservation were not reviewed at check-in and that you did not get what you reserved.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I quoted the relevant section from Irene's post. She brought up Skype and using cell phones and laptops in hotel lobbies and public places. The OP was asking about hotel shop reports which lead to another shopper (leicholtz I believe) asking another hotel-related question about staying discreet. Irene's response to that question led her to mention using the Wi-Fi, laptops and cell phone in the hotel lobby.
Why don't you just report all of us for going "off topic" since we did not consistently talk about the mattress size throughout the entire life of the thread? Not everything in life, including threads and posts in this forum, will always fit neatly into a little box. There will be times when a conversation evolves but is still relevant to the main subject.
Why don't you just report all of us for going "off topic" since we did not consistently talk about the mattress size throughout the entire life of the thread? Not everything in life, including threads and posts in this forum, will always fit neatly into a little box. There will be times when a conversation evolves but is still relevant to the main subject.
Great advice from walesmaven but I think the OP said that they did confirm the bed size during check-in.@walesmaven wrote:
But, do note it in the report that the details of the room reservation were not reviewed at check-in and that you did not get what you reserved.
Actually she was not clear if it was during check-in or if she was referring to the reservation confirmation email/text.@ChelseaGirl wrote:
Yes, they did confirm a queen bed.
My bad. But at least she can calm down. Having snarking fits take the place of genuine advice to a shopper who is worried seems a bit OTT to me folks!
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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