Hotel Audits

Hey all,

So I've recently scheduled my first hotel audit and one of the requirements is that I have to request bellperson assistance? Do you guys think I can request this for 1 bag without raising suspicion? I really don't want to bring much because it is a one day stay.

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Unless you are also using a cane and limping, this would be suspicious. You signed up to play a role. And that role includes props; at least on medium-large bag and a "piggy back" item, such as a cooler, a tool box, or a small bag of books, should do the trick. Be sure that your medium bag has some weight to it by adding, for instance, a pillow, or a few books.

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.

Try to overload yourself. Two rollings bags or a big duffel plus rolling bag plus your backpack/messenger/large purse is what you want. Your backstory can be simple. You're bringing a friend's bag because they missed their flight. You're bringing gifts for family. You have equipment or sales samples for work. Nobody really cares. It's not unusual.

If you don't own enough travel bags, try to get big shopping bags from a department store and neatly fill them with your own items. Whatever you lug around, try to carry it awkwardly.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/06/2020 07:17AM by 1cent.

I often say I am on a road trip and this is just one of my stops on my way to (insert city). I usually have 2 suitcases and a laptop computer with me, so they always offer assistance. In one suitcase I have my clothes, shoes, etc. In the other I pack a pillow, small blanket, and some bottles of water for weight (I don't like hotel tap water and they often charge $3-$5 for a bottle of water at the hotel).

Edited for typing on my phone.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/06/2020 02:20PM by JASFLALMT.

Be sure this is okay with the MSC, but I've had luck with using bell assistance so that I can check my luggage while I go eat or run an errand or something. I do this on both sides of the stay. I still bring a pretty heavy suitcase, but I don't have a car and don't want to lug around multiple unwieldy bags.

The thing with this is that the bellman would not be able to proactively offer assistance, point out room features, turn on the lights, etc.

@shopsuey wrote:

Be sure this is okay with the MSC, but I've had luck with using bell assistance so that I can check my luggage while I go eat or run an errand or something. I do this on both sides of the stay. I still bring a pretty heavy suitcase, but I don't have a car and don't want to lug around multiple unwieldy bags.

MSF is right on the money !
there are a lot of points that the bell staff are expected to hit while walking you to/from the room, introducing you the hotel amenities, explaining room amenities, offering to bring ice, etc. If you intentionally short-circuit their opportunity to do those things you will soon find yourself with a rejected hotel shop and no reimbursement.

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.

True, but they might not come up with you anyway. I've certainly had times when I've needed to leave my bag at the front desk and go to my room without luggage or bellman. If the MSC lets me drop off my luggage before checking in, I will, then I'll ask if the bellman can bring it up at that point. Sometimes they're available and sometimes they're not. They can still tell me everything they're supposed to when they drop off the bag at the room.

@MSF wrote:

The thing with this is that the bellman would not be able to proactively offer assistance, point out room features, turn on the lights, etc.

@shopsuey wrote:

Be sure this is okay with the MSC, but I've had luck with using bell assistance so that I can check my luggage while I go eat or run an errand or something. I do this on both sides of the stay. I still bring a pretty heavy suitcase, but I don't have a car and don't want to lug around multiple unwieldy bags.

They understand that might happen. But electing to make that happen when it is not necessary is not living up to the shop guidelines.

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.

I always bring with me one of those boxes that reams of paper come in but loaded with random old documents. It looks like I'm some kind of attorney working on a big case. It's also awkward and kind of heavy and definitely not fit for one person to carry and also drag a small carry-on.

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Seriously, nobody cares that you're offended.

My briefcase, my laptop computer bag, my gym bag for working out at the hotel's fitness center, and one suitcase for clothing, etc., sometimes a cooler with spring water so I don't get sick drinking hotel water...it's so easy to bring enough baggage to need bell assistance.

I often stay at a hotel on business for just one night, and the next night at a different hotel. There is nothing suspicious about that. I have enough luggage for the entire trip.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

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