A Traveller's Appraisal...

 

Upon entering the Princes Square Apartments in Bayswater in London (UK), I noticed the scaffolds on its front facade and I began to worry.

After having shared my anxiety upon check-in, the lovely lady at the reception desk understood quickly that noise made by handymen hammering on concrete was not a friend of mine.

She listened to me while I calmly told her that I was totally unaware of this kind of work done at the front of the building. My hotel reservations were made on line and there was no mention about these ongoing works.

Without a word, she cleared my anxieties on the spot and upgraded my reservation without additional fee to a one-bedroom apartment at the back side of the hotel.

The efficient way she handled the situation, with poise and professionalism, impressed me. She even took the time to accompany me to the apartment, pulling my suitcase and holding the elevator door for me.

 I must admit that, during my regular trips to London, it’s been a long time since I have been treated in such an exclusive way at a any hotel and I felt the need to express my appraisal in writing.

This young woman whose name is Diana if I recall correctly, welcomes many guests in her line of work. It is therefore important to, not only observe but also, pass the word on to her employers that such a gem in their team will win them a crowd of returning guests.

The apartment was at the back of the hotel overlooking a small patch of sunny heaven, with green grass and some other botanic life.

Early next morning, I was greeted by the nearby Church bells and the singing of birds…

What an exceptional way to wake up, I thought happily, and an even greater experience as I reminded myself that I was in the deepest of London’s heart!

Feeling resourced after a peaceful night sleeping dreamlessly, I was getting ready for a morning bath.

Unfortunately a new challenge had been brought to my attention.

I realised that the “plug” in the tub wasn’t tight enough. The water was disappearing as fast as the tub was being filled and that disturbed me, knowing how costly water is.

I took a shower instead and finished my morning “beautification”, ready to go out and shop for refreshments at the nearby Marks & Spencer, but making a mental note about of the tub.

On my way out, past the reception desk, I thought I had to signal this matter of the tub. And I realized I would report another negative detail to Diana.

However my young lady had been replaced by a smiling young man, perfect in his business suit and attentive in his manner.

In few words , I expressed my concerns about the water and the tub and the defective plug, stressing upon the fact that, as I am a protector of our mother earth,  I know water is expensive and that I don’t  like when water is being abusively wasted in such a disrespectful fashion.

Something should be done, I politely added.

When my problem had been properly and dutifully exposed for reception manager Mr. Sam Karimi who hadn’t interrupted me once, I could see that my approach around my water concern had been successfully delivered.

With quiet deference, Sam reassured me that this would be fixed as soon as possible, and in the most beneficial way for me.

Although not a plumber myself but having watched enough handymen in my life, I knew this impediment couldn’t be fixed “in a jiffy “, of which both Sam and myself agreed. The plumber would need more than one jiffy to fix this.

Upon which Sam who was on duty at the reception desk for the day, wished me the best of days letting me know that he would have this repaired while I enjoyed London.

This was the second time I had turned to the hotel staff to present a problem and I felt it wouldn’t be long before I would be judged and fall in the category of the “typical grumbler”. However I have dealt with humans for so long, no matter in what capacity or line of work that I have learned to recognize, through the spoken word, the universal language of the body!

So through our two ways of communication, I could hear and observe I had been taken seriously and cared for with the utmost respect, and by both representatives of the Princes Square Apartments, Diana the day before and now Sam!

It is then given to me to write a few words about the positive impression they both made on me.

As a result, my appraisal which commends the quality of their performance at work , how they handle and take care of the guests, should make their gracious employers quite proud to have in their service team such young people representing them!

Without forgetting those who are behind the scene: housekeepers returning smiles, office managers friendly nod…those wonderful people who are indirectly responsible to maintain their guest’s wellbeing!

Simple acts of kindness along with the willingness to listen and treat a hotel guest as he or she was unique and respectful of their claims or queries represent the highest standards of any hospitality establishment.

Thank You For Making My Stay An Unforgettable Moment In Life !

                                                                                                         

                

“Treat everyone you meet as though they are the most important person you'll meet today.”

                                                       (  Roger Dawson )