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What Really Happens With Those 'Special Request' Boxes On Hotel Reservations
We've written about hotels that go above and beyond in the service department before. A recent example from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, comes to mind, where staffers went above and beyond in their return of a stuffed animal to a little boy.Now Fairmont Winnipeg is getting in on the action, when a guest who requested "a pre-made pillow fort and Vanilla coke" found supplies for the fort and coupons for gratis Coca Cola in his room upon check-in, as well as snacks and a hand-written note from the guest services staff.
The guest happily posted his story to social media sharing site Imgur, along with photos of his blanket fortress. Of course, we're also laughing that the note included instructions for a "DYI fort" (not a DIY one as intended), but it's the thought that counts.
We're also pretty sure that the snacks and free soda made up for having to construct the fort from scratch.
We've heard of wacky requests before, and this has to be one of the strangest (albeit the most fun). That said, we would have found this entire situation a bit more amusing if a parent had requested this for a child. The fact that an adult would huddle in a blanket fort is rather strange. Then again, the person in question writes a blog about infusing vodka with different candies. He probably isn't your average guest.
That said, now we also know that Fairmont really is reading those "special room request" forms you can add to your reservations forms.
Kudos, Fairmont.
But here's the real question, ladies and gentlemen: what is the strangest thing you've ever requested from a hotel?
Filed under: Canada, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gordon Aug 16th 2012 2:15AM
Heh, now if only I could get a job traveling to hotels and making special requests.
Ren Aug 19th 2012 8:34PM
There is nothing strange about an adult asking for a pillow fortress. It's a fun and refreshing request... Wish more adults still had that sense of whimsy!
Cook Aug 20th 2012 6:04AM
"Reasonable" requests are just fine - an extra pillow or a non-wool blanket if necessary. In the end, it really depends upon the grade of hotel that you buy - and whether or not you have any Special Status with said chain. It also depends upon how truly important the request is perceived by the hotel staff. If it is a heaelth or safety concern, they will probably do their best. If it looks like the guest is trying to extract more service than their rate or status warrants, expect charges or a flat (if always polite) refusal. While true for all hotel groups, I'll use Accor here as they have ample hight end properties. At a better house, your request for "More oranges and no apples" in the welcome fruit basket will probably be honored and without a quibble. Try that a Motel-6, also an Accor brand as I recall and you WILL get laughed at when you check in.
In most (at least US) markets, when the daily room rate gets close to $250, you may get some attention. At the $500 mark, requests WILL be considered, but you may or may not pay extra for same. At Accor's Motel-6, if one asks for clean sheets, housekeeping may spite and smite you, just for asking. At Accor's Motel-6, you'll be darn luck to get a shower than works and a room that is bug-free and P l e a s e don't wait too long for that fruit basket! At $50 - $90 per night for a single, it is still a Motel-6, folks! I don't want to make fun of dear old Motel-6, but in the hotel business, you generally get what yo PAY FOR. Perks, discounts and loalty coupons aside, please keep your Special Requests in line with what the house typically offers. While tis may be an extreme example, even sillier requests are **not** uncommon. To get the very best from your stay, one short night during a road trip, or a week of fluff and fancy, keep it reasonable and with the house's normal routines - if you like to hear, "Yes."
And again, I apologize to Motel-6! They never get any stars for anything - and they have never earned any. Still, they have their place for the traveling public. - and they have a fairly good reservations system. Despite their sad reputation, their are MANY other branded chains that operate similar houses, often worse and at slightly higher prices. At MOtel-6, at least you know what to expect. As one who travels far too much, I use Motel-6 when appropriate as well as four and even five-star houses, When Appropriate. I cannot stress the appropriate part enough. Buy what you need, ask for modifications if really necessary, but don't become a piss-monster, demaning a Southern exposure and fresh flowers at Motel-6. For about the third time, you get what you pay for (or have earned) and don't push your luck. Overyly demanding guests CAN be tossed out and a few (genuine jerks) really are. Be careful what you ask for, understand what you are asking for and be prepared to pay for it, if it costs the house more than pocket change, perhaps 5% of the basic room rate at the very most. Accommodating your special needs will not, repeat NOT transform a mid-level, three-star house into a four-star. Some other time, we'll talk about that Breakfast Included option.