We have stayed at this exact hotel for the past 4 years annually for a business function each August. The rates are cheap & though the rooms & ammenities reflect their title, & their rooms could always use some additional cleaning, we are only there to sleep so we don't mind. However, despite our previous years no real complaints experiences, this weekend's stay will definitely be our last!
We had reserved 3 rooms. The 4 of us walked in to check-in. We always get a cab-ride from the hotel for the night & the previous years the cabs have taken close to an hour to arrive, so each of us brought in a beverage to drink while we waited for the cab in the lobby (which we have done the previous years with no problems). As we were filling out the paperwork, the manager (dressed in shorts, tee-shirt, & no shoes or socks with dirt all over his bare feet) came to the counter. He immediately demanded we remove our cans from the counter that we had placed there so we could fill the paperwork out. He could have asked politely, but chose to rudely tell us to get them off & proceeded to go on about how much money each machine on their desk cost them to purchase. I immediately sincerely apologized that we didn't mean to do something we weren't & I showed him our cans were unopened & we each moved them to a table across the room. My husband politely said that perhaps a simple "no beverages" sign on the counter (similar to no smoking signs) would be helpful.
We continued to complete the paperwork & the 2 guys that rode with us asked the clerk if they needed to fill out the license plate part since they came in our vehicle. She said that it would be OK & they gave her their paperwork. Again the manager piped in, this time rudely responding to the clerk that she is not to hand them their room keys until everything is completed in full, including the license plate number. Our friends replied innocently & said, "OK, no problem, that's why we simply asked." They went & got our truck plate number, filled in that area & re-handed in their paperwork while we completed ours.
The clerk said that they forgot to initial the small box for the 'No Smoking' part for the $250 fine if they smoke in the room or building. Once again, here comes the manager putting his two cents in. This time he rudely says, "And that means NO smoking of ANYTHING!" What?????? Is he suggesting that we have on us or are planning on smoking drugs??!! We all looked up and couldn't believe his comment or accusation to us. I responded by saying that we were non-smokers and would all gladly initial their policy.
After all of this started sinking in, I finally said to my husband, "you know, maybe we should just cancel & stay at a different hotel for the night. I would gladly pay $150 for nicer service."
We all finally finish getting checked in & all get our room keys. On our way to the elevator which is right across from the check-in desk, we walk past him & yep, I'm sure you can guess what's coming next...the manager has to get in one last rude comment for the night. This time he says, "and if any of you guys make any type of noise, & I don't care if it's only 1 of you & you are all staying in separate rooms, if any one in your party is noisy I will personally kick all of you out!" I turned around & said, "You know, this is no way to treat your guests. This is the 4th year we have stayed here & we have never ever caused any problems, never got into trouble, and never been treated this way. We are only here for a bed to sleep in." My husband said to him, "There is a better way of handling things." He proceeded to ask for exactly when we would be coming back so that he could be sure to no noise was made.
Each of us were in absolute awe. We were floored at the way someone could treat & greet their customers. Needless to say at this place the rates reflect their service. I will gladly spend more money next year to avoid being treated like convicts!
- Microtel Madison
- Madison Microtel
