Chez Shaffner

Friday, November 03, 2006

A Questionable Start to the Night...

It may be misguided (or plain snooty) on my part, but if you see a sign such as the one above marking the door of your next hotel room, I recommend against sliding the key card into the door. Misery and heartache await across the threshold.

The above image comes from our first hotel room in the Berkshires (Sunday night). Sure, it was the best they could do on short notice after a prankster pried the real 312 from the wall with a pen-knife… But that doesn’t make it welcoming.

The folks in the lobby were downright bubbly in responding to our request to fix the fire alarm (the battery informed us it was low every minute after we entered). They gave us solid dining advice and directed us appropriately when it came to scouting Berkshire sights. The next morning, after a fitful night where neither of us slept more than four hours, they apologized profusely and let us out a day early without penalty. Owing to their friendliness alone, I will not disparage the chain on this page. However, if you find yourself in need of lodging in the quaint village of Pittsfield, Mass., may I recommend instead the Crowne Plaza, where we slept soundly the following evening, or try one of the dozens of quaint bed-and-breakfasts in the area.

And remember, if your room is labeled in multi-purpose paper and black Sharpie, make like a tree and leave.

Labels: Miscellany