Monday, June 12, 2006
indignant
Ok, another hotel issue (I promise that eventually I will put something else up here), it is just my life right now.
There is a walkway right next to the hotel. It is 4th st and west of the hotel. the city made it pedestrian only. It is between some large buildings and there are fully matured shade trees lining this street. In the summer, there is a definite difference in temperature. There is also a city plaza directly north of the hotel. It has a fountain and more shade.
Over memorial day there was a carneval in the plaza. This meant that there was a greater police presence.
Albuquerque, like other places, has a homeless/indigent population. Most of the shelters, ministries and food pantrys are located downtown. This is a fact for all who work in this area. There is also a large bar scene. It is albuquerque's crucible. Many people trying to get things done. Business people, tourists, clubbers, etc.
Ok, well when the police were in civic plaza they caused a migration of those who hang out during the day. They began to hang out on 4th street in greater numbers. This causes problems for us becasue of the guests. Our hotel guests don't like to see these people. They feel less safe, wonder about us as a hotel etc.
So we call the police.
When things get crazy(drugs knives etc), we begin to call them over. We give them a hotel room so they can do a stakeout. They arrest drug users and help clear the area. We make sure that they know.
So here is where my indignation begins:
Tonight there was a guest who decided that he needed to smoke marijuana in his room. His smoke smell filled the corridor. He ordered room service. The server could smell it heavliy.
The news comes to me and the security guard. After thinking about the situation we decide to call the police. Illegal substance...we call them on those on 4th st for the same thing...call the cops on him too. It seems consistent. The police come to the hotel and they say that we have to let them in. We authorize them. Also, only what is in plain sight is admissible in court.
Then they ask if I am willing to refund them if the guests get kicked out. This is where I get cold feet. I think that maybe I should call someone about it. So I do. Next in Line tells me to go to Next in Line who tells me to go to the rooms director. He tells me, "think about it. What does your common sense tell you?" I say 'to call the police'
he says 'no', that we have no tangible evidence, and then directs me to leave a message (in case the guest was asleep) and give him a 'warning'.
I tell the police thanks but no thanks.
I feel really cheap now. This hotel has spent many hours getting the police to clear those without money and "image" away from here. We happen to use their drug use against them. Convenient. But when drug use comes with a 1000 dollar stay, it also becomes conveniet to say nothing and pretend it is not happening.
I despise this inconsistency.
There is a walkway right next to the hotel. It is 4th st and west of the hotel. the city made it pedestrian only. It is between some large buildings and there are fully matured shade trees lining this street. In the summer, there is a definite difference in temperature. There is also a city plaza directly north of the hotel. It has a fountain and more shade.
Over memorial day there was a carneval in the plaza. This meant that there was a greater police presence.
Albuquerque, like other places, has a homeless/indigent population. Most of the shelters, ministries and food pantrys are located downtown. This is a fact for all who work in this area. There is also a large bar scene. It is albuquerque's crucible. Many people trying to get things done. Business people, tourists, clubbers, etc.
Ok, well when the police were in civic plaza they caused a migration of those who hang out during the day. They began to hang out on 4th street in greater numbers. This causes problems for us becasue of the guests. Our hotel guests don't like to see these people. They feel less safe, wonder about us as a hotel etc.
So we call the police.
When things get crazy(drugs knives etc), we begin to call them over. We give them a hotel room so they can do a stakeout. They arrest drug users and help clear the area. We make sure that they know.
So here is where my indignation begins:
Tonight there was a guest who decided that he needed to smoke marijuana in his room. His smoke smell filled the corridor. He ordered room service. The server could smell it heavliy.
The news comes to me and the security guard. After thinking about the situation we decide to call the police. Illegal substance...we call them on those on 4th st for the same thing...call the cops on him too. It seems consistent. The police come to the hotel and they say that we have to let them in. We authorize them. Also, only what is in plain sight is admissible in court.
Then they ask if I am willing to refund them if the guests get kicked out. This is where I get cold feet. I think that maybe I should call someone about it. So I do. Next in Line tells me to go to Next in Line who tells me to go to the rooms director. He tells me, "think about it. What does your common sense tell you?" I say 'to call the police'
he says 'no', that we have no tangible evidence, and then directs me to leave a message (in case the guest was asleep) and give him a 'warning'.
I tell the police thanks but no thanks.
I feel really cheap now. This hotel has spent many hours getting the police to clear those without money and "image" away from here. We happen to use their drug use against them. Convenient. But when drug use comes with a 1000 dollar stay, it also becomes conveniet to say nothing and pretend it is not happening.
I despise this inconsistency.
# posted by Hotel Gabacho @ 1:10 AM 
