his is a bit of a read, but absolutely necessary for proper recognition of the service given.
MY husbands graduation was placed on hold due to weather and a minor injury. I booked a hotel on "Travel Defense" that was advertised by photos as a great place to stay. The price wasn't "too cheap" nor "too expensive", so I figured that it would be a great match for my needs. I am traveling with my 5 babies (all under 8) so to me, the place we stay at needed to be safe and secure. When I arrived at that hotel, the photos and even some reviews did not add up. The entire situation was perilous. I left my review there, so there is no need to get deeper into details.
I called the hotel agency I booked through, and they offered no support aside from a refund that would take between 7-10 business days to process. I felt so vulnerable and exposed. When I explained my situation, I asked for a change of hotel or a travel credit that I could use to get another hotel for the evening. The Representative told me verbatim, " I understand your situation ma'am, but Its only the night that you'll need to be in your vehicle, then tomorrow you should be fine." UNACCEPTABLE, DISTASTEFUL, AND INCONSIDERATE. My heart sunk as I realized I would not be able to get somewhere else for my kids at the rates of the other hotels suitable in the area.
As a mama, I had no choice but to relent at the mercy of anyone who could help. I prayed in my car, composed myself and drove back to my husbands company. On the way there, I was passing "Abrams Hall", to which I had remembered, when I checked earlier the night before, was a little too pricey for me on such a strict budget. I figured I could at least sleep in that hotel parking lot because it would be safe and I could leave in the morning. I pulled into the parking lot and I had a feeling like I should go in. I am a Christ follower, so I firmly believe it was the Holy Spirit leading me. I stepped out of the car, and composed myself as much as I could to keep my children from seeing and the front desk personnel.
I am SO THANKFUL I found enough humility and courage to walk into those doors. Both Allice and Miniah were the two women that greeted me as I walked into the hotel. There was quite a few guests in the lobby which made it a little more intimidating because of course people listen in and if I was to be turned away, I would have been more humiliated by the mass. Allice kindly listened to my situation and remained attentive the entire time not showing any signs of lack of concern or annoyance. She let me finish my statements and free of embarrassment at that. She asked me a few questions, punched in a few details and gave me my room at an exceptional (within her boundaries) rate. Of course when payment was due, I slid my card in confidence knowing I found someone who God directly had His hand on to extend the mercy and grace needed for my situation. She knew I was not looking for a hand out but rather a workable rate and a little compassion for the circumstances. Of course, I started crying with relief and expressing a much warranted amount of gratitude and respect for this young lady and her empathy, NOT sympathy she had for myself and my children. As I tried to recompose myself quietly again as more customers were approaching the counter to my left, she handed me a tissue and offered such a warm smile. Alongside her Miss Miniah, also offered both kind words and reassurance to me that I was going to be ok. They both allowed me to stand there and gather myself a few minutes to re-present myself to my children understanding my "why" as a mama.
The amount of compassion expressed here by both of these women, has boosted my faith a little bit more. I am so thankful for them both and their respect for people and their workplace. The resolutions and benignity provided by both Miss Allice and Miss Miniah should absolutely receive accolades and a surpass able amount of plaudits by both the hotel AND IHG themselves.
I'd be glad to stay again should I ever be in the area. Thank you both! read more