Before I talk about this month’s topic, I’d like to express my gratitude to you, my readers. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you, receive your “likes”, and read your comments.  I wish you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season.

Now, here’s my last blog in 2023.

My flight from London to Luxembourg was at 7:35 am, and I had to be at the airport by 6:00 am. I went to T Hotel’s reception at 5:00 am, requesting them to call me a taxi. They said they’re not allowed to do this. Surprised, I blurted out, “You’re not allowed to help a client. I don’t have an app for it, and I’m having a problem with my iPhone”. This hotel was close to the airport, which was the reason why I chose it, so I asked them the quickest way to get there. The two staffers didn’t have the answer and kept telling me to use Google Maps. They instantly forgot that there was a software bug on my mobile.

After walking for five minutes in a dimly lit street, I wasn’t sure where I was going. So, I decided to go to the nearest hotel M to ask for assistance. I told the young man at its reception my problem. He didn’t only book a taxi for me but offered me coffee.

I’ve been to over 40 countries and stayed at different-starred accommodations; it was the first time a hotel receptionist refused to call a taxi for me. When I returned home to France, I received a feedback form from T Hotel; I rated poorly my experience with them. If they had called a taxi or Uber for me, I would not have made a big deal of the check-in wait of more than 10 minutes. I was impatient as I could hear voices behind the reception desk.

Hotels are not required to book transport for their clients. However, most of them offer this service as a courtesy to their guests. Next time I choose a hotel, I’ll check its customer service policy and practice. About my two-year-old mobile, its warranty has just expired, so I might trade it in with a newer model that doesn’t have a software bug.

My hotel story didn’t end in London. On November 18 & 19, I had a stand at the Walferdange book fair. I live 45 km from this Luxembourgish town but decided to stay in a hotel nearby to be rested and alert the following day. Unexpectedly and disappointingly, the room they gave me had a non-stop irritating noise that sounded like a boiler or air conditioning system, which I recorded at 2:00 am, 4:00 am, and 6:00 am. I had enough of twisting and curling in bed at 6:20 am, so I switched on their tele; the screen message was “no connection”. I checked out earlier than planned. When I showed my recordings to its receptionist, she said they would look at it. Was her one-time sorry enough to compensate for losing a good night’s sleep and a relaxing weekend?