It pays to complain to the Person in Charge at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax NS

Mermaid's Grandmother always said "If you want something done, go to the top."

A case in point that happened today. Ginny and I decided that a nice relaxing night away from the Condo was in order and it would be nice to go somewhere romantic. So we decided that we go and book a room at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Downtown Halifax.

I realize it is only across the Harbour from Dartmouth where we live anyways. Here is a picture of the Pool and our Room opening onto the Pool.



We wanted an extra large room and with slide out doors to the pool. So as we couldn't go to Cuba for Christmas we would go here and just pamper ourselves. Have a few glasses of Bubbly do a little swimming and just laze around the pool. As we were not going to cook the Traditional Christmas feast but have a few nibbles and some Fish Chowder and spend the day with dear friends Frank and Shirley.

So I called up the Reservations desk at the Marriott and booked a Pool side room with parking and a gas card for 149.00 plus tax for Xmas Eve. I even got a nice confirmation number and was assured that we would have a pool-side room for the 24th at the Harbourfront Hotel. Now you must understand that there is nothing open after 5pm in Halifax Christmas Eve except for a few Pizza places, the Bars are closed and the Casino next door closes early as well. So we wanted the ability to just pretend we were on a warm beach somewhere.

So, I called up the Hotel today to check on our reservation and was told we had none. In fact we were booked into another Hotel and not the one we asked for. So, the man at the Reservation desk said " It is not my fault and if you want a Pool-side Room without parking it would be 204.00 plus tax and an extra 23 for parking." I explained that we would have gone to the Harbourfront Hotel and expected a room at the Inn and found none. ( A very important event like this happened over 2000 years ago. Things worked out very well on that occasion. Which is the Reason for the Season.)

I wasn't going to get an apology or any incentives because of the mix up from the Marriott . Even though they quoted us the wrong rate and put us in the wrong Hotel to boot. It was tough Titty to us. Bah, Hum Bug.......So I called Ginny and told her what happened and we decided to cancel our plans. So I cancelled the Reservation on line. We were both disappointed at this point as we were looking forward to this.

I then decided that we were owed something. So I called and asked to speak to the General Manger, who is a nice guy by the name of Dave. I explained the situation and told him that the "Grinch of the Marriott Hotel" had ruined our getaway and possibly our entire Christmas. He agreed that it was a good thing I called up before hand than showing up on Christmas Eve and finding things were "Grinched."
So, He agreed to honour our 149.00 price with free parking and a large Pool-side Room to boot for Christmas Eve. As I pointed out that The Hotel would not be overly booked for Christmas Eve and it was the Reservation Desk who made the mistake.

Merry Christmas. So on Christmas Eve were ever you are. Remember to raise a glass in a toast to Friends present and absent. We will set another place in case anyone of you happen along to visit. So if you come to Halifax, please stay in the Marriott. I give it 5 stars. Thanks Dave.