Comments on: Notes from the road: The hotel and resort ‘meet & greet’: part 2

By: Terence Carter

Terence Carter — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:55:40 +0000

Thanks for commenting Dena,
Actually, some of our best receptions have been at apartments! A place in Darwin, not only did a wonderful ‘meet & greet’, but had a nice bottle of sparking wine and boutique beers in the fridge, along with enough ingredients to make a decent breakfast the next morning. Makes a big difference. Must do a post on that for the Grantourismo! project.

BTW Ebro Delta looks lovely in those photos! I’ve never been there, looks wonderful.

By: Dena

Dena — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:56:09 +0000

Excellent article. I totally agree that first impressions are so important. The feel good factor or the feel uneasy factor begins the second people arrive. Thing is apart from it being “good business practice” it is just common good manners to great people and help with their luggage. No brainer really. Or should be.

By: Terence Carter

Terence Carter — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:49:50 +0000

Thanks Lisa or your comments,
I must to get to Whistler some day. Snowboarding & luxury travel are an odd mix, as I found out in France when I was the *only* snowboarder staying at a luxury five-star – and we were there for a week!
I can remember the opposite experience to yours in the Italian Riviera at an old-school, stuffy, five-star when we arrived late (as usual). Rang ahead and asked if we could get room service, but when we arrived (10pm), by the time we checked in (it took half an hour) it was too late. Told us to go and ‘get a pizza down the road’. And they knew I was a travel photographer as I was doing a photo shoot there the next day! Unbelievable. I’ll never forget that one! Of course, it wasn’t a Four Seasons, but one that could certainly benefit from their training…

By: Lisa Corcoran

Lisa Corcoran — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:51:51 +0000

I agree, I think it is really important to greet people properly and it does make a huge difference. I remember checking in at the Four Seasons in Whistler and after a long flight just wanted to have a bite to eat and then go to bed. Check in was efficient, friendly and hassle free and made us relax instantly. I love when bags are whisked up to your room although it still makes my husband feel uncomfortable (he doesn’t like to see anyone struggling with his bag!).
As highlighted above it does amaze me how the process varies so much between hotels. It makes for a great start to a holiday when you are greeted with a drink, your luggage appears in your room and check in is quick and easy.

By: Terence Carter

Terence Carter — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:41:18 +0000

Wow, thank you for your kind words!
I’m actually the worst self-publiscist in the world so I don’t get that many compliments – just so my ego doesn’t get out of control, but I don’t mind when someone notices
We will be back in Thailand next year – stay tuned with our new Gran Tourismo! project!
Cheers,
T

By: Marin

Marin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:32:11 +0000

I just finished reading your whole blog, and I had to compliment you on it! (As obviously many other people have and should).

Everything is well thought out, and reads really entertaining (especially with the little gems of sarcasm thrown in!)

I love the photos, the writing, the stories, and most of all I noticed that you take the time to respond to all of the comments you get.

Great job!! You and your other half are incredibly talented. (and as I would love to travel write, and my other half does cooking/photography, you have my dream life)

PS. If back in Thailand, if you make it over to Koh Phangan, make sure you go to the food market in Thong Sala. We actually made a point to go back across the country to go there and eat again. Amazing!

By: Terence Carter

Terence Carter — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:04:34 +0000

Thanks for your comment – that’s exactly how you want to be treated when you’re exhausted. One of the problems with resorts like the one I wrote about was that they had a very inflated sense of how good they were because of all the positive coverage they had. A waitress, who knew that the food ‘wasn’t very good’ (it was actually awful), said that the manager wasn’t concerned about that either because the location and style of the place ‘sold itself’. A very interesting stay – and yes, one for the book.

By: Travel Muse

Travel Muse — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:31:02 +0000

I can’t believe they were so rude to you for arriving at 8:30 p.m. My husband and I checked into the Patio Andaluz in Quito, Ecuador at 2 a.m. and the staff was waiting for us. The doorman took our bags from the taxi and directly upstairs, while the neatly attired, wide awake, and polite young lady at the desk checked us in quickly and efficiently. She even gave us invitations for a “welcome drink”, with a smile and a suggestion that we use them the next day. We were both exhausted, yet really impressed by the service.

I think the problem here is that front desk staff is underpaid and undertrained. Like corporations who use bad receptionists, hotels with bad front desk staff miss an opportunity to impress their guests and win their loyalty. Given your wealth of experience, you and Lara should write a book on this!