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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 4, 2009 18:45:30 GMT -6
The following is the beginning of my Towel/Trip Report for NYE '08/09. Late last night, I returned from my annual trip to H2 for New Year's Eve. A quick couple of thoughts on this whole towel thing ... Where Hedo Management screwed up, IMO: - Communication. The Towel Exchange Card specifically states that towel exchange time begins at 8AM, HOWEVER, at the dive shack where you do the actual exchange, there is a sign that clearly states 9A-4P. I wound up getting into a brief argument with the guy at the shack about this; obviously, I lost (of course).
- Communication. Checking out, you MUST bring your (soiled?) towel(s) to the front desk -- I saw people with just their room's card key denied check out because they did not bring their towel(s). They were in fact sent back to their room to retrieve their towel(s) *before* being able to check out. No one communicated this to the guests, ever (and no, it's not written on the towel card itself)
- Communication. At check in, I noticed that some repeat guests (apparently not message board readers -- sorry, folks, but there ARE some!) were *quite* surprised to discover this new towel exchange policy and seemed affronted by the ch-ch-change. Maybe a day or two of a grace period for them would've gone a long way to alleviate some concerns.
I packed two extra beach towels; never ran into a problem -- I dutifully exchanged my old towel at 9AM without issue (no lack of towels, no long lines). An inconvenience? Yes. But not that much of a hassle, at least not for me. My pal Vbplyr was there this year -- I'll try to coax her to post to add her 2¢ on this issue from The Woman's Perspective. BTW, prior to our trip, I called her to warn her about The Towel Hostage situation and urged her to pack at least one extra; she said she had no room in her suitcase as it was already over-packed. I suggested that one of her other traveling companions (AKA The Jersey Girls) might be able to accommodate an extra towel or two. Her reply? "We're WOMEN, ASSHOLE! None of us HAVE any extra room in our suitcases!!!" So much for that friendly suggestion. More anon. |
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Post by Bif St Lou on Jan 4, 2009 20:00:41 GMT -6
Towels?
Who cares about towels??
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jan 4, 2009 20:17:25 GMT -6
I'm shocked -- shocked, I say!! -- that you have a ¢ key on your keyboard!
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 4, 2009 20:55:08 GMT -6
It's right next to the "Any" Key.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 4, 2009 20:57:12 GMT -6
Towels?
Who cares about towels?? Bif, what I think you meant was, "Who IN THEIR RIGHT MIND cares about towels??" === Edited to remove my own excessive use of profanity. |
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Jan 5, 2009 6:52:00 GMT -6
- Communication. The Towel Exchange Card specifically states that towel exchange time begins at 8AM, HOWEVER, at the dive shack where you do the actual exchange, there is a sign that clearly states 9A-4P. I wound up getting into a brief argument with the guy at the shack about this; obviously, I lost (of course).
Did you at least save face by absconding with his vodka bottle? |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 9:34:55 GMT -6
What would I want with an empty vodka bottle?
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Post by New Mama on Jan 5, 2009 9:45:20 GMT -6
Fuckarye, this sucks. We have enough stuff to lug up to the lobby on checkout day...now we have to drag dirty towels too? This ain't right.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 9:55:33 GMT -6
Anita, I really didn't find this to be such an onerous task as you insist on making it out to be. In addition to packing my extra beach towels, I packed a couple of these Ziplock XXL Size bags in which to carry dirty/wet towels.  They fold up nice and flat in my luggage and have a handle -- I found them to work well. For years we were told to do things like pack Lysol to spray around the room or bring a hair dryer in case the one in the room broke and they weren't quick to replace it. I don't see how this is all that different. Again, with anything at Hedo (as in real life), it pays to be prepared. |
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Post by New Mama on Jan 5, 2009 10:36:58 GMT -6
BB's Thanks for the words of encouragement. I should have added that I doubt this program will have any major affect on me since Art has always been my towel hero anyway. I’m one of the luckiest. I get up and have my chair and towel all set up at the beach by my husband.
Personally, I will have to give up valuable Diva space in my suitcases for a big towel since I do spend lots of time on my chair and hate the unexpected burn you get from touching or worst sitting on a hot mat THAT is not the kind of pain I’m into.
I think having to turn in your dirty towels at the front desk at check out is way over the top. If you turn in your towel at the dive shack and get your card back what’s the harm. This is how the program was first described. Our hands are already full heading up top that last time.
I had to chuckle at your ‘be prepared’ comment. You’d split a gut if you saw what’s in our four suitcases upon arrival.
Anyway, can’t wait for more tales from your trip. You report last year had me in tears I laughed so hard.
edited for spelling
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 11:01:33 GMT -6
Personally, I will have to give up valuable Diva space in my suitcases for a big towel since I do spend lots of time on my chair and hate the unexpected burn you get from touching or worst sitting on a hot mat THAT is not the kind of pain I’m into. Fine. You just told me that you travel with your husband. Have *him* pack an extra towel or two in HIS suitcase. I don't travel with Vbplyr, but she's my pal, so I packed an extra beach towel for her, just in case. I'm still not seeing your issue here. I think having to turn in your dirty towels at the front desk at check out is way over the top. If you turn in your towel at the dive shack and get your card back what’s the harm. This is how the program was first described. Our hands are already full heading up top that last time. I believe this turning in your towel card to be an available option -- *if* you can remember to surrender your towel to the dive shack BEFORE checking out. Unfortunately, folks tend to get a bad case of Hedo Head while on vacation and don't consider this, especially in an early morning scramble to pack and dress for departure. I didn't mean to say that you COULDN'T turn in the card instead of the towel, just that folks didn't seem to be using that method -- remember, it's a new system, so the guests still need to be "trained". (Again, maybe another communication issue) Anyway, can’t wait for more tales from your trip. You report last year had me in tears I laughed so hard. Funny you should mention that. Prior to my trip, I fully intended on posting another one of those long-form trip reports on my return, but I've been having second thoughts. In many ways, this year's trip was far different from the one the previous year; as a result, if I *did* write a trip report, I don't think folks would like it because it wouldn't be the "feel good" type of thing I did a year ago. Parts of it would be somewhat grim and downbeat and I don't think folks want to read that in a trip report. Having said that, however, I'll write one up if folks actually want one -- but I don't think they will. |
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Post by New Mama on Jan 5, 2009 11:38:08 GMT -6
I guess you’d have to know us better to know that I would have more space in my bags than Art would. He has one of his two suitcases full of all things for his friends outside the resort and his fishing gear. When people need something we are usually the 'go to' people.
I get it now about towel turn in. We usually don't leave until 2 or 3pm so we will likely turn in our towel before we head upstairs. I’m glad we have that option.
I for one would still like to hear about your trip. I think we all have our up and down moments at Hedo. Hearing that others have them too makes us feel normal. While Hedo is most often a hoot, negative events happen that can affect our take on the moment, the day or the trip in general. Besides I enjoy your twisted take on things in general anyway.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 12:03:43 GMT -6
I guess you’d have to know us better to know that I would have more space in my bags than Art would. He has one of his two suitcases full of all things for his friends outside the resort and his fishing gear. When people need something we are usually the 'go to' people. Sounds to me like you're BOTH a little bit out of control and an intervention is seriously in order here. I for one would still like to hear about your trip. I think we all have our up and down moments at Hedo. Hearing that others have them too makes us feel normal. While Hedo is most often a hoot, negative events happen that can affect our take on the moment, the day or the trip in general. Besides I enjoy your twisted take on things in general anyway. A friend of mine just e-mailed me about this a few minutes ago and pretty much echoed the same sentiments as you -- if I do a trip report, however, it might sound more like venting. Venting, while cathartic, can sound like being whiny, which I would prefer to avoid. That said, I'm still considering the option, if for no other reason than writing it all down would help me get a few things off my chest. |
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Post by Bif St Lou on Jan 5, 2009 13:25:07 GMT -6
if I do a trip report, however, it might sound more like venting. Venting, while cathartic, can sound like being whiny, which I would prefer to avoid. That said, I'm still considering the option, if for no other reason than writing it all down would help me get a few things off my chest. Would you be more comfortable recounting your story using Anatomical Dolls? |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 13:35:06 GMT -6
Quite frankly, I see no reason to drag Muffy into this, Bif.
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Post by vbplyr on Jan 5, 2009 18:43:37 GMT -6
aww bb - I didnt know you packed a towel for me just in case, I take back the "asshole" comment now!
As far as the towels are concerned - really no big deal. Some days we went in the morning to get clean towels, and some days we exchanged them at the end of the day and bought them back to our rooms for the next day. I didnt really see this as a problem, and I am sure that if I needed more towels, I would have been able to get a few more from my sweetie at the dive shack.
In my opnion, where hedo really really fucked up this trip, was the way New Years eve was handled. More to come on that later.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 5, 2009 23:25:05 GMT -6
I agree -- they need to organize that better. If they can manage to take reservations for Pastafari & Munasan during the week, why can't they take reservations for the main dining room for New Year's Eve? It really creates havoc, not to mention a lot of ill will between the guests.
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Post by vbplyr on Jan 6, 2009 15:13:23 GMT -6
ok New Years
Having missed last New Years at Hedo, I heard from my good buddy BB that reservations that were laid out on the table in the morning, as I always have done - were removed during the day and seating was on a first come basis. Now I suppose I dont really disagree with that, but of course having always been up early and being able to reserve a good table, I wasn't the happiest camper - but could appreciate the fairness in the decision.
In the morning it was announced at breakfast that no tables would be reserved and any items that people left on the tables would be removed, so after discussion with the other jersey girls - we decided that we would start sitting at the table at 4:00. If other people wanted to ruin their whole day doing shifts, well then they deserved the table.
At 4:00 our first shift arrived in the dining room, and at 5:00 returned back to the room after the second shift got there. I was told that we only got a small table because all the big ones were reserved, and there was a man at one of the tables that was holding the three best tables in the place. She had asked someone in the dining room and they told her, well its the guys birthday. You kidding me??
So I had to get up from my nap and wander into the dining room, where the waiter that I questioned gave me the same answer. Ok - that pissed me off. I've spent enough New Year's in this place to not sit back and take that. I went off to the front desk and found Lorna. I questioned her about the reserving of tables and she walked into the dining room with me with her temper flaring and told the dining room manager, (who I actually think is a reallly good guy, so I kinda felt bad) that there were no exceptions, and that we could have one of the tables that the other guy wasnt at. So we sat - or the other two did, and I went to shower. When i came back, my friends were now at a table with a strange man. The man that was holding the tables was calling his friends to come down. Again I went off to talk to Lorna - and this is where the mistake was, she said that we couldnt hold a table by one person sitting by it, we could only hold the particular chair we were sitting in. Now that could be cause of a lot of fighting in the dining room. However, luckily the third table was still empty and the rest of our crowd started entering the dining room early - so we were good. Eventually the staff suddenly found room for another large table which they squeezed in.
There has to be a better way to do this, and do not tell me that if I am sitting at a table other people can just take it over.
oh - and final note - the people we were battling with, from what I understand, but was not present for - called us virgins. Now I have been going to Hedo since 1987 - which is probably longer than they have, the only difference is that when I am there, I don't pretend to own the place, as so many seem to do.
All in all - kudos to Lorna for the most part - but this needs to be thought out a little better for next year.
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Jan 6, 2009 15:25:21 GMT -6
[throwing gasoline on the fire] I now am waiting for a dissertation on the difference between reserving a table in the dining room many hours ahead of time, versus reserving a lounge chair on the beach, many ours ahead of time. [/throwing gasoline on the fire]
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Post by Irish Stu on Jan 6, 2009 15:31:42 GMT -6
[throwing gasoline on the fire] I now am waiting for a dissertation on the difference between reserving a table in the dining room many hours ahead of time, versus reserving a lounge chair on the beach, many ours ahead of time. [/throwing gasoline on the fire] Reserving a table is allowed so long as you reserve it by placing a towel over it, and an egg on each chair. Simon |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 6, 2009 15:39:19 GMT -6
[throwing gasoline on the fire] I now am waiting for a dissertation on the difference between reserving a table in the dining room many hours ahead of time, versus reserving a lounge chair on the beach, many ours ahead of time. [/throwing gasoline on the fire] Well, I guess the difference would be simply this: a lounge chair might wind up getting reserved for an entire day, perhaps for many days at a time; for New Year's Eve, the dining room table is only reserved for that night's dinner only. Has anyone ever gone during a similar time, e.g. Anniversary Week? And if so, is there a similar problem? I think the point Vbplyr is raising is not so much as to whether one method or another is fair, but rather, that Hedo management does not establish any rules to play by. Once they set the rules, we'll play by them (albeit, others will likely attempt to circumvent them). As I stated previously, if they are capable of taking dinner reservations for Pastafari & Munasan several nights a week every week, why can't they take a table reservation for dinner in the main dining room one night a year (New Year's Eve)? |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 6, 2009 15:43:31 GMT -6
[throwing gasoline on the fire] I now am waiting for a dissertation on the difference between reserving a table in the dining room many hours ahead of time, versus reserving a lounge chair on the beach, many ours ahead of time. [/throwing gasoline on the fire] And remember, Charlie can't make his omelets without breaking a few eggs. |
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Post by Kawaii Kaiju on Jan 6, 2009 15:50:11 GMT -6
As I stated previously, if they are capable of taking dinner reservations for Pastafari & Munasan several nights a week every week, why can't they take a table reservation for dinner in the main dining room one night a year (New Year's Eve)? My guess would be because there aren't enough tables/chairs for all of the guests to be seated. With Pastafari and Munisan, if they are unable to accommodate a reservation for you, you have the option of getting dinner in the main dining room. If all the tables are reserved in the main dining room by management, where is a person to go eat? While it is the same scenario when guests camp out and reserve the tables themselves, at least management can't be held *accountable* for not having a place for you to eat. But that is just my guess. Zilla (who thinks they might be better served by having various entertainments set up around the property for midnight on NYE, that way not everyone will feel compelled to be in the same place at once) |
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 6, 2009 16:02:57 GMT -6
My answer would be simply this: they sell passes to "outsiders" who are not current hotel guests for that week; only reserve tables for the current hotel guests and not the ones coming in with a night pass.
BTW, although Pastafari is closed on NYE, the tables at Munasan remain available -- the restaurant itself technically isn't open, but people are allowed to sit there after getting their food from the buffet.
This year, there was plenty of space; in years past, what I've seen is that Hedo sets up tables in the courtyard besides the main dining room (where the shops and piano bar are located). They did not do that this year, either because there weren't that many guests or because there weren't that many night passes, or perhaps some combination of the two.
Either way, the absence of a system hurts everyone; if they can establish a towel exchange program so quickly, then why not set up a table reservation system for NYE? They've certainly had enough time to think this through.
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Post by Christinko on Jan 6, 2009 17:31:15 GMT -6
Since when can't 1 person reserve a whole (1) table as long as someone is sitting at the table....weird that that long-standing system didn't work. Seems like a reasonable system to me. But then again, we all have opinions and assholes. So sorry you all were inconvenienced.
But most amusing in a snicker-at-the-other-people-type-of-way that they thought YOU were the virgin...geesh!
Did this debacle carry onto the beach for awkward socializing?
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Post by Yeah on Jan 6, 2009 20:45:19 GMT -6
Saving a table for 8 by having one rotating butt in one chair is no better or worse than one person saving 8 unused lounge chairs for the day. Having one person save THREE tables by having one butt in one chair is ridiculous. It is selfish and exclusionary, anathema to the "Hedo mystique". That includes sitting with strangers and making new friends. For NYE, wanting to sit with your old friends is understandable, but make a reservation (which seems wasn't allowed) or all get there early. One butt, one chair would be the most equitable solution. It was mentioned that there WAS plenty of room, but there was competition for the "good" tables.
If you and your group wanted a good table that bad, then get there early. And for the guy who tried to save 3? Gather up 24 friends to occupy all of them. Let him argue his way out of that.
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Post by vbplyr on Jan 6, 2009 21:32:53 GMT -6
Saving a table for 8 by having one rotating butt in one chair is no better or worse than one person saving 8 unused lounge chairs for the day. I guess I am not brilliant enough to see the correlation between saving 8 unused chairs on the beach for the day and saving 8 chairs at a table to have dinner with your friends, where the chairs will be used at the appropriate time. |
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Post by vbplyr on Jan 6, 2009 21:33:36 GMT -6
Did this debacle carry onto the beach for awkward socializing? I left the next day... |
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Post by innit Geezer on Jan 7, 2009 7:26:02 GMT -6
Maybe a good practical joke would be to use the beach towels to reserve chairs and tables in the dining room. I'm always sitting in the sand or standing because of the reserved chairs with the absent owner gone for the day. Arriving at the beach at 10:00a.m. is to late on busy weeks.
At one point or another, Augustus seems to always balance out the chair situation.
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Jan 7, 2009 7:53:15 GMT -6
Well, I guess the difference would be simply this: a lounge chair might wind up getting reserved for an entire day, perhaps for many days at a time; for New Year's Eve, the dining room table is only reserved for that night's dinner only. I guess one could say however that dinner time frame amounts to the "entire day" in terms of the demand on the resource. I doubt if anyone would care if a beach chair was "reserved" during the overnight hours, just as no one really cares if a table is "reserved" for dinner during the Lunch Time Spin. |
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