O, for a little bit of customer service

So, today we left Salem and headed to Lynnwood, WA.  This sounds simple but was not without drama - it seems that a computer glitch on the part of Choice Hotels double booked our room in Salem at the Comfort Inn and Suites.  We were made aware of this when we arrived yesterday and were told that we couldn't get it straightened out until the manager was in, which wouldn't happen until this morning.

This morning we were informed that he couldn't do anything for us and to call the Choice Hotels 800 number and talk to them.  They informed us that he refused to correct the problem and they could not override his decision.  So, we went back to the hotel and confronted him - and while he tried to remain polite he said basically what they had told us was the truth - he wasn't budging and we would have to pay for two rooms for July 2.  Needless to say, we were unhappy.  We stay with Choice hotels every time we go see Delene at school, and have even joined their preferred stay club.  We called the 800 number again, but after way too much time on hold - hung up.  

Within a few minutes, Delene called to say that Choice Hotels had called for us and wanted us to call a new 800 number that was direct to their preferred guest customer service department.  When I called, they offered us several dollars of coupons for future stays since they could not override what the manager had done - and they put through our complaint to the owner of the Salem motel regarding the manager.  We'll be asking our credit card company to withhold payment for the extra room.  I don't blame Choice International - but I'm more than willing to advertise my blog and keep people from going to the Salem, Oregon Comfort Inn & Suites on Freeway Court NE.  Gerry, the manager, obviously cared more about $90 than about good customer service.

We finally left Salem close to 10:30 - we had headed out at 9.  Much of I-5 is under construction all the way through Portland and parts of Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle.  We arrived here at Lynnwood at 3 and checked in with no problems at another Choice Hotel - a very comfortable place with a very welcoming manager at the front desk.  

Tomorrow we head into Canada.  Cell phones will be turned off and all communication with relatives and friends will be through the internet:  e-mail and my blog.  When we start taking pictures, I'll upload them to this site for y'all to see.   We're getting ready to head out for a walk and check out this area a bit.  

The fun of traveling.