Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Day 4

Our Final Day
Those from Denver and Utah had an earlier flight. Joann, Jay and I met up for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at La Isla because we wanted to eat in an open air restaurant on our last day. Jay and I shared some waffles and then ordered Eggs Benedict because both sounded yummy! Afterwards, we called the Bell Boy and put our luggage outside my room for pick up. We then went to Jo Jo's for a final drink before departing. I had something with Kahlua and coconut.


When we got to the lobby, our luggage was not there yet. The Bell Boy took off in a golf cart to get it and the Funjet shuttle arrived. Luckily, they get there early enough. He finally retrieved our luggage.

When we were dropped off at the airport, we were approached by another Funjet Rep who whisked us to the front of the long check-in line. That was quite impressive (even though we were getting dirty looks).

United Flight
This was one of the most pleasant flights I've ever been on. The crew was very friendly and informative.

The man sitting next to me ordered a snack pack and when he opened it up, he asked, "Is this what Americans eat?"...."This is like the food astronauts take to the moon!" I asked him where he was from and he said they were from Switzerland. I assured him that wasn't our normal food, just airline food.

I finished my book, "Forever In Blue...The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood."

Joann only brought a carry-on, so she was out right away. Jay had a two hour layover before going to Kansas City.

Marriott Suites Parking
While I always park at the Marriott Suites, this time I was really frustrated. When I got to the ticket window, there was no one there, and I heard something saying to insert my ticket. I had to back up a little and when I inserted my ticket, it said that I owed $96.00. I booked online and was only supposed to pay $30.00. I pressed the call button and a rude person answered. When I explained my situation, she told me that I had to come in to pay. I told her that I couldn't because there was a shuttle behind me and the gate wouldn't open. She kept insisting and repeating herself and the information was all jumbled and not very clear (so much for technology replacing human jobs!). Finally, after about 5 minutes, the shuttle backed up some and I backed up, but had to pull forward to go backwards again to get out of my predicament, but the shuttle was so impatient, he almost sideswiped my whole car trying to squeeze by instead of waiting.

I was so annoyed when I went in and I asked to speak to a manager and "Mabel," the same girl I spoke to on the intercom, said that she was it! She was not very customer focused, so I asked for the General Manager's business card. I told them that there are other places to park and that I will park there in the future. It used to be a simple and efficient process, but it no longer is and it was not a positive experience. Why would I think that anything changed since December when I parked there last? Argggh! Welcome home, right?!!!

Karisma Hotels
I can't stop talking about Karisma hotels. I called Aunt Phyllis on my way home to tell her that we should book one for our upcoming group trip. I think they will really like them.

Like they say, "all good things must come to an end!"

No comments: