I got a call yesterday morning from our DragonCon hotel. I expected it was a reservation confirmation. The four main hotels that house the party fill up quickly, and people scramble for last-second accommodations. That's why we reserved a room in September. Eleven months ago.
I was informed that because of construction overrun, we couldn't use the rooms we reserved. And we would not be able to get rooms in that hotel.
Initial reaction: MURDER.
However, the hotel rep, who had no doubt steeled herself for this and probably experienced similar meltdowns already, told me that a nearby hotel had agreed to take the displaced, and our original hosts would pay for one of the nights, offer us early reservations for next year's convention at this year's rates, and give us free subway passes for this year's show. That seemed fair. I agreed to the deal. I was assured that we'd receive confirmation emails within the next two days.
I asked the caller when the hotel realized this would be necessary, and she said last week.That's short notice, and I'm positive they were holding their breath for months beforehand in anxiety. So Wednesday morning -- eight days before the start of a four-day Mardi Gras attended by thousands and thousands -- they had to find new rooms for their guests. I told her I sympathize with the last-minute adjustments and hoped those she had to inform were kind to her. I suspect some will deliver the rage I managed to keep in check.
Our new hotel is five blocks away from the party. That might make for better sleep. We can also get there via the subway system. We need never risk bad weather.
Today
Me: Hi, new hotel. I need a confirmation for a relocated reservation.
Second DragonCon Hotel: Yeah, we never heard of you, and we're booked solid. Oh, we do have a special rate for a room Saturday night.
Me: How booked solid are you if you have a special rate on a room?
Second DragonCon Hotel: You should call the first hotel and find out what's up.
Me: Hey, first hotel. Guess what second hotel told me.
First DragonCon Hotel: Those booked-solid rooms include the block we nabbed for the relocated guests.
Me: But there's no proof I'm included in that.
First DragonCon Hotel: I'm gonna call over there and verify you're taken care of.
Me: OK. I'm being polite, but I can get ugly here.
First DragonCon Hotel: Won't be necessary.
Just a few minutes ago
First DragonCon Hotel: You're on the list, and they are still working on reservations.
Me: When you say "working on," what are the chances I won't get a room?
First DragonCon Hotel: None. You'll have a room. I'll call you with the confirmation when I get it.
Me: So I just sit tight and wait?
First DragonCon Hotel: Please.
Me: Can I borrow your fingernails to chew on?
First DragonCon Hotel: Thanks for being patient.
Me: Please take this the right way, but when you call me with the number, I hope that's the last time I talk with you.
Now
Me:
We tried on our costumes last night. I'm thinking of making a stryofoam gun butt to replace the heavy toy gun I carried last time. That gun made the holster sag the whole time. I don't need a whole gun, just something to fill the holster. I can sculpt and paint it in an hour. We've lost so much weight since 2009 that our costumes will sag a bit no matter what.
The deputy is a hundred times better now, but he was wired last night. We all slept maybe four hours. I am Biblically acquainted with my coffee travel mug today.
I was informed that because of construction overrun, we couldn't use the rooms we reserved. And we would not be able to get rooms in that hotel.
Initial reaction: MURDER.
However, the hotel rep, who had no doubt steeled herself for this and probably experienced similar meltdowns already, told me that a nearby hotel had agreed to take the displaced, and our original hosts would pay for one of the nights, offer us early reservations for next year's convention at this year's rates, and give us free subway passes for this year's show. That seemed fair. I agreed to the deal. I was assured that we'd receive confirmation emails within the next two days.
I asked the caller when the hotel realized this would be necessary, and she said last week.That's short notice, and I'm positive they were holding their breath for months beforehand in anxiety. So Wednesday morning -- eight days before the start of a four-day Mardi Gras attended by thousands and thousands -- they had to find new rooms for their guests. I told her I sympathize with the last-minute adjustments and hoped those she had to inform were kind to her. I suspect some will deliver the rage I managed to keep in check.
Our new hotel is five blocks away from the party. That might make for better sleep. We can also get there via the subway system. We need never risk bad weather.
Today
Me: Hi, new hotel. I need a confirmation for a relocated reservation.
Second DragonCon Hotel: Yeah, we never heard of you, and we're booked solid. Oh, we do have a special rate for a room Saturday night.
Me: How booked solid are you if you have a special rate on a room?
Second DragonCon Hotel: You should call the first hotel and find out what's up.
Me: Hey, first hotel. Guess what second hotel told me.
First DragonCon Hotel: Those booked-solid rooms include the block we nabbed for the relocated guests.
Me: But there's no proof I'm included in that.
First DragonCon Hotel: I'm gonna call over there and verify you're taken care of.
Me: OK. I'm being polite, but I can get ugly here.
First DragonCon Hotel: Won't be necessary.
Just a few minutes ago
First DragonCon Hotel: You're on the list, and they are still working on reservations.
Me: When you say "working on," what are the chances I won't get a room?
First DragonCon Hotel: None. You'll have a room. I'll call you with the confirmation when I get it.
Me: So I just sit tight and wait?
First DragonCon Hotel: Please.
Me: Can I borrow your fingernails to chew on?
First DragonCon Hotel: Thanks for being patient.
Me: Please take this the right way, but when you call me with the number, I hope that's the last time I talk with you.
Now
Me:
We tried on our costumes last night. I'm thinking of making a stryofoam gun butt to replace the heavy toy gun I carried last time. That gun made the holster sag the whole time. I don't need a whole gun, just something to fill the holster. I can sculpt and paint it in an hour. We've lost so much weight since 2009 that our costumes will sag a bit no matter what.
The deputy is a hundred times better now, but he was wired last night. We all slept maybe four hours. I am Biblically acquainted with my coffee travel mug today.
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