This gave me a good chuckle. Hotels keep notes on their guests, and typically the nicer the hotel, the more they’ll note the preferences of guests. As guests we’ll almost never see these notes, since they’re kept private.
Well, I’m staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora right now, and earlier in my stay I returned to my room while housekeeping was still servicing it. Shame on me, I know, but the guest sheet was just out on the table where my laptop was, and I could see the section about my room. What did it say?
ATTENTION CLIENTS TRES TRES PICKY, AIME REGARDER LE DETAIL. ATTENTION 2 MESSIEURS.
To Google Translate that to English:
Caution customers very very picky, loves looking at the detail. Caution two gentlemen.
I’m not sure if these notes were specific to housekeeping, or if these were the same notes that the whole hotel has associated with my room number. I’m also not sure if this is based on anything specific at the hotel, or rather based on something on my SPG profile, where they added those notes based on that.
Airlines and hotels certainly do keep notes on your loyalty program file (for example, I know there’s something on my World of Hyatt profile about how I like Diet Coke with lime, and I think I know exactly who added it to my profile).
For what it’s worth, I literally can’t remember the last time I complained to an SPG hotel despite doing 100+ nights with them, and that includes in-person complaints at the hotel, as well as complaints via corporate. I do of course review hotels, and I note the positives and negatives.
I wasn’t the only person on the sheet marked as being “TRES TRES PICKY,” though for the other guest on the page that wasn’t followed up with “AIME REGARDER LE DETAIL.”
Some might say that the “two gentlemen” comment is the more concerning thing here. While I can’t say for sure what the hotel’s intent is, in general I’d love if more hotels noted that:
- I stay 100+ nights with Marriott, so it shouldn’t be that hard for them to note that I’m traveling with my partner, and not a “friend” or “brother”
- I know that many hotels will note certain things about guests to make it easier for staff to figure out who is who, and pointing out that we’re two gentlemen isn’t a bad way to do that
- There are some amenities that are customized for a man and woman traveling together (for example, I remember staying at a resort where they had a hat clearly designed for a woman and a hat clearly designed for a man in the room, and when they noticed it was two men, they replaced one of the hats)
Anyway, it all gave me a good chuckle.
Have you ever accidentally seen the notes a hotel keeps on you?
Yeah, I think some people are reading way too much into this. "très picky" is amusing franglais and is prolly just code for "blogger alert!" As for noting that it's two men, I don't see anything nefarious. Maybe an older generation more used to being in the closet would have issues, but I think this is just the hotel making sure staff don't step on toes. Unsurprisingly, my husband HATED when a hotel left a...
Yeah, I think some people are reading way too much into this. "très picky" is amusing franglais and is prolly just code for "blogger alert!" As for noting that it's two men, I don't see anything nefarious. Maybe an older generation more used to being in the closet would have issues, but I think this is just the hotel making sure staff don't step on toes. Unsurprisingly, my husband HATED when a hotel left a note to Mr. & Mrs. 11235 and put strawberry hand cream by his side of the bed.
I just wish we had a Real Housewives gif that could tie all this together in a neat little package. I miss the old OMAAT
**Correction to the title**
"The Hotel I'm Staying At Knows I'm Very Picky" :)
Next note: attention he will post about everything for the public, so hide your kids, hide your wives, and hide your husbands cause they’re posting everything out there
Actually Not. We are not bloggers. We are frequent travellers. We are all going to be very surprised shortly when we begin to learn how much hotels keep on us and not just our preferences, which we had thought before was a nice gesture to show up and they prepare the room to one's liking.
We think there is absolutely nothing wrong with them noting it is 2 men. It is to help the...
Actually Not. We are not bloggers. We are frequent travellers. We are all going to be very surprised shortly when we begin to learn how much hotels keep on us and not just our preferences, which we had thought before was a nice gesture to show up and they prepare the room to one's liking.
We think there is absolutely nothing wrong with them noting it is 2 men. It is to help the housekeeping prepare the room properly. We think the USA people are way too uptight about
gay, lesbians and all. Compare that with the note saying "they are black", that's not right. See the difference. Everyone please lets be calm. Times are changing, of course some places are ahead and others more lagging. Still all is changing, lets keep our hopes in that direction.
Sad to see the Bora Bora St Regis is the same 10 years after our visit. Bora Bora is a very special place to visit. The hotel does not maintain its property, then and from your photos now.
Over the years and more recent we are finding out that all major chains are keeping more than just notes for preferences. It only takes a not so clever GM to spill the beans as one did on us.
Another blogger (credit to John at LL) suggested we can request all data and information that Hilton has on us. So far our request has not been answered properly as they keep giving us the link to the online account log in. Of course it says they are obligated to provide this, Hilton does change its rules at its own discretion. To be fair, the other brands are not far behind in data collection, or may in fact be ahead. Lets see what happens.
wow, lots of assumptions and projections in the comments:
The note just says "two gentlemen", not gay, not gay couple.
It's helpful information, especially at a high end hotel in a honeymoon destination. They often assume a straight couple and put out "Welcome Mr & Mrs Smith" notes on the bed, etc.
We received one at the IC Bora Bora and thought it's funny, but any hotel striving for excellent service would...
wow, lots of assumptions and projections in the comments:
The note just says "two gentlemen", not gay, not gay couple.
It's helpful information, especially at a high end hotel in a honeymoon destination. They often assume a straight couple and put out "Welcome Mr & Mrs Smith" notes on the bed, etc.
We received one at the IC Bora Bora and thought it's funny, but any hotel striving for excellent service would want to avoid offense by knowing who's staying instead of making an assumption and tailoring the service accordingly.
Granted, they'll need to balance tailored service and privacy - but this seems to be an attempt to provide better service, nothing more...
I see nothing wrong with this. They just want to make you and your partner feel comfortable. Like making sure the slippers are men's size... they place maybe extra shaving creme/razor... Make sure every detail is pristine because both of you travel a lot and see the details most customers wouldn't see. That's all.
In this instance fait attention is more like us formally stating 'be aware floor is wet' rather than omg girl watch out for this trouble maker. I interpreted that as I need you to do your due diligence and make sure this room is perfect.
Nothing wrong with keeping track. I remember once being in a hotel where one of the staff told me they kept track of the # of used condoms in the bin to understand how 'active' their guests were.
@ Brad: Thanks for clarifying. I thought it was a weird French written sentence. I was in Seychelles last month where the locals speak French but all signs are in English. I tried very hard but could not understand their French, though I understand written better than spoken French. It is easier to understand French Quebecois than French Seychellois.
I used to travel with my elderly windowed mother. Most hotels, cruise and air lines we frequented noted this. I appreciated this greatly. Was not happy when people assumed were a married couple.
The fact that you are posting this story AS YOU STAY AT THE PROPERTY tells me you are trying to get Marriott's attention. You don't think someone from corporate is going to contact you now or contact the hotel and get them to make you feel even more special? The BIGGEST problem this blog has had historically has been either ADVANCE NOTICE of stays and flights or in-flight blogging of stays and flights. I bet every major airline and hotel chain has you flagged.
@ FNT Delta Diamond -- I posted this right before checkout on a Sunday for a reason (because I don't want/need Marriott's attention).
Hey boys and girls.
A married couple is still statistically the norm. Anything else is significantly not the norm.
It is not homophobic for management to advise the staff when a non-normal couple is staying in the room purely to prevent any embarrassing moments.
End of story. No need for drama.
@ Azamaraal -- While I don't think the comment was homophobic, I have a newsflash... I'm gay AND married!
Once my friend saw his notes in a luxury hotel. It said:
"Caution, easily provokable guest. VIP. Do as guest says".
He took a pic of it and shared it with me. I laughed so hard!
Looks like the hotel management was trying to help their staff by letting them know that a) they had particularly demanding guests and so they needed to focus to avoid poor service rating for the hotel and b) to be aware and particularly careful in handling refuse, bedding, etc.
The note was not meant for you as a guest and you got more than you bargained for in snooping around.
I find it deeply concerning -- horrifying, even -- that someone believes it's okay to use the word "picky" in a French sentence. One hopes they have already been reported to the Academy and will shortly be stripped of their citizenship.
Thanks to Lucky for uncovering this terrible anti-Francophone crime.
This seems to make sense. Let's say they don't know you're a blogger, which is naive by the way. You are taking tons of pictures, taking tons of notes, and even if you don't interact with the staff a ton (eg asking questions) it's still likely more than most people do so they want the staff to have a heads up. As for the two men, I would say if the staff are in a...
This seems to make sense. Let's say they don't know you're a blogger, which is naive by the way. You are taking tons of pictures, taking tons of notes, and even if you don't interact with the staff a ton (eg asking questions) it's still likely more than most people do so they want the staff to have a heads up. As for the two men, I would say if the staff are in a religious area, or are known to have expectations of what two people would share a room I'd think that note would be helpful so you don't see any looks of surprise or 'oh' type expressions. It seems polite by saying gentlemen (vs two men). The caution seems a bit harsh but again, if it's because they know they staff are very religious it may be the most accurate word to use.
Reinforces the impression that, as a blogger, you get better service than us mere mortals.
I agree with the previous translation comments that the French "attention" in this sense is more like the English "note". In addition, "aime" can mean either "like" or "love"
Don’t forget these islands in the Pacific are culturally very traditional and socially conservative. Of course there is homosexuality but officially it is frowned upon just like abortion. I wouldn’t be surprised if the notation was there so the housekeeper knows and can be prepared as she may have social and moral objections to two men sharing a bed. Just a thought. We forget that in many parts of the world it is still taboo,...
Don’t forget these islands in the Pacific are culturally very traditional and socially conservative. Of course there is homosexuality but officially it is frowned upon just like abortion. I wouldn’t be surprised if the notation was there so the housekeeper knows and can be prepared as she may have social and moral objections to two men sharing a bed. Just a thought. We forget that in many parts of the world it is still taboo, no different than an unmarried man and unmarried woman sharing a room would have been taboo 35 or 50 years ago in the United States.
Nothing wrong with being labeled as “Tres, Tres Picky.” I would wear that label with honor. A whole lot worse to be the “any old thing will do” person. Just this morning I told a flooring contractor who will be doing work in my home that I was “very particular,” and that he needed to send his “A” team installers. I make no apologies for expecting the best work and product especially when I’m paying...
Nothing wrong with being labeled as “Tres, Tres Picky.” I would wear that label with honor. A whole lot worse to be the “any old thing will do” person. Just this morning I told a flooring contractor who will be doing work in my home that I was “very particular,” and that he needed to send his “A” team installers. I make no apologies for expecting the best work and product especially when I’m paying full price.
As for the comment of two gentlemen, I wouldn’t infer anything beyond the purpose of providing the correct amenities. I sometimes take my (adult) Niece on business trips and all the special girl products along with smaller bathrobes and slippers are left in our room.
Could it mean something as simple as: "don't worry about stocking the sanitary disposal bags in the bathroom but double up on the razors?"
I completely agree with Bill n DC. I've been an out and proud gay guy (also in DC) for forty years. And I thought the "two gentlemen" comment was rather thoughtful. There was nothing homophobic about the note; it was just a way of customizing service to anticipate the needs of these specific guests.
"Accidentally" read a note? How do you "accidentally" read something? Doesn't reading require a conscious decision?
@ Ethan -- Fair enough, maybe not well phrased. The point was accidentally stumbling upon it. In other words, not going through the room snooping, but rather just seeing it sitting there next to one of your belongings. Finding it isn't a conscious decision, but reading it is.
Ehhhhh, don't count on Google Translate to translate nuance.
Unless there are children or special needs
rooms should be made up as 1,2 persons Party of 2 etc or however many occupants allowed or requested IMHO
And serviced appropriately to reasonable standards
As a male I don't expect that they will take away amenities in the bathroom or add based on someone being male or female
My two cents :)
It's hard to know what to make of the "attention 2 messieurs" comment. If the writer had used the feminine French form tatillonne, the comment could have been homophobic. Certainly, that comment could imply "beware, demanding gay men." (As a gay man, I am not offended by that.) French Polynesia is not a homophobic place and is very comfortable with same-sex couples and even with gender fluidity. There are a lot of rae-rae (men living...
It's hard to know what to make of the "attention 2 messieurs" comment. If the writer had used the feminine French form tatillonne, the comment could have been homophobic. Certainly, that comment could imply "beware, demanding gay men." (As a gay man, I am not offended by that.) French Polynesia is not a homophobic place and is very comfortable with same-sex couples and even with gender fluidity. There are a lot of rae-rae (men living as women) and mahu (in the middle) working in the hotel industry there.
Most resorts patronized by honeymooners (including all resorts in French Polynesia) assume that guests will be heterosexual. I think it's an issue with much of the world's hotel industry more generally, and I find it tiresome. I don't think it's a bad thing for hotel staff to be reminded that the occupants of some rooms might be male couples. For housekeeping, this means that there should be two full-size robes for men, two sets of larger slippers for men, and no note for "M. and Mme. Schlappig." Even hotels that market their gay-friendliness (I'm looking at you, Belmond and Starriott brands like W) consistently get this wrong.
My husband and I (two men) were called “Mr and Mrs” in a thank you / happy anniversary / weather report card left in our room for arrival the very first night we stayed at a Ritz Carlton in Arizona for the first time. The next day, a new card had been placed in the room addressed to two “Mr.” guests. In every Ritz Carlton and Marriott property we’ve stayed at since, it’s been clear...
My husband and I (two men) were called “Mr and Mrs” in a thank you / happy anniversary / weather report card left in our room for arrival the very first night we stayed at a Ritz Carlton in Arizona for the first time. The next day, a new card had been placed in the room addressed to two “Mr.” guests. In every Ritz Carlton and Marriott property we’ve stayed at since, it’s been clear (either through written cards or other treatments) that the hotel is aware that we’re two men. And we’ve never received any negative treatment from staff at any Marriott hotel because of it. So no, I wouldn’t mind at all if they keep a clear note in our file for staff to be aware that we’re two men. The reality is that two men traveling together, sharing a bed, and partaking in “couples” activities like weekend dinners together, spa visits, excursions, etc is going to be a relatively rare thing in some parts of the world, and I’m much happier for the hotel to be aware of us, and make sure their staff are accommodating and welcoming up front, than to surprise anyone (which in my experience is a recipe for a negative reaction).
@lucky
Having done the "travel to places where English isn't the native tongue" thing, I have a rule that has served me well... unless you have good reason to believe otherwise, just assume that some potential linguistic offense can be chalked up to translation error or some other incomplete grasp of the English language. This is doubly true when using a translation program.
I speak some German, and try to use it when possible. But...
@lucky
Having done the "travel to places where English isn't the native tongue" thing, I have a rule that has served me well... unless you have good reason to believe otherwise, just assume that some potential linguistic offense can be chalked up to translation error or some other incomplete grasp of the English language. This is doubly true when using a translation program.
I speak some German, and try to use it when possible. But god forbid I accidentally say something during polite conversation that someone takes as an offense.
Omg guys, relax regarding the two gentleman comments. It is a necessary information for housekeeping and currently it is only you guys interpreting something sexual into it.
It is helpful to place two bigger sized bathrobes in the room, instead of one smaller as it is usually done. Sometimes they have different sized slippers, nothing worse then to use small sized slippers. In some hotels I got everyday a small present that was gender specific,...
Omg guys, relax regarding the two gentleman comments. It is a necessary information for housekeeping and currently it is only you guys interpreting something sexual into it.
It is helpful to place two bigger sized bathrobes in the room, instead of one smaller as it is usually done. Sometimes they have different sized slippers, nothing worse then to use small sized slippers. In some hotels I got everyday a small present that was gender specific, so here again the info makes sense. Maybe even the minibar is stocked differently. There are thousand reasons that are good to know that two men are in this room.
I am gay myself but we pls need to stop making everything about it, it just says "two gentleman". There is no word of a couple.
I have enough friends who work in the hotel business and believe me the staff does not need a comment to know who is just friends sharing a room and who is a couple. They see rooms being used everyday, they see a lot of people entering and leaving the hotel, people behaving and so on....
You are so full of yourself.
I would love to be know as the picky customer to avoid the endless requests for the better room at check in. I am of the opinion the hotel will assign the customer the worst room the customer will accept without complaining.
I bet there's bigger uproar if they note 2 gay people when they see 2 guys in a room. Maybe law suits following.
I am French (and gay) and the translation is not great indeed as others posted. The part about 2 men is probably not offensive but just a note maybe for amenities and whatnot. However the other part about being picky almost certainly means they know you are a blogger. At this point, I would very highly doubt that all the major chains don't have you and other "famous" bloggers flagged - that's why I've always...
I am French (and gay) and the translation is not great indeed as others posted. The part about 2 men is probably not offensive but just a note maybe for amenities and whatnot. However the other part about being picky almost certainly means they know you are a blogger. At this point, I would very highly doubt that all the major chains don't have you and other "famous" bloggers flagged - that's why I've always wondered why bloggers use their real identities online, very easy for any hotel or airline to track you.
No, never seen the notes before. I would not be offended by the two gentlemen comment. I think it's wise to let staff know so that staff does not make any presumptions or inadvertently make a comment that might be misconstrued.
By the way, I stayed at the lovely Four Seasons Bora Bora, which is very close to the St. Regis. Look forward to reading your review, so I can consider where to stay on my return visit.
They probably just read this post and will be taking action against the housekeeper. (wink emoji)
Two comments:
First, hopefully those notes weren't specifically for housekeeping. I like to think that the level of housekeeping service is standardized and not so much dependent on whether someone is picky or not.
Secondly, as a cis white English speaking male, I feel inclined to share my opinion on the French note. It seems incredibly practical;...
They probably just read this post and will be taking action against the housekeeper. (wink emoji)
Two comments:
First, hopefully those notes weren't specifically for housekeeping. I like to think that the level of housekeeping service is standardized and not so much dependent on whether someone is picky or not.
Secondly, as a cis white English speaking male, I feel inclined to share my opinion on the French note. It seems incredibly practical; nothing more, nothing less. A lot of folks have provided better examples above. But it seems that it might prevent even minor problems (some unacceptable by St. Regis standards, and especially for a picky, picky guest) like how Ford might be greeted at reception or be questioned while attempting to bill service items to "Msr. Schlappig's room".
I think with data protection you have the right to see whatever a hotel has on file about you anyway. It's not secret. Well certainly not here in europe anyway.
At the airline I work for we are able to make notes on an ipad for 'difficult' customers that the next crew can pick up. We have to be VERY careful how we word things though as every passenger has the right to see exactly what we have data wise about them.
It could be worse from a security standpoint. I had housekeeping at a Holiday Inn Express leave their guest information sheet in my room last year, and the information was not only stay related (status, special requests, etc.) but also contained home addresses and contact phone numbers.
As for targeted ads, there's always the explanation that they aren't as targeted as they intend to be. I'm a straight non-Jewish woman living in North America...
It could be worse from a security standpoint. I had housekeeping at a Holiday Inn Express leave their guest information sheet in my room last year, and the information was not only stay related (status, special requests, etc.) but also contained home addresses and contact phone numbers.
As for targeted ads, there's always the explanation that they aren't as targeted as they intend to be. I'm a straight non-Jewish woman living in North America who has, to my amusement, gotten lots and lots of internet ads for what appears to be a beach resort for gay men in Tel Aviv in the last few weeks.
Is it an amazing hotel? Staying there in a few weeks and very excited. I’d take the picky thing as a compliment.
Tahitian. Oops.
@Me, Tahition French is different to Cosmopolitan French (France French)
“Attention clients très picky” isn’t French...
I actually read the 2 gentleman comment a bit differently.
After reading the comments, I do see how some people might mean it in a malicious homophobic way...and that YOUR safety could be at risk.
But I read it as caution to the housekeeping for *their* safety. In certain countries, it might be a warning to the female staff to not speak to male customers. Or not to clean their rooms at certain times....
I actually read the 2 gentleman comment a bit differently.
After reading the comments, I do see how some people might mean it in a malicious homophobic way...and that YOUR safety could be at risk.
But I read it as caution to the housekeeping for *their* safety. In certain countries, it might be a warning to the female staff to not speak to male customers. Or not to clean their rooms at certain times. Or to keep the doors unlocked and open.
I hate to say this but sometimes we learn about employees or travellers being attacked in rooms. Maybe it is just meant as a precaution..."hey, tiny not-so-strong woman might be overtaken and assaulted by two more powerful males. Pay attention!" And yes, there is so much sexism in that statement that it made me sad to write it.
Let's face it: in some places, unmarried women alone with men...even in a work environment...it doesn't end well for women. It sucks, but it happens.
I am happy that you wrote this particular blog entry. It is good to look at one statement in various ways...because we never know how another person might interpret it.
BTW, if being very, very picky means...clean and safe rooms free of bedbugs...then I must be a very, very picky person too!
if it were to prevent female products being placed in the room, they would have put something along the lines of: ne placez pas de produits féminins dans la chambre.
Attention deux hommes is clearly offensive. They would not put attention un couple marié
<> reminds me of Veep! https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/55e2c2c7-a0e3-4374-befd-53c38028b02b
Hey, I’m Out! Not going back. I like the two gentlemen comment ❤️. Wonder if it’s equal? Two ladies?? .
It’s important to be OUT. Also now I referred to my ‘partner’ of 40 years as my Husband (10 years) :-)
Since I don’t travel as much, I’m not expecting hotels have a file on me, but at least can they (looking you @Hilton) maintain my requests on arrival and special request comments...
Hey, I’m Out! Not going back. I like the two gentlemen comment ❤️. Wonder if it’s equal? Two ladies?? .
It’s important to be OUT. Also now I referred to my ‘partner’ of 40 years as my Husband (10 years) :-)
Since I don’t travel as much, I’m not expecting hotels have a file on me, but at least can they (looking you @Hilton) maintain my requests on arrival and special request comments on the reservation over multi days stay? I want extra towels, the 2 extra feather pillows, & extra coffee each day.
Safe landings, everyone
He’s in bora bora not the the US. Not all countries are as liberal. Coming from a gay man yes they probably wanted to make sure staff doesn’t say something like “and your wife” etc. I get more weirded out by those type of comments so this gay man doesn’t mind them putting a note in my file to notify staff there isn’t a women in my room. I find it amusing many of us Americans live y set our rock and expect other countries to follow our norms.
Did you think that SPG at this point wouldn't know that you are a blogger and make a note of it in your record to give you the best service possible? What this should really do is make you reconsider what preferential treatment you get and whether your reviews are really representative of what your readers could expect at these properties.
Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is a "difficult" patient, lol!
I worked in hotel management and the note about 2 gentlemen can help with assigning rooms such as 2 fishing buddies might not want to share a bed. It used to be a nightmare when we wouldn’t know if a couple was a couple, a mother and son or what. Nobody needs to get all offended - it’s just to make the guests’ stay perfect.
We are a gay couple often traveling with our 11 year-old son. Two years ago we were staying at the Four Seasons Koh Samui and I became friendly with one of the managers. I told him that at turndown, housekeeping was putting male slippers on one side and female slippers on the other. He was apologetic and appreciated the feedback. He said he was still working with staff to ensure that no assumptions were made...
We are a gay couple often traveling with our 11 year-old son. Two years ago we were staying at the Four Seasons Koh Samui and I became friendly with one of the managers. I told him that at turndown, housekeeping was putting male slippers on one side and female slippers on the other. He was apologetic and appreciated the feedback. He said he was still working with staff to ensure that no assumptions were made about a couple being a man and a woman. As others have said, I suspect the comment about you being two men was housekeeping's way of identifying you as a same-sex couple. I do not believe it was meant to be homophobic.
these personalized stuff can really put you on spot? How about a closeted guy? Essentially this note is outing the person to the hotel stuff without their consent. You can read how google ads and facebook ads out people by putting gay cruise ad while browsing. Today, while I was browsing, a gay cruise ad on the page (guess what, it was a travel review site) showed up. I never searched anything gay related on...
these personalized stuff can really put you on spot? How about a closeted guy? Essentially this note is outing the person to the hotel stuff without their consent. You can read how google ads and facebook ads out people by putting gay cruise ad while browsing. Today, while I was browsing, a gay cruise ad on the page (guess what, it was a travel review site) showed up. I never searched anything gay related on my work computer or when I am logged in my gmail or facebook but it seems like they (cookie mafias) use some sort of algorithm to tell you if you are gay. It was really disturbing given that I use an extra caution when it comes to web browsing. Now, I would freak out if I saw that note on my loyalty program just because time to time, I have had male visitors to my room but I am not out. Could you reach out to SPG/Marriott and clarify? I think you have the power to influence them and make them understand some of these personalized stuff can be really harmful. And how about putting these notes to hotels in countries where LGBT is not tolerated at all? I am sure SPG has chains there...
Given that I have traveled professionally and for pleasure for 30 years now, my notes must read like a novel. Over those 30 years my tastes and practices have changed significantly (I too used to drink Diet Coke but gave it up 10 years ago) which raises a different question; if these profiles aren’t maintained they could be worse than having no profile.....
If I was a housekeeper, I would make sure to use the toothbrush of a "tres tres picky" customer to clean the toilets :)
While I can understand the concern about the Caution, two gentlemen, my experience in Bora Bora (twice, first time about 15 years ago) was that French Polynesia was more healthy in having gay men as a normal part of their society without having them having to conform to what our Western expectations are.
Hopefully, you'll have a chance to get out and see for yourself.
Bad translation of the French. You do btw want housekeeping to pay attention if the hotel knows two men and zero women are staying in the room. For example, some hotels do provide products/amenities specifically targeted to females. One assumes you would not want those and therefore they would not want to cause you any potential offense as a VIP guest by placing those in the room.
And I concur "the bigger concern here...
Bad translation of the French. You do btw want housekeeping to pay attention if the hotel knows two men and zero women are staying in the room. For example, some hotels do provide products/amenities specifically targeted to females. One assumes you would not want those and therefore they would not want to cause you any potential offense as a VIP guest by placing those in the room.
And I concur "the bigger concern here is the fact you were potentially able to view other guest information"; but you are in faraway exotic Bora Bora and thus one shouldn't react (hopefully) as one might if this happened in e.g. Washington.
Let’s see
Translation
be sure to actually clean the room this time or he may pick it apart and post about it worldwide
Now the Two gentlemen comment that could potentially open a whole other can of worms
Why does sex even matter here?
If it was two female partners or a married couple would they indicate the sex of the occupants? Not so certain this is even remotely appropriate
Let’s see
Translation
be sure to actually clean the room this time or he may pick it apart and post about it worldwide
Now the Two gentlemen comment that could potentially open a whole other can of worms
Why does sex even matter here?
If it was two female partners or a married couple would they indicate the sex of the occupants? Not so certain this is even remotely appropriate
Could it be innocent as to not leave tampons? Or something more disturbing
I’ve heard that these regions especially Maldives have bias towards those of alternative lifestyle
But you have the actual first hand experience to know the real truths to a fair degree of the real reality out there after traveling to these regions
I’m 100% certain that the intent of the “2 gentlemen” note was to cater to you and not to marginalize you. I’m glad you see it the same, innocuous, way.
Lucky, do you think this post will get the housekeeper in trouble for leaving the sheet out for you to see?
My own read (and I happen to have lived in France too) is that the 'two guys' comment could be offensive or it could not. Hard to be sure, it is very short of course.
They sure think you are difficult though --- but that is not necessarily offensive ;)
Very picky in the sense you notice the details is a compliment.
You are a blogger... It's no secret that top end hotels look up their guest.
@Lucky - sounds like you caught glimpse of the housekeepers assignments or “board”. From working in hotels for years, and being responsible for housekeeping, to me the bigger concern here is the fact you were potentially able to view other guest information. Depending on how the hotel ran the report, this could include guest name and room number.
If that is the case, I would be more concerned about this then any notes on your Guest Profile.
Just my two cents.
@brad, do you speak French? I'm a gay guy and I speak French: I don't find this offensive in the least.
If written in English "Caution: two men" that would be problematic - but that's really not what's written here (even if that's how Google translates).
They may know you are a (possibly) influential blogger, and having staff treat you as if you're picky is a way to ensure a higher level of service.
@Bill, I was not being PC. As a gay man, it is offensive. Would the hotel put "warning: man and woman" in the info? No.
No one needs to know that it's two men sharing a room. No one needs to know that it's a man and woman sharing a room. It's none of the hotels' damn business.
@Bobs, I thought everyone knew that. He's a typical millenial princess.
Congrats - official confirmation that you’re an ass who makes hotels and airlines tip toe around you.
Came here to make the same comment as Mike L. “Attention” certainly can mean “caution”, but in this case it’s being used to introduce nuance instead. It means “attention” or “note” (as an imperative) in this context.
@cdd89, it is not a "lifestyle", you don't choose to be gay, anymore than you choose to be human.
Ben should definitely complain to corporate. If this was a muslim country, he would be in danger because of that comment.
I work at a small local owned hotel and put notes about our guests. I am always careful to keep the wording as positive as possible. Our code word for very, very, picky is "special guest" . if you accidentally read that, it would not be offensive.
Vous etes tres pointilleux
I would personally be concerned about the “two gentlemen” comment - although the person who wrote that note, and hotel management itself, might have the best of intentions and just want to offer you the best possible service, that can’t be said for the entire potential audience of that note. Unless you had specifically asked for that information to be propagated, it has no business being in a note that may be read by, for...
I would personally be concerned about the “two gentlemen” comment - although the person who wrote that note, and hotel management itself, might have the best of intentions and just want to offer you the best possible service, that can’t be said for the entire potential audience of that note. Unless you had specifically asked for that information to be propagated, it has no business being in a note that may be read by, for example, people serving you food or servicing your room who may take against your lifestyle. It is robbing you of your ability and right to keep a low profile and, depending on the locale, potentially putting you in danger.
Apologies if this is overdramatic; just my opinion.
"Attention" should probably be translated into Attention, not Caution. As Jeff said, probably not along the lines of a homophobic comment, but just letting them know there are two guys.
Housekeeping also tends to do a bunch of tidying. Knowing that all of the men's things don't necessarily belong together helps them. Of course, if someone was truly homaphobic within the staff it would be opening you up to some risk, but no more so than anyone who sees two men and one bed on the booking, or two men walking around holding hands. And yes, after 100 nights they would be very bad at...
Housekeeping also tends to do a bunch of tidying. Knowing that all of the men's things don't necessarily belong together helps them. Of course, if someone was truly homaphobic within the staff it would be opening you up to some risk, but no more so than anyone who sees two men and one bed on the booking, or two men walking around holding hands. And yes, after 100 nights they would be very bad at their job of they didn't know you were a blogger. The note is related to that, not complaints (I suspect).
My Hyatt profile must read something like this: guest prefers two hard boiled eggs for breakfast and do not stack minibar with alcoholic beverages. Oh, and that I hate grapes on my fruit platter
@Charles S @ Ah @ Brad—it is quite common for good hotels to keep a note that you may be a gay couple traveling together. Any assumption you are making that this is somehow homophobic is far more a projection on your part and has much more to do with you than it has to do with the private notation.
The “two gentlemen” notation would be useful so that staff know you are a...
@Charles S @ Ah @ Brad—it is quite common for good hotels to keep a note that you may be a gay couple traveling together. Any assumption you are making that this is somehow homophobic is far more a projection on your part and has much more to do with you than it has to do with the private notation.
The “two gentlemen” notation would be useful so that staff know you are a gay couple and not just two male friends. It would be useful for your bed assignment so you get the one king bed rather than two double beds. It would be useful for butler service to know there are two males to be unpacked or packed, since men’s shoes and clothing for most couples would obviously belong only to the husband and be packed appropriately. It would be useful for staff that don’t see many gay couples to know in advance so that they can accorded the same respect, even in cultures where that may be more challenging or where seeing openly gay couples isn’t so common.
I’m a gay married man, too. I travel the world, too. You’re being overly PC and a bit ridiculous. I’ve been treated extremely well as a gay man at all hotels, even in countries where that might not always be true in general for gay citizens.
I wouldn't read too too much into the 'attention'.
The notes are clearly written in a very brief form. While 'attention' in French can mean 'caution' or 'warning' it can also translate into something less strong.
For example, to "attirer l’attention" means to draw attention (to something).
The flip side of some of the comments made above is that the hotel wanted to ensure that the housekeepers were aware that you are a...
I wouldn't read too too much into the 'attention'.
The notes are clearly written in a very brief form. While 'attention' in French can mean 'caution' or 'warning' it can also translate into something less strong.
For example, to "attirer l’attention" means to draw attention (to something).
The flip side of some of the comments made above is that the hotel wanted to ensure that the housekeepers were aware that you are a gay couple travelling together and to ensure that nothing was inadvertently said (or there was not even a look of surprise) that would make either of you feel uncomfortable in the least. This is all the more possible given it appears they know you have this blog, so I very much doubt any negative intent here at all.
My Hyatt profile must read something like this: guest prefers two hard boiled eggs for breakfast and do not stack minibar with alcoholic beverages. Oh, and that I hate grapes on my fruit platter
I agree with Eric. Likely they know you are a blogger. Housekeeper may not realize what that means, but "very picky" conveys the message. The "attention: 2 gentlemen" may just be a note to let the staff know not to ask about "the misses"
homophobic too, "caution two gentlemen"
do they put "caution couple" on others' bookings?
How about the two gentlemen comment? Is there a special way they’re supposed to treat gay guests?
That is awesome Lucky! They are on to you and I love how you "caught" it :)
You are very picky, so they’re right
Maybe they knew you are a blogger....?
Lucky I am more surprised the two gentlemen thing didn’t bother you. It’s almost cautioning people that you are gay. Maybe I am reading too much into it but that’s how I take it. Why does the hotel need to know that?
@ Charles S @ Ah -- That's a great point, let me update the post to reflect why that didn't bother me (at all).