NEGOTIATING A ROOM UPGRADE: POUTING VS. PATIENCE

The Dean's left yesterday morning a final family photo to commemorate the first "surprise" ParkFest. Updates on any good kite-flying weather in Bequia will be immensely appreciated (their next stop). Beware the lesson I now learn is long one.

LESSON NINE: Don't worry about booking in advance. The room you want is still available if you can tolerate the uncertainty. That's the hardest part.

After one last dip in the Marigot Bay pool, the shuttle from The Landings came and got us and took us to Rodney Bay (Who are these people who get tropical bays named after them?!). The check-in resulted in a tip for travelers everywhere. I booked the room just a day before arrival - remember we are trying NOT to plan - and was repeatedly told there are no beach view rooms available. Well, harborview did not sound dismal, so, as my other three companions will tell you, I reluctantly reserved...but not before requesting a room in a quiet location. The blogs (ya gotta love 'em) all said the only downside at this resort was ongoing construction of Phase III of their waterfront development.

The room was beautifully appointed, a complete condo. And the harbor is very, um, pretty, as you can see. But look carefully in the distance and you'll see condo construction in the background. The view of famous Pidgeon Island, home of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival and a historic monument, is obstructed by shells of more condos under construction. They could be overlooked, but the undeniable fact is that we are in the Caribbean and we could be just about anywhere with a palm tree. Still not bad, but I was nagged with the question, "Could this be better?" Since we had checked in around 1:30 p.m., there was still time to find out without losing prime beach time.

Here's what you do. Go back to the front desk. Always find the person with the most attentive expression. This is best seen in the eyes. Get their name and use it. Comment on the loveliness of the property and then reverse course.
"Kent, good afternoon. The Landings is just about the most beautiful place we have ever stayed and the room is absolutely gorgeous. But there is something that is very disappointing."
Always say "disappointing". Not "outrageous" or "infuriating", save "disturbing" for emergencies. No, "disappointing" is perfect.
"We had been told we had reserved a quiet room."
"What seems to be the problem?", Kent asks, concerned.
"Well, there's constuction in the distance, but the real disapointment is the backhoe running constantly in the vacant lot behind us. We'd like to see about upgrading to a beachview room. Can you see what's available?"
He checks. I've been relaxing, but also doing my research. The difference in price is huge. Kent, however, seems pleased.
"We do have two two-bedroom suites on the beach for an additional upcharge." I wonder, but not out loud, how they could suddenly have rooms that weren't available yesterday. But the additional cost while more attractive than advertised online, is still out of the question.
"May I see them before I commit to a change?"
"Of course." Kent arranges for a bellhop to accompany me. But, before we hop in the cart, I take Kent aside.
"I'm operating on a budget and I'd like to try to swing this. (And this is the critical phrasing) Could you ASK YOUR MANAGER if you can do any better on the price?" He assures me he will. What hurt will it do to get him to ask? If ask Kent, he'll have to say no. It's the "best available rate". But the manager. Well, managers don't want disappointed guests.
I settle on the room you see above, the one we eventually move to around 4:30 p.m. When I come back to confirm the change with Kent, I am fully prepared to stay in the original room and be happy, although somewhat "disappointed." Kent greets me cheerfully,
"The manager would like to offer you the upgrade for half the previous price." Secretly, I was hoping for a free upgrade, of course. But this offer is still too good to pass up...steps to the beach, waves lapping outside the balcony rather than heavy equipment operating, and a view of the sea all the way to the city lights. Even the furniture looks better. We'll take it.

And while we wait to be transferred I join Debra, toes in the sand, where she's been quietly reading her novel the whole time.