Originally published September 6, 2012
In the previous entry, I chastised hotel and motel owners for not taking a certain pride in their establishments. At the same time, we have seen such rude behavior on the part of transitory tenants that makes us understand the proprietor’s point of view.
Case in point: In Hardin, MT there is a sign directly above the ice machine asking guests NOT to fill their personal coolers so that other guests might have ice. Yet, there was some dude filling his cooler and ignoring the sign. Earl refrained from chastising him, since he was bigger and had tattoos. But we understood the owner’s angst.
In Rapid City, SD Earl – who frequents the breakfast buffet without me– saw a woman fill two large thermoses with decaf coffee, draining the pots for anyone else.
And in Sioux Fall, SD Earl rose early. He went to the breakfast buffet a little after 6 AM to find a large woman with a gallon-sized plastic zipper bag emptying the cereal containers into it. Next, she went to the French toast warmer and helped herself to eight to ten pieces which she wrapped in a napkin. Then she left.
I don’t want to judge. Perhaps these people can’t afford to pay for the provisions they take. However, this type of behavior just increases the price of a night’s stay in the particular establishment. And it does make me realize that perhaps the proprietor doesn’t change lightbulbs or fix drains because he can’t afford it. Or worse yet, he’s getting back at his customers.
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