Fashion Week

It's Fashion Week in New York this week, and the place where they set up the tents where the people walk around and stuff, Bryant Park, is only a few blocks from the Hotel. So I was hoping that there'd be a lot of really beautiful models staying at the hotel who might fall in love with me. because if there's anything models appreciate, it's a good value. But we must not be publicizing our discount enough or something, because, sadly, there are no models staying at the hotel this week. (Update: One model came into the hotel today, but she was ugly. She was stupid, though).

There are a number of journalists, however, which is almost as good. Most of them are really nice. There's one guy, he covers fashion for The Pittsburgh Gazette, I believe, who has been staying here for years. Really smooth, snappy dresser, but also really nice and easy-going.

Sometimes, though, especially when they've been flying for the better part of a day, people, particularly writers, can feel a little entitled.

Two older women, mid-fifties probably, with bronzed, rough-hewn skin, came into the hotel in the early evening, after we had already given most of our rooms away. As they're heading to the elevator, after we've checked them in, one of them casually asks with slight concern, "It is a good room?"

Now, normally as a front desk attendant, it's understood that you're supposed to be as sunny and promotional as possible. But sometimes, out of apathy or torpor or sheer loopiness, you don't feel the need to answer with anything other than honest nonchalance.

"It's an OK room," said GWNTSLACD with a shrug.

"Just OK??" one of the women frowned with some outrage.

"Yeah, you know, not the best, but clean, a good-sized room."

"We reserved this room three weeks ago!"
(People say something like this all the time when they're not satisfied with their room. #1: I would say that the appropriate time to reserve a hotel room is about three months in advance; in New York, probably four. #2: We really don't care when you reserved the room. I mean, obviously I don't care, but it's really much more important how early in the day a guest arrives)

"Well, I hope you enjoy your room! Good night!"

"But...," sputters the woman, "but we are journalists!"



p.s. About ten minutes later, GWNTSLACD turns to me and says, "I wish I had told them, 'Yes...and we are front desk attendants. Nice to meet you!'"