I had been travelling recently to the state capital and since I didn't want to bother any of my family or friend with a bin bulaya atithi, thought of checking in a hotel..and bingo...booked a so called executive double bed in one of the NAAMI hotels in the capital city (don't want to name it since the welcome gate proclaimed that it had been inaugurated by a big shot politico). The stay was event full:
Me and my colleague had a early morning train which was fortunately on time which made us drop in front of the hotel gate a around 4.45 am!!!...after almost a fifteen minute fight with the gate ad nearby sleeping dogs, a angry looking guard opened the gate, his eyes made me feel as if i should apologize right away for breaking his slumber.Nevertheless he guided us to the reception counter where obviously no one was there welcoming us, (not that i was expecting a garland and tilak).After about fifteen minutes a gentle man in his night suit came and asked us about our reason being here. After the necessary paperwork, he handed over the keys to us.
I noticed there were two bunches, upon inquiring he calmly said "Dada first check-in in room number 301, if you feel that's OK stay in or pack your luggage and get in 305". I was taken aback but being a bit sleepy i wasn't in a mood to react. As expected both the rooms were stinking with showers not working.Still thought of taking a nap in 305. Buzzzzzzzz....suddenly after two hours an announcement - "Sir apuna lukok 405 shift karibo lagibo" (Sir we need to change your room to 405). I mean still you expect the guests to act sober and courteous???? A rude waiter then comes and tells me sir if you want your breakfast, be there at 9:30 and remember its chargeable...Kick your ass you idiot even my mom doesn't order me like that.
Similar kind of treatment awaited me in one of the branch of a leading pizza chain..After paying the bill when asked for a table, he acted as if i had asked his intestines...Asked chilli flakes and origano..i was shown the desk from where i am supposed to pick them up!!!!
the point I want to make is " Guys no matter how much soever we advertise "North east- The paradise unexplored", we need to raise the standards of the service staffs, hotels and the way we treat guests in Hotels only then shall a tourist be yearning to come back and stay with us!!! Time we realize that customers pay for the stay and even dharmshalas who don't charge treat the guest better. Time we realize that a happy customer can be the best advertisement. Time we realize customers today have options!! and the time when we realize that the whole world is innovating to better standards atleast stay abreast with the new developments!!!
A log way to go and prove the fact right that "Assam can be the best place when it comes to be hospitable"
-A dissatisfied customer of a supposedly good HOTEL.
