In a message dated 99-04-05 15:45:12 EDT, don at lexmark.com writes:
<<Reservation: 800-228-9290
Hewlett-Packard rate 169.00 / night>>
I was unable to make a reservation either by calling the 800 number or
long-distance direct to the hotel. The staff at the hotel was singularly
unhelpful and told me I couldn't book directly with them,
I think the PWG should revisit its policy of providing all of its business to
Marriott on an exclusive basis. As far as I understand it, this is so some
participants can amass "frequent stay" bonuses with a single vendor. I have
not been impressed with Marriott service, particularly their unwillingness to
accommodate special needs of the PWG. Additionally, difficulties making
reservations with Marriott are not an isolated occurrence.
I think meeting hotels should be picked on a rational, business-like basis
that includes price and service as key determinants in their selection. I
don't think it is wise to blindly give all of the PWG business to one vendor
without investigating other possibilities.
Peter Johansson
Congruent Software, Inc.
98 Colorado Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 527-3926
(510) 527-3856 FAX
pjohansson at aol.com