Comments on: An apology from the Farpoint Committee

By: Ronny

Ronny — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:38:38 +0000

If you mean you will not be going to the Hunt valley Marriott Hotel by saying (Removing from the Proposal for 2009). Then I am behind you 100%. I do not agree that a person should be forced to sign a form telling them about the hotels rules only if that person or group of persons are attending a convention. I hope that the Shore Leave committee follows suit.
See you at Shore Leave 09

By: svanblarcom

svanblarcom — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:28:03 +0000

I just wanted to follow up everyone’s comments with news that will close out this thread.

We have several discussions with Hunt Valley Inn management after the convention on this (and other) topics, especially as we were in negotiations with the hotel for a potential 2009 contract (see my next post for why I say potential).

After much discussion on this issue, the hotel apologized for their incorrect use of this form, which they agreed was not a real damage waiver as the general public understands it to be. This provision was then removed from the proposal Hunt Valley Inn offered to Farpoint for our 2009 event.

By: Julia

Julia — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:16:58 +0000

Sorry for the delay in posting…jsut wanted to say that I was asked to sign the form, but it was not a problem for me. As I can directly from work and looked very “working world” I didn’t feel that I was being singled out in any way as a sci fi fan. They simply asked if I was coming to the convetion, I said yes and signed the form, AND they gave me the con rate for the second night, even though I’d added it at the VERY last minute and far past the deadline. I certainly don’t fault the committee in any way, nor the hotel.

By: D

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:48:53 +0000

Hey, I just realized something. Why isn’t there a link to the FarPoint Yahoo! Group on the main site or this blog? I know a lot of people were commenting on the various situations there.
Also I think you guys need to repost Steve Wilson’s message here from his meeting with the HVI general manager.
All controversies aside, I had a blast for the second year in the row. Bring on the BSGs and BDHs!

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:48:59 +0000

I just wanted to provide some information. I work for Marriott International. I work in payroll so I have no control over what happened. I wish I could do something.
While the address given is the correct address for Marriott International, the odds of any mail getting to the correct person are not good.

The best thing to do is call Guest Services at 800-831-0224.
Or you can send an e-mail. Here is the link:
https://www.marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi

While this is a franchise hotel, all franchisees must adhere to the level of service that Marriott stands for.

Thank you,
Annie

By: Hutch

Hutch — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:54:37 +0000

I am only bothered by policies that single out individuals and do not apply to everyone. On the other hand, because of this new rule I met the most wonderful group of loud, like minded, libation lovers.

So although I disagree with how the rule was unevenly applied, the result of its application was most enjoyable.

I still look forward to seeing double of everyone next time!

By: Jeff Linder

Jeff Linder — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:39:27 +0000

Honestly, it didn’t bother me that much. I asked about it at the desk, and they indicated there had been a few issues at a prior event (not sure if this was a Shore Leave, Balticon, or Farpoint) and they wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the hotel policies.

I actually find it more disturbing that they for some reason exempted the committee and it turned out to be more random than not.

It’s a shame too, because this was the first event there in a while where I thought the hotel staff was pretty darn good.

By: Little Red

Little Red — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:01:55 +0000

I was asked to read and sign such a statement when I checked in Friday afternoon while my roommate was not. I don’t why that was.

By: Caren

Caren — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:02:41 +0000

Will have to check with the others in my room to see if they were asked to sign anything. I had booked the room in my name with my credit card, and then called in on Thursday to let them know that another roommate would be checking in first, but the room and incidentals would still be on my card (which has never been a problem with any other hotel, since they already have the card #). The person I talked to then said it was fine, and they would just swipe my card when I checked in later. Instead, when she checked in, they actually deleted my name from the reservation, and then demanded that she pay the room fee up front with cash and her debit card, which resulted in a hold on her debit card that will last into midweek. A second desk clerk got her cash back after I arrived and confirmed that the first clerk had just ignored the note on the reservation but they couldn’t reverse the hold. I don’t know however whether this happened because they were changing policies for con guests, or whether it was just an inexperienced or confused front desk clerk.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:59:10 +0000

Just wanted to chime in real quick on my stay this weekend. I had the exact opposite experience. Not only did I not get asked to sign any such form, this was the first time they didn’t request to see my credit card along with my ID when checking in. I thought that was odd as I only stay there for the Farpoint and Shore Leave, but didn’t push the point.

Sorry if some people were asked to do anything beyond what they should, but curious as to how many people actually had too.