Reservations For Handcuffs

When our company was extremely busy, professionals traveled around the globe on multiple engagements. Occasionally if more than one person was traveling, the hotel reservations were made by one person for the entire group. In most cases that would work beautifully and I was always grateful to have those staff members handle that part of the travel arrangements. For one matter, an MD made reservations at a hotel in New York for three people (himself and two others). All members of the team arrived at the hotel late due to flight delays. The first member stepped up to the counter to check in and was told that he did not have a reservation. Being upset at the idea that he seemingly did not have a room, he threw his briefcase across the counter in frustration and began to curse the hotel clerk. Before the other staff member was called to the counter, Security had been notified of the irrational behavior and came to the lobby with their hands on their gun holsters. The other staff members were able to deescalate the situation by informing the hotel clerk that the reservations were all in his name for each of the three separate rooms. The manager did indeed have a reservation, but the staff member put them all under his name since his credit card was guaranteeing the rooms. It was sorted out and everyone had a room that night, but not before a scene was caused with the temper tantrum.