We stayed at the Hotel Monaco, one of our favorite San Francisco places, in March 2011 during the St Patrick’s Day week. While there, my sister entrusted me with a family ring to bring home for my son’s wife. We deposited the ring in our room safe, room 704 – and promptly forgot about it. Only after we’d returned home to Vancouver for a day or so did I remember the ring.
Horrors! It was my job to take care of it and now I had to find some way to retrieve it.
The celebratory weekend was just beginning; I knew the staff would be busy. Nevertheless, I called and tried to explain my dilemma. I was suspicious when I was transferred to Housekeeping, but I did understand that no one could search the room safe when the room was occupied. I tried to give a full description of the ring and box and continued calling each day.
Jackie and Tony of the Housekeeping staff, as well as the manager Kristin, were unfailingly courteous. I realized I was calling in an especially busy time, but I continued calling and the staff soon recognized my voice and my mission. Days later, to my delight, they found the ring – and quickly and efficiently arranged to send it to me. It arrived by Fedex in good condition in no time, even though it would have to go through customs at the border.
I am enormously grateful for this service and for the staff’s consideration. The ring is safely with its new owner and I am content.
