Guest User
March 3, 2024
This weekend should have been a memorable celebration for my girlfriend, Terris, marking her 50th birthday in Columbus, Ohio. Instead, our stay at the Hampton Inn on 4017 Jackpot Road, Grove City, was overshadowed by an incident that compels us to call for immediate action and introspection from the hotel management. Upon returning to the hotel around 1 AM, ahead of our group, we were confronted with a situation that was both unexpected and unwarranted. The front desk attendant, LeAnne, informed us of the hotel's check-in policy, which necessitated Terris's son's presence. We acknowledged the policy and explained that her son was indeed on his way to the hotel to comply with this requirement. However, LeAnne refused to believe us, treating us as if we were deceitful and had just arrived without any intention of adhering to the policy. Despite our efforts to accommodate her concerns and find a resolution, LeAnne's demeanor remained confrontational and dismissive. Terris, seeking to de-escalate the situation, proposed a simple solution: transferring the booking from her son's name to hers. Yet, instead of engaging with this proposal, LeAnne escalated the situation by calling the police—a reaction that was both disproportionate and deeply troubling. The involvement of the police only compounded the distress of the situation, with LeAnne making baseless accusations against Terris. This experience highlights a significant failure in customer service, raising concerns about the consistency and application of hotel policies, as well as the professional conduct of its staff. We share this account not in search of retribution but to advocate for meaningful change and accountability. The incident at the Hampton Inn in Grove City is a stark reminder of the need for clear, fair policies and the importance of treating all guests with respect and dignity. It is unacceptable for guests to be met with suspicion and hostility, particularly when they are actively trying to comply with hotel requirements. Our call to action is for the Hampton Inn and its leadership to address this incident head-on, to reevaluate their training programs, and to ensure their staff is equipped to handle situations with professionalism and empathy. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, without having to prove their honesty or intentions. We urge our community and allies to join us in seeking not just justice for Terris but also systemic improvements that foster a welcoming and discrimination-free environment for all guests. #JusticeForTerris #RespectInHospitality #EndRacialBias