We Don't Have Room for You

WHAT?!?!

To rehash what happened last night:

I called all the hotels we're staying in during our road trip to ask how many beds we're getting, check that it's a non-smoking room, and reserve a crib. I start at the bottom of the list. First hotel, it's all good. Same with the second, so I think I'm on a pretty good roll. Third hotel, they say they don't have any cribs. WHAT?!?!

Apparently the hotel was sued about 10 years ago about a crib that didn't work properly, and ever since, they won't use cribs of any kind. I tell the desk clerk it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, and we actually have to bring a crib for ONE NIGHT for a 12 day road trip. Unbelievable. She says she can't do anything about-- well, of course not. (However, we have a very small portable play yard that folds down to nothing, so we're going to use it for the baby). Okay, we can make it work for one night. I take a deep breath and resume calling.

Fourth and fifth hotels are all good (and yes, everyone has a crib except the one in Tennessee which I won't mention). I call the last hotel. I ask if the room is non-smoking, and they say no, it's a smoking. I tell them that will not do at all, we have young children, exposure to second-hand smoke, etc. They say they have nothing left because there's a baseball tournament and a Junior Miss pageant going on the same weekend in their little town. I've always had this thing against pageants, so now I dislike them even more.

David decides to call Hotwire since we booked the room through them. (He is the type of consumer who will not stand for poor customer service). In a nutshell, Hotwire refuses to refund our money or help us find a room with another hotel. I can only imagine the letter David will be writing to Hotwire once we're back from our trip. I realize they can't guarantee a non-smoking room when you make a reservation, but when over two-thirds of the general public doesn't smoke, it's ridiculous to not at least refund our money or offer us some kind of compensation.

This morning, David tries one more tactic. It's one of those moments I know why I love my husband... this handsome, incredible smart, wonderful man of mine. He calls the hotel directly, and asks if there is ANYTHING available in non-smoking. A very nice woman says yes, there's a single king room. So David offers to pay the difference (between that and the room we had reserved with 2 double beds) and Bridget says sure, not a problem at all. We'll have to bring sleeping bags for all the kids, but that's fine-- they love doing that anyway. We are able to reserve a crib as well. Problem solved. David even had us on a 3-way conference call so I could listen and talk too. I'm telling you, I'm the one who "married up."

I am about done packing, except for the food and snacks we want to take along. I've deliberately saved that for last, because I know when the kids see it all, they'll start clammoring for the oatmeal cream pies, cookies, and other delectable fare (a.k.a. "junk food") that Mommy doesn't usually buy for regular consumption. I do try to be a good Mom every once in a while :-).

Yesterday I found a prayer to St. Christopher (patron saint of travelers) and put a copy into my bag so we could say it every morning on the road. At the very least, I'm praying I let "Jesus Take the Wheel." And I'll be saying many, many prayers to the Blessed Mother to help me stay calm on this trip!