Effective Complaints

We travel to experience new and different cultures, sights, foods, accents, attitudes, styles, and much more. Adjusting to these changes is not always easy, and there's a tendency to complain when things are "not like we do it at home," instead of celebrating the variety in life.  Nevertheless, there are times when expectations are not met, and complaints are legitimate. Here are some suggested ways to get results:

1. Don't delay. If there's a problem with your room, i.e., no hot water, inadequate heat or AC, no bedside lighting, tell the innkeeper immediately, so the problem can be fixed or a new room assigned. Don’t just leave without giving the innkeeper a chance to fix it.
2. If the problem is not resolved prior to checkout, get the name of the owner, and address your typewritten letter or email directly to that person, not "to whom it may concern."
3. Don't use defamatory language or threaten to sue. This will only delay resolution of your problem. Innkeepers are unlikely to issue a gift certificate for a free night to a person with anger management problems, because they wouldn't want them to return to their inn.
4. Express your complaint clearly and succinctly, without rambling. Stick to facts, not opinions, as much as possible. Be reasonable and include the positive; appeal to the innkeepers' good nature.
5. Explain what you want the innkeeper to do to resolve your complaint, and be realistic. Innkeepers have a right to enforce their clearly stated cancellation policies. On the other hand, if you selected a given B&B for a summer-time stay because of its advertised air-conditioning, and the AC broke down, you can legitimately request a reduction in the price of your room.