As a frequent business traveler, I have stayed at nearly every Van der Valk hotel in the Netherlands and have consistently experienced exceptional service and hospitality. The process for obtaining an invoice is usually straightforward and seamless across all locations. Typically, I provide my company details upon check-in, settle the bill, and in the morning, simply return my key and collect the invoice. However, during a recent stay, I encountered a less than satisfactory experience at the front desk. After a long but productive day, I attempted to hand over my business card and requested an invoice with my company information to streamline the process for the following morning. Unfortunately, the staff member was dismissive, returning my card with little explanation and informing me I would need to resolve it in the morning. Despite my familiarity with the procedure, the staff member seemed unwilling to assist.
The following morning, I encountered similar resistance when requesting my invoice. While I understand everyone can have an off day, the lack of professionalism was disappointing. Politeness, especially when a guest is being courteous, should be a standard. When a guest greets you kindly and makes an effort to brighten your day, a simple goodbye would have gone a long way.
I hope the younger members of the staff can benefit from the guidance of their more experienced colleagues to ensure that future interactions are more aligned with the high standards.