Singaporean Encountered in KL Hotel

Alright, I told myself to blog this down before I sleep. I had to share with you just how irritating some of our fellow countrymen are. No offence to the rest.

I arrived at the KL Hilton at 9pm yesterday and the check-in reception was really jam packed with people. There were 2 different lanes, 1 was for Hilton Honors members and 1 was for the rest. Being a Hilton Honors member myself, I could have queued at the lane meant for members (FYI - Hilton Honors is a loyalty card scheme where you get free upgrades, priority check-ins and other priviledges if you're Gold or Diamond status), but the queue was faster at the non-members lane so I decided to wait there instead. I was the next in line when there was this lady in her 40s who cut into my lane, she was queueing at the members lane but stood infront of me. The reception guy knowing she might be a Hilton Honors member gave her priority instead of serving me.

Well I was too tired to bother so I waited for my turn and was called shortly after by another reception staff for my check-in. Standing near this lady, I could hear her conversation with the reception staff very clearly. Here goes my memory of the conversation:-

Reception: Welcome to KL Hilton, can I have your passport please.
Lady: *flashes out her Silver Hilton Honors card*
Reception: Mam can I have your passport please?
Lady: YAR YAR.....*takes out her passport and places it on the table*
Reception: Thank you, Miss XXX, are you staying for 1 night only?
Lady: YAR..
Lady: Sorry AR, I'am a Gold member but why they demote me?
Reception: Sorry?
Lady: I said, why they send me Silver card when I'am Gold? Why they demote?
Reception: Mam, the system says you are a Gold member.
Reception: Sorry there was a mistake maybe.
Lady: YAR. How come they send me Silver? I'am GOLD, I'am GOLD what.
Reception: Sorry. *pause*
Lady: *makes TSK TSK sound*
Reception: Mam, you are entitled for a room upgrade.
Lady: YAR. I told you I'am GOLD.
Reception: *pause and checks systems*
Reception: Sorry Mam, your room upgrade is on the smoking floor.
Lady: Smoking Floor? Why Smoking Floor? Why?
Reception: Sorry Mam, all floors are fully booked.
Reception: We can only upgrade to available rooms on the smoking floor.
Lady: *impatient scornful face* OK LAH. Anyway, I stay 1 night.
Lady: How could you all do this to me? I'am GOLD and I stay here 4 times a mth.
Reception: We try our best, is smoking room alright?
Reception: If not, we can still give you the original room you were booked on.
Lady: I said OK right? *Tsk sound*
Reception: Mam, please have your breakfast on the 1st floor.
Lady: I KNOW.
Lady: Please tell your management that I'am GOLD and change my card.
Reception: Yes, will do and I'am sure your GOLD card will arrive soon.
Lady: Next time, I will write a letter to your management.
---------the above conversation took like 15mins------------

I was really embaressed by the attitude of this lady. I mean what was she thinking? So what if she's a Gold card member? Having an upgrade is a bonus and why is she whining? I was so shy to be standing near this lady who is holding the same passport as I am. During the whole conversation, the reception lady who was serving me smiled. I guess she's probably sharing the same thoughts about this lady.

It's because of the action of such black sheeps abroad that really cements the stereotype that foreign friends have of Singaporeans. (Selfish, Rude, Insensitive). Some friends told me they could spot a Singaporean at the airport, hotels, foreign place. WHY? Because they talk loud, complain, they look irritable, they are never happy.

Anyway, my patience paid off at the end because I was told by the hotel that my Hilton Honors status was upgraded from Silver to Gold from this month. I managed to get my free upgrade just like her. But less the complain.

I wouldn't say I'am perfect, I do at times talk loud, complain...BUT I try to behave myself when I'am overseas because I believe when you leave country, what impression you give others is important because you represent Singapore.