[Yak] Re: Bike in Hotel

[Dante Lanzetta]

David Sherman <law at dasherm.com> wrote:

> And a final question: As I occasionally travel to places where I stay
> in a high-rise, I've been considering a soft bag to carry my bike in
> the elevator. (I sometimes get an odd glance from other passengers or
> a stern lecture from building management about leaving the bike
> outside.)

This isn't on point re: BF bags.  However, whether with a Friday or a
regular diamond frame bike, I've had very few problems in hotels, including
some very fancy ones overseas.  What seems to matter most is getting the
bike to the room in its suitcase or travel case, usually if not always via
bellhop; then, the first time you leave with the bike, make it prominent and
conspicuous, at a time when the place is fairly, but not impossibly crowded.
Leave like you belong there greeting employees and guests pleasantly and
confidently.  If possible, return on the same hotel shift, so the people
seeing you return and striding to the elevators are more likely to be the
ones who saw you leave.  You will have registered in their minds (not just
at the desk) as a "Guest" who "belongs" there, bike and all. After a couple
of goings and comings, they get comfortable with you having the bike.

Ten years ago in Moscow, it took a KGB-looking security guy over a week to
get up the nerve to challenge me at all ­ and all he demanded was my guest
card.  On one or two occasions when I have been challenged and told I can't
take my bike to my room, I have acted relieved and asked to see the secure,
guarded place they planned to keep it for me, where it would be ready for me
to use at any time.  They decided that place would be my room.  In a
rowhouse kind of small hotel near the British Museum I was thankful when
they provided a nearby hallway where I could like my Friday.  The room was
barely large enough for me and my wife.

Dante