Ivan Solomon

Review of The Melrose Hotel

Summary: This hotel, and its management, support r...

Summary: This hotel, and its management, support racist staff who harass guests and refuses to hold them accountable.

Background: My name is Ivan Solomon, I am a senior studying International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies at Pomona College in Southern California. I am currently (7/13/18-7/21/18) staying at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel while participating in an exchange program with a South Korean delegation.

On Sunday, July 15 I was in the downstairs lobby area recording a video for a job interview. I did not want to disturb my sleeping roommate so I went to this quiet area. After about 20 minutes of recording and re-recording my video, I found a man Stanley, the valet standing over my shoulder. At this time it was a little past midnight.

I said with a smile I m just recording a video for a job application, to which he responded are you a guest here? I was immediately offended. Other than acting on a racist pretense, he had no reason to assume that I was not a guest. (Even if I wasn t a guest, hospitality professionals are instructed to treat all people as potential guests.)

He demanded to see my room key, despite me telling him I was a patron. After a few minutes of him berating me, I showed him my room key and he simply walked away without apologizing. I pursued him, asking him why he addressed me so disrespectfully, and he refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing and continued to walk away.

Frustrated, I walked upstairs to inform the receptionist of the harassment which just directed at me, and she said little of substance. (However, she at least engaged me in a respectful manner.)

I returned to my room but could not calm down so I went back to the lobby to request an apology from Stanley. I approached him and said frankly I do not appreciate how you addressed me, it was very disrespectful and I m sure you would not speak to any other guest like that. All he had to do was apologize and I would have forgiven him. Instead he yelled you don t have to appreciate it! And after a few more disrespectful remarks, looked me in my eyes, pointed in the direction of the ceiling, and shouted Go to your room!

It is important to note that throughout this entire engagement I remain composed and respectful in how I addressed the staff. It was him, and him alone, who escalated this situation. So, realizing that I would not receive any justice that night, I wrote a letter to the management explaining what happened.

As of Wednesday, July 18, I have received no contact from the Melrose s administration. I have followed up with the front desk on two separate occasions, and each time I have been told that they will get back to me. I have not even received a message from the management stating that an investigation has been launch or that my message was received.

I did not want to write this review. I would have rather had this issue resolved. However, the administration s negligence and unprofessionalism has left me no choice. They have refused to hold anyone accountable and have made it clear that they do not care about the treatment of their customers, particularly people of color.

I would advise all potential guests to stay away from this hotel. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.