I would give 2 stars, but I can't dismiss the fact...

I would give 2 stars, but I can't dismiss the fact that my luggage was stolen from inside my hotel room on the second day of my 4 day/ 3 night stay.

I had no idea that someone from housekeeping could remove your personal effects and not be held accountable. An entire piece of luggage and it's contents was stolen from my room. I checked in with 2pcs. (Which they indicated that they have seen on camera, when I entered their establishment).

I felt as though I should I save been better informed on their policy on thefts that occur inside the room which the customer pay for. Please note; the Sheraton will inform you that they will conduct an investigation. However, you will not be provided a form on the company letterhead in which to write your report on... They will tell you that " it's company policy". Infact, you will not have knowledge of what they actually write in the actual report. You must take their word.

This is unfortunate..over $900 of my personal effects were stolen... I was offered 2 $50 gift cards to help with some of my undergarments that were in the stolen baggage. Other items stolen include my computer, a pair of boots, socks, pajamas and misc. other clothing items. Let's be clear my 4-day 3-night stay cost a little over $700 and included no perks. So it should be understandable that I am less than pleased with my overall hotel visit to say the least.

There was the promise of a Sheraton hotel voucher by the Hotel security manager for me to return again for a couple of nights at the expense of the Sheraton hotel, in hopes of me having a positive experience with the Sheraton . (I haven't received it, nor am I in receipt of it). I received a call from the insurance claims department, which informed me that they wouldn't reimburse or honor my claim. Another disappointment to say the least.

So based on my experience; here's what I can offer as best practices to safeguard yourself from being caught in the snares of an internal theft scam from a notable Sheraton Grand hotel chain.

1. Ask to see their policy on internal theft in writing BEFORE offering payment for your stay. Otherwise you will have to read it on the fine print on the backside of the hotel door. This is the only place it's written that indicates that the hotel will not cover any items that are stolen if they have not been placed inside of their safe or brought to your room by a bellman. (No one would think to lock their computer, shoes and clothing items that fits snugly inside of the suitcase into a Sheraton room safe that's approximately 5x10x14 inches.) For jewelry and cash ...yes.

2. Ask what time maid service is coming to your room and monitor them while they are there. (yes this is an inconvenient but this is the only place where you may ever be vulnerable and having someone else come in your room other than you)

3.Demand to see the incident report that the security writes up, even if they say you can't have a copy. This is the only way to ensure that they have written the report just as you have explained the incident. Unfortunately I was not allowed to see it when I requested the document.

4. Inquire as to whether there are cameras in the hallways for safety of the customers. I discovered there were none when inquiring about video footage of anyone leaving my room. . .which was directly across from an internal stairwell.

5. Security may appear to be helpful at times and sincere at others. This is great because you are usually distraught, hurt, and torn that such an incident can occur on the premises. They do try to console you and calm you down. Please REMIND YOURSELF THAT THEY WORK FOR THE COMPANY and their job is to protect the company's interest at all costs, NOT YOURS... EVEN IF HOUSEKEEPING IS THE ONLY OTHER ENTITY WITH KNOWN ACCESS.

5. if you see something, say something ...perhaps you can help some unsuspecting person who may be the next target.