[lbr]

I worked in customer service for four years. I treated nice people the best (as you suggest). But treated nice people who also tip even better. I don't think being nice, and tipping, are exclusive behaviors.

I'm not sure what that says about me... but. I think humans are reciprocal creatures.

I don't think this will work 100% of the time. But I think it will work enough that it's worth trying. In this case. I paid $20 for a service that typically costs $140. So even if this fails the next 5 times I try - I'll still be ahead.

[mathattack]

Bribing is efficient, otherwise it wouldn't work. Would your opinion be different if you were the hotel owner, and the person bribing the clerk was on an expense account anyway? (I know - not the current situation)

[lbr]

I think the hotel owner would be glad to know that this was going on. I've invested in this hotel front desk agent. If I come back to SF, I'll come back to the same hotel. Tip the same front desk agent. She'll get to know me. She'll help me out. I'll help her out. And in the end of the day 1.) I'm staying at the hotel. 2.) I'm booking through the hotel, not a discount site like hoteltonight or expedia