Out in the Cold

Regarding a hotel’s right to “walk” guests elsewhere when it is overbooked (“Travel Insider,” Oct. 30): This is not rare (despite what the hotels say)! In our experience, we were appalled to see the desk clerk hand us a form letter to present to the alternative hotel. Then, the incompetent ninny offered no transportation or use of telephone--and could not, by herself, think of where to send us! These three services were provided by a great shuttle bus driver who kindly and wisely waited around rather than abandon two women at night. The subsequent offer (after our written complaint) of a future free night’s accommodation was, of course, no comfort at the time of our rejection!

RUTH HORGAN

Northridge