[jcp123]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

That was part of my point about reality disconnects, or maybe it's more just an obliviousness to how lots of other people live. There's the blanket assumption that being a "professional" means that you naturally go to the sort of upscale hotel, restaurant, or whatever that would have valet parking. Now what with conferences, business meetings, and the like, I've been to a few such places over the years, but they're far from being my natural habitat. So what does that say about a person who can & does frequent such places, yet claims to be a victim of discrimination?

I also can't help but wonder about my chances of even being allowed into many such places, if I went as my normal self. Not high, I think.

Oh, yeah: maybe even better than the being mistaken for an employee trip is the one where you stop to offer some one a hand, and they try to tip you.

I agree. The hotel was a definite luxury for us (it was comped), and I didn't know about the valet parking until we got there. It kind of annoyed me, mostly because I didn't have the choice. So I am the only one at this $300/night hotel with a beaten down 15 year old poverty car, which was forced to make a grand entrance in front of every patron under the grand entrance portico. The thing is, even though I can't afford such extravagance on my own, I would pay for it if I could and I do feel very at home in such an environment. I prefer a bit more informal luxury, though, like an Aloft hotel compared to the very upright and traditional luxury afforded by the establishment we stayed at. And please, let me park the damn car by myself if I so choose LOL.