Today has been a challenging day to say the least. I just had this happen and had to tell all of you because I know you'll understand.

I work the desk at the major "H"otel and convention center. I just had a group of 3 pop in for a couple of rooms. We have G-mom, Dad, and the son who's about 18.

G-mom- I need two rooms. What's the AAA rate?

Me- The AAA rate tonight is $99.00 plus tax.

Dad- It says $77 online. I want that price. (While shoving his phone across the desk in my face)

Me- I'm sorry sir in order to get that rate you would have to book online through that particular website. I'm not able to match a rate like that.

Dad- What? Are you kidding me? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You just want to overcharge me and put that money in your pocket.

Son- Its not her fault she's just doing her job. (I was so grateful this kid stood up for me. Its really rare these days. )

Dad- Fine. I'll just book it online for $77.

At this point I wanted to say, no actually you won't because you'll put the date in and "poof" the price will go up. I didn't though and just waited for him to get his $77 rate.

Few minds later- G-mom- Well did you get it booked for $77.

Dad- No, it went up.

G-mom- What? Why did that happen?

Dad- False advertising. That's what it is. (Still on his phone booking a room)

G-mom- looks arty me- How can you get away with false advertising?

I went ahead and explained to G-mom how third parties work and how they hook you with a cheap advance purchase rate to get you on their site and then once you put in the correct date they show you the actual rate for the date you want. So it isn't false advertising because their showing you a real rate for a future date. She didn't like it but she understood.

Once dad gets done he lets me know and I start checking him in. G-mom wanted to use her credit card for her room shop I explained top her that her son had already paid.

She looks at Dad and says, So was it cheaper? What do I owe you?

Dad- Yea it was cheaper.

My head snaps up and I look at him. Waiting to see what he's about to say. Because I know what they paid us and I know he paid THAT at a minimum. And that price says $97.45, before tax.

So you know what he said? NOTHING. He looked away and said "Mom we'll work it out later". I instantly felt a tiny bit better.

Thanks for reading. I needed to vent a little tonight.