Three Hits and a Miss

Arrived Thursday, renewed my VIP card for $50, and was told that it is good for just three months now. Not a big deal, as I was going to be staying for four weekend days, so the card would save about $100 in hotel fees alone. And I will probably use it in the next three months at least once more; hopefully three times more. I put my expired card down on the counter.

What took me aback was that the girl asked if it was my real name. I said yes and she did not ask for any additional confirmation. (It is not my real name.) She wrote the first name and the last initial on the card. I can see that this would protect one’s identity to a certain level if just the first name and last initial is used, but I have a separate set of TJ credentials, so it is best if my TJ identity lines up with the other documents. (If anyone has any experience with HK requiring the real name on a VIP card, I would be interested in hearing your experience. The “real name” request might be just a one-time HK BS. If not and they require some identification, I will have to change my tactics.)

Went to the hotel and checked in. Angel Cruz was on duty, and he (almost) always treats me right (in part, because when I check out I tip him with a few dollars and my leftover snacks). Others are good to me too…when I offer a $5 tip. Then over to the OXXO for snacks, tequila, and bottled water. The hotel used to have water dispensers in the halls, but I could not find any.