bestwestern.com

I am writing to formally escalate a complaint.

I am writing to formally escalate a service complaint regarding my stay at Best Western Plus Roland Inn & Suites on January 5, 2026, as the response from on-site management was dismissive and unprofessional.This morning I had a very disappointing experience at the Best Western Plus Roland Inn & Suites.During breakfast hours, the main coffee machine in the common breakfast area was not working. Instead, the hotel placed a small single-capsule coffee machine for all guests. Each cup took approximately five minutes to prepare, as the machine is clearly not designed for heavy use. There were about 5–7 guests patiently waiting in line, taking turns respectfully.Because of the long wait for coffee, when I finally went to serve myself yogurt from the dispenser, it was already empty. I went to the kitchen and asked if there was more available. I was told by the breakfast assistant that at exactly 9:00 a.m. the machines automatically shut down because breakfast hours are over (that is not true, I saw her turn the machine off manually).I explained to the staff member (breakfast assistance) that I had lost over 15 minutes waiting for coffee due to the hotel’s equipment failure and asked for some understanding. She directed me to the front desk. At the front desk, a staff member who appeared to be named JR told me that since it was past 9:00 a.m. (by one minute), there was nothing he could do and sent me back to the kitchen. When I explained that the kitchen had sent me to him, he simply repeated that he could do nothing and ended the conversation with “have a good day,” without any attempt to listen or show empathy.Later, at 10:41 a.m., during checkout with the same front desk employee, I noticed another staff member eating Fruit Loops from a disposable plate—clearly hotel breakfast food—while making a phone call to order food for herself and her colleagues. I later learned this person was Ana Alemán, the hotel manager.I asked JR if staff members were allowed to eat breakfast after 9:00 a.m., and he told me to speak directly with her. I explained to the manager in a firm and assertive voice what had happened that morning: the broken coffee machine, the delay it caused, and that I missed yogurt by only a minute. Her response was simply that “after 9:00 a.m. there is no breakfast,” with no willingness to apply any reasonable judgment in favor of the guest.The worst part was when I mentioned that experiences like this would lead to a poor review, her response was that she did not care. She stated that guests believe that because of ratings, employees “have to clean our boots,” and told me to do whatever I wanted, repeatedly ending the conversation with a sarcastic “have a great day.”I am submitting this complaint in the hope that it reaches both the hotel owner and Best Western Customer Care, as this property clearly requires stronger leadership oversight, staff training, and service audits.Throughout my stay, I noticed the same attitude from multiple staff members—the breakfast attendant, JR, and the manager—an attitude that is not guest-focused. I tolerated the broken coffee machine. I tolerated finding hair in the shower upon arrival. I tolerated moisture stains in the bathroom and uncomfortable mattresses. What I do not tolerate is arrogant staff with no empathy, no customer-service mindset, and no willingness to use common sense, all to save a single cup of yogurt and, in doing so, completely ruin the experience of staying at a Best Western Plus. Leadership matters.Consider this experience to learn from a mistake, I am not looking for any kind of refund.JI

Date of experience: Jan 05, 2026