Travis G.
Yelp
Granted after living in the city of Kirkland for over 20 years, I rarely stay at the local hotels. Now residing out of state, I felt a little homesick and had some business to take care of within the area.
The first night went well. I even had a conversation with a fellow JHS alumni who was a staff member. The conversation alone gave me that sense of familiarity that you can only get from people you who have grown up with you.
Then things changed a bit or should I say a lot. I had came down to go outside and smoke. When I came back in I was told there had been a complaint about smoking on the 1st floor. Myself, being on the 3rd floor I figured the complaint was directed towards me (I also, know whenever a smoker is seen by staff smoking. It turns into a conversation like the one I just described). I was then asked which floor I was on. (At this point, it was obvious there had been no complaint and that any future "complaints" would be from the "3rd floor"). I was given a verbal warning about the no smoking policy, which I acknowledged as responsible and assured the conceigre that I would not be smoking in my hotel. Now, concerned that I would have to pay extra for a smoking fee. I decided to stick around the lobby for a bit and see if I could pick up a sense of what would happen next. Nope, the staff seemed very busy and concerned about other things. I exited the lobby a few minutes after. While walking down the street. I was pulled over by a Kirkland police officer. (If your from Kirkland, you would know this is nothing out of the ordinary as intrusive and embarrassing as it may be, this is simply how they work in Kirkland. The odd thing was the officer insisted that there was some sort of complaint from the hotel. The statement was laughable but I entertained the conversation. I asked the officer if he could meet me and the Manager, I had just spoken with back at the hotel.
After two police officers responding I'm still not sure, if the hotel called or if the police inquired about my stay and/or if I had gotten mixed up in a different call. Who knows? All I can say is the hotel obviously didn't make a complaint and they weren't so concerned that they needed immediate police assistance.
All of this for a casual conversation that would have never of happened, if I'd stayed outside for five more minutes.
After, everything the manager and I had a conversation like normal people do and let whatever what may have been go.
I left for hours shopping and preparing for a live performance, coming the next day. I returned, showered, slept. Six hours later, I woke. In a hurry to make it to my performance in Seattle. I got dressed. I then went outside trying to call a Lyft but for some reason my app stopped working as soon as I got back to Washington State. (Odd) while outside, I was smoking a cigarette. Now, nothing was said as I came in the lobby.
After, returning to my room to grab my things there was a knock at the door. A gentleman that introduced himself as a staff member said that he handle just gotten a call 5 minutes ago about someone smoking in the room. (Odd, I was in the room five minutes ago) I explained that I had just came in the building and it couldn't have been me.
He pushed the issue and I invited him into smell for himself if he could sense smoke. He came in and the conversation was brief. He also, confirmed me walking in just moments before his knock. He seemed to be diffused and left. As, I just prepared to leave. There was a second knock at the door. KIRKLAND POLICE HAD NOW BEEN INVITED. They, insisted that I was to leave the property immediately. I knowing exactly what had happened now decided it was best to leave and deal with the rest later.
Here's what's happening. This is, due to an officer T. Slade and his brother (not sure if he has a brother but the officer had a similar name and didn't look familiar). Who had stopped me while walking in Kirkland earlier that day.
This could all be coincidence but if it is I'm very unlucky to have the same officer who gave me a criminal traffic ticket) after an unlawful pullover years prior, be the same officer that stopped me on the sidewalk. Then, have a officer who's last name appears to be the same last name, kick me out of my hotel (which I'm sure is also unlawful and just not how we should treat each other as people especially for such a harmless (and impossible) thing like smoking 10 minutes before you even entered the building.
I was kicked out of my hotel, at 9pm with all my luggage. Oh and charged an additional $250 for "smoking". Oh and I haven't seen any return of my money for the next two nights which were also prepaid for.
Nope, kicked out like a bum on the street.
Unfortunately, I am not. I'm a state licensed life insurance producer, small business, stock holder, pro se litigate, father, leader, student, motivator, songwriter and performing artist and most importantly a human being. SMH
Unfair business practices.