What’s rumored to be the toughest room in town to get into? Not the Mansfield Room in the Capitol. Or even the Pentagon War Room. Try the Mayflower Hotel’s room 871, the one made famous by the pay-for-play dalliance between Eliot Spitzer and Ashley Alexander Dupre. We decided to call the hotel and find out just how hard it is to reserve the notorious room.
Yeas & Nays: Hi, I’d like to reserve room 871?
Recommended Stories
Mayflower Hotel: I can put a request in but I can’t guarantee it.
Y&N: So you’re not blocking it off, even though it’s the Spitzer room?
M: I can put you on hold and check into that for you.
(HOLD)
M: What night would you like it?
Y&N: Tuesday?
M: You’re coming in for business?
Y&N: Yes.
M: Can I put you on hold again?
(HOLD)
M: Hi. She’s checking on it now, can I place you back on hold please?
(HOLD)
M: Thank you for holding. They’re still checking. Can I put you back on hold please?
(HOLD)
M: The hotel is actually pretty busy now and they’re trying to get the right person.
Y&N: What’s the holdup?
M: We keep trying to find you the right person.
Y&N: But this is the reservation line, right?
M: Yes.
(HOLD)
M: Hi. The room is on a first come, first serve basis.
Y&N: Has that always been the case?
M: I don’t know. I can book a reservation for you for that type of room, a king room.
Y&N: What are my chances of getting 871?
M: If you’re the first person to arrive at the hotel that day and the room is available then it’s yours.
Y&N: So every day is sort of a crap shoot?
M: We have no way of guaranteeing you that room.
Y&N: Can you at least let me know if you’re renting it out?
M: No one’s even told me anything about the room. We’re getting the run-around from the hotel.
Y&N: Are you getting a lot of queries about that room?
M: Yes we are. … We’re not getting the answer that you’re looking for. I’m going to transfer you to Sales & Marketing where they can help you.
(HOLD)
M: Sales & Marketing. How can I help you?
Y&N: I’m looking to rent room 871.
M: What is your arrival and departure date?
Y&N: Arrive next Tuesday, leave the next morning.
M: May I place you on a brief hold?
(HOLD)
M: (new person) You’re looking to rent room 871 on the night of the 25th?
Y&N: Yes.
M: It’ll be $409 a night.
Y&N: You mean I can have it?
M: Yes.
Y&N: All right! Have you had a ton of inquiries about this?
M: There’s been a couple (laughter), but it’s still available.
Y&N: OK, I need to think about. I’ll call back later.
