It’s no surprise that I was experiencing a bit of trepidation as I flew around the world toward my destination in Mumbai.  I had booked a hotel for the night of my arrival … my preferred method for a first arrival, particularly since my flight arrived just before midnight India time. I chose the hotel, ironically named the Milan International Hotel, because of their advertised shuttle service from the airport.  Once I had booked (through reputable Priceline), however, I realized I had been the victim of a slight “bait and switch.”  The confirmation email I received advised that unless a shuttle had been specifically included in my voucher (it was not in mine) I would need to contact the hotel directly to make arrangements.  There was an online form provided to do so and I used it to advise them of my late arrival, request for a non-smoking room and a shuttle pickup.

In all the flurry of activity the week prior to my departure, it slipped my notice that I had received no confirmation email from the hotel regarding my requests.  The lack of communication occurred to me as I was in flight somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.  During my 4 hour layover in Amsterdam, I used Skype to attempt to contact the hotel and confirm my booking and additional requests.  My trepidation grew as I was advised that the phone number I was calling was no longer in service.

So I’m crossing my fingers that I have a hotel to stay at when I arrive … at this point, a shuttle will merely be a bonus.  Then again, a post-midnight search for a hotel could definitely provide some instant adventure, though I think most everyone would agree such an event would more fairly simply fall under the “hassle” category.  Cross your fingers.  I certainly am.