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Hyatt Hotels Respond to UTW
In connection with UTW’s protests against hotels for steering passengers into limos, we wrote management at the Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt, informing them (in case they didn’t know) of what was going on in front of their hotels and asking for meetings to discuss putting an end to these illegal and unfair practices. In late December, we received similar letters from the top managers at both hotels. Pete Sears, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency, wrote: “I’d like to acknowledge that it is the right of the guest to choose their means of transportation . . . .” Steve Trent, managing Director of the Grand Hyatt, wrote: “I want to acknowledge the right of a guest to choose his or her means of transportation whether it be by personal vehicle, pre-arranged limo, or taxi.” While that might sound like a put-off, it is significant that Trent used the magic word, “prearranged.” Both hotels assured us that they “have policies in place forbidding the steering of passengers.” Both managers also praised Supervisor Sean Elsbernd’s legislation on inspection of limo waybills. (See story to right.) Neither hotel agreed to meet with UTW, but both expressed a commitment “to working with the Taxicab Commission through our hospitality representative, Commissioner (Patricia) Breslin.”