Interesting times at the Westin

So, I had a very "interesting" time at the Westin a few days before Christmas. I had walked to the Strip to finish some last minute Christmas shopping, and I needed to mail one card while I was out. In search of a stamp, I stopped at Fedex on Penn Avenue - they were out. The employee suggested I try the gift shop at the Westin. It's not that far (in the wrong direction) from home, so off I go. The gentleman in the gift shop said he did not have stamps, but to try the front desk. I go up to the front desk, and ask if I could purchase one stamp. I explained to the front desk clerk that the employee at Fedex sent me to the Westin gift shop, who then sent me to his desk. He paused, and then asked if I was staying at the hotel. When I said "No, I live Downtown" he said, "I'm sorry, I don't have any stamps left." WHAT?!?! First, I find it hard to believe the Westin did not have a single stamp I could purchase, and second, the fact they had no stamps was predicated on NOT being a hotel guest!

Fortunately, I ended up speaking with a very apologetic front desk manager who seemed to be appalled for this employees actions. Sadly, I ended up leaving with out buying my 42 cent stamp but was happy in knowing that hopefully this will not happen to another Downtown resident. Not that it's a local hotel's responsibility to sell stamps - I understand it's not the post office. I just happened to be in a last minute Christmas pinch - and I guess I've gotten used to the excellent treatment I receive from most local businesses. Living Downtown is spoiling me!