Here’s a new one – a front desk clerk at Homewood Suites by Hilton chiding me for relying on on their website for reservations.

I’d booked two rooms – only one was showing, even though I had the printed confirmation letter. You should have called to confirm, he said. (Unbelievable. In almost-2008).

I asked him if a lot of guests have trouble using hilton.com. Yes, he said. Figures. I have long maintained that this is the worst of all the major hotel corporation websites — when its actually working. Just appalling. They should be embarrassed.

I asked him if there was a procedure for reporting errors in online reservations. Yes, he said – make sure to call and complain.

So not what I meant. I tried to clarify – what does the hotel do when this sort of thing happens. He drew a blank.

What a treat to see such excellence at work. Nice to know I haven’t been missing anything by choosing not to stay at Hilton properties in recent years.