Accentuating The Attitude

I work in a seasonal hotel in a Canadian National Park. Being seasonal, we have a lot of college students and international workers who come out for the season.

We’re in a beautiful, historic hotel with a large, open lobby and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the lake and mountains. By these windows is our afternoon tea dining area.

And then storms over our grumpy old man…

Grumpy Man: “I have a complaint about one of your afternoon tea servers!”

Me: “Oh, goodness, I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask what happened?”

Grumpy Man: “Well… she was very polite and attentive, and the food was delicious. However, I didn’t appreciate her using a fake British accent.”

I am confused as I know my staff is more professional than that.

Me: “Oh, dear. May I ask who your server was?”

Grumpy Man: [Server]

Me: *Taking a deep breath* “Well, sir, she is from Australia, so while I don’t believe she would use a fake accent, she does have one.”

Grumpy Man: “Well, how was I supposed to know that?!”

Me: “All our name tags say where we’re from, sir.”

And with that, he rushed back over to the dining area — I hope to give her a better tip!