Member-only story
Door Man
Fiction: a hotel keycard fiasco
‘Good evening sir, have you a booking with us this evening?’ The friendly face at the check-in desk asked Bren.
‘Em, yeah, it’s Bren Brady for two nights. I’ve a conference room booked too.’
‘Oh yes. I have you here. It’s a suite with a balcony. Checkout is at noon. Room 401.’
She handed him two swipe cards with the hotel logo in a tiny cardboard wallet and directed him to the lift. Bren didn’t bother with it. His case was light. He could do with a stretch after all the traveling. He had some prep to do. He was struggling with jet lag. He was ready to collapse on his bed the moment he got through the door.
He withdrew the key and swiped down and up in the slot. No clunk-click or green light. It wouldn’t open. He tried the second piece of plastic. Same story. He tried leaving it in for longer. Nothing.
He cast a weary eye on his two bags, took his laptop case in his hand, clicked up the handle on the carryon and trundled down the corridor and back down the stairs.
Three keycards and trips up and down later, the concierge finally came up as well, carrying two cards and a master key.
Of course, the cursed thing worked when someone other than Bren tried.
