Robin of Abingdon, MD, writes:
I sent a message to this hotel which stated in part: "Non-smoking room requested. We are celebrating our anniversary and I was wondering what extra services you might have available -- like flowers or something. Also I am Deaf -- will need closed caption tv and alarm flashers and a tty set up ..."

Upon arrival, I was told there were no kits available for the Deaf. They were on a first-come, first-serve basis. They had nothing to offer me. Even though I requested such way in advance, they were not obligated to fulfil my request because they were only obligated to have onoe kit for every 50 rooms (something like that).

No services at all for the Deaf, couldn't watch t.v. (if a hurricane had come my way I would never know!) I could not order any special flowers, room services or anything for my anniversary. We could not enjoy any entertainment, no t.v., videos, nothing. Then, when I had to stay for my business meeting the next day, in a new room with the Governor's Advisory board telecommunications relay for Maryland, I couldn't call any business assoicates or even contact them in advance to discuss business matters.

Emotionally, my depression came back. Physically, I found myself sleeping more again, wasting my life away because discrimination really hurts. I'm still suffering from depression. This hotel was the second hotel in two weeks to discriminate against me.

We don't know the law on this but it hardly makes sense for hotels to add these accommodations and then refuse to let guests reserve them.