Unauthorized use of car

I am very disappointed with the Hard Rock Beach Hotel in Kuta, Bali, and its valet parking service. This incident took place on March 18, 2000, at about 9 p.m. local time.

I had my car parked by the hotel's valet parking service in the lobby. I checked in and remained in the hotel until I decided to go out later in the evening. However, I was completely annoyed to find that my car had already been taken by someone else. The attendant reported to me that a person who claimed to be "my friend" had managed to convince the attendant that "I had lent them the car during the guest's entire stay in Bali".

I do not know who this guest was, but this person even signed the parking stub attached to the car key as some sort of guarantee. I was furious and disappointed with the hotel for granting unauthorized use of my car to another hotel guest. My valet-parked car was used by another unknown hotel guest without my knowledge. Therefore, I question the quality of the security of this hotel.

Does the hotel have a policy to allow guests to use valet- parked vehicles that belong to others? I doubt it.

I reported the incident to the manager on duty. Although later in the evening the hotel informed me that the car was found in Ubud and would be returned to the hotel the same night, this is highly unacceptable. I remain very disappointed because the incident certainly ruined the entire evening and changed my impression of the Hard Rock Beach Hotel.

The hotel certainly does not have any goodwill since I still have not received any formal apology or any compensation from them for this incident.

It would be deplorable if things like this recur, as it would certainly tarnish the reputation of the island's tourism.

JUDISTIRA W.

Jakarta