Common sense is what’s missing

Regarding “Pala Casino Upgrades Pay Off” [July 12], I was amazed at what Beverly Beyette, the writer of the story, did -- or, rather, did not do -- when she was told she was being charged $200 (refundable) in case something was missing from her room. Any normal person would have left immediately.

The problem is not just Pala’s calling each of its guests a thief. The guest also must worry that the hotel will tack on a bogus charge.

This is definitely not the way to have an enjoyable time. The only way for a guest to deal with this would be to have a Pala representative and the guest take pictures of the room when checking in, similar to renting a car, where all pre-driving scratches and dents are recorded.

Everyone who contributed to the idea of the “$200-theft charge” should be fired. And the guests who actually OK this pre-theft charge should have a conservator appointed for them immediately.

John J. Reiner

Los Angeles