Companion Goldfish

I just returned from a brief trip to Baltimore, where I was sitting in on research meetings related to a multi-university research project I've been working on since starting the program here. Interesting stuff, with lots of great collaborators. Makes me realize just how much I don't know, which is probably a good thing. Anyway, one of the highlights of the trip was our hotel, called Hotel Monaco, which just opened 2 weeks ago in downtown Baltimore.

Here is what this hotel offered:
1) Free wine in the lobby from 5-6pm. Major points.
2) I gave the staff my name and flight number, and they printed off my boarding pass the night before I checked-out.
3) Robes in all sorts of animal prints. We'll talking leopards, zebras, and cougars, people!
4) An iPod-docking stereo.
5) A companion goldfish.

Yes, that's correct, a companion goldfish. It's not a standard in every room, but you can request upon your check-in that a companion goldfish be sent up to your room. Since I was traveling by myself, I thought it'd be nice to have a friend, and Michelangelo ("Mickey") was promptly delivered to Room 908. There he was, watching and swimming as I watched TV, ironed my clothes, and tried on my zebra-print robe. I think it may just be the greatest amenity I've ever experienced.

Unfortunately, Mickey didn't live until the end of my stay. Maybe he was sad because I was gone in meetings all day, or maybe the cleaning staff just forgot to feed him. Either way, I was struck with horror when I came home from a late dinner at McCormick & Schmick's and saw Micky resting peacefully at the bottom of his bowl.

What's the protocol for a dead companion goldfish in luxury hotels? Do I flush him myself in my marbled bathroom? Deliver him to the front desk? See if they can personalize the seafood salad available for room service?

I chose to simply go down to the desk and let them know of the little goldfish death. They quickly apologized, and asked if I would like a new companion sent up to my room. Tough decision, given my early track record, but I said it seemed like a good idea. DaVinci ("Vince") came in a freshly-colored bowl and things went swimmingly until the moment I left. I think his survival was intricately linked to the fact that he didn't see me in any animal-print robes. Something for the hotel management to consider.