Mom left jewelry on bathroom counter at hotel (The Ocean Club) in the
Bahamas a few months ago (April, I think) . Specifically, her watch,
tennis bracelet,
and earrings. She contacted them and they said that they didn't know
what happened to it. She talked to the manager, head of housekeeping,
and head of security. My brother also talked to a Mr. David Peralta, a
Casino Host. No one could help. Basically, she gave up on it, but
remains distraught about it. I am looking to get the jewelry back for
her! I do know that the locks on the hotel rooms are computer coded.
This means that the hotel can see who's key was used in the room
everytime the door was unlocked. I also know that only one person
entered the room between the time my mother checked out and contacted
the manager. (It was a maid). A complete answer will provide me with
the actual jewelry in my hands without having to make phone calls,
contacts, etc. I am basically looking for someone to do all the
legwork for me! (There! I sheepishly admit it.) If I get the jewelry
back, I will provide a $300 tip in addition to the $200 question fee.
I will be happy to
clarify anything that I can; just ask. Thank you! -Jude

As someone who has worked in many upscale resorts and hotels, here is
my piece of advice:

Write a strongly worded, yet polite, letter to the General Manager of
the hotel. State what happened, the information you have, and what you
expect as a resolution. Mention in the letter that you do not want to
have to tell all of your friends and family what happened, and to
boycott The Ocean Club.

Resorts of this caliber rely upon repeat guests for most of their
business. They are not interested in losing not only repeat guests but
potential guests.

Did you use a travel agent to make these reservations? Have you
contacted that agent to see if they have any contacts at the resort
that can help you at all? Travel Agents can be VERY powerful is
problem resolution.

Hotels are insured, for this very reason. I am not certain of the
regulations in the Bahamas, so I can't answer definitively regarding
insurance payments, but it is usually an option.

Good luck.

Unless it was inadvertantly left out of the question, one essential
point seems to be that you have no proof that anything was left in the
room.  No insurance company / hotel / travel agent will compensate you
for jewelry that MIGHT have been left in the room.  However, if you
had these items insured under a homeowner's policy, you might go to
your insurer for compensation since some policies cover jewelry loss
or theft regardless of fault.

Thank you both for your comments. 

To Istein0-ga: Mom mentioned this via phone. Would a letter be much
different? (Not being sarcastic here, being genuinely interested. :) )

To research_help-ga:  I didn't mean to leave that out. She _knows_ she
left it, not just _thinks_ so, but how exactly would one prove that?
As far as insurance, the jewelry was not insured (under homeowner's or
seperate policy). KWIM?

Thanks again! -Jude

A letter is taken as being much more serious. It means that you've
taken the time to express your disappointment, your expectations, etc.

Also, with a letter, you won't forget to mention something. You can
work on it one day, come back and edit it, and tweak it. Remember to
be stern, yet polite. Tell them what you expect and end it there.
Don't offer an excuse for what happened. (I'm stating these things for
my benefit as well, I always want to help people, and forget to help
myself.)

The hotel wants to make you happy. Odds are not all that strong that
they will 'fess up' and accept the blame. However, they might offer a
complimentary stay for your next visit. And while I am sure you're not
overly anxious to return, you'll know for next time to be extra
cautious with valuables.

As an aside, was there an 'in-room' safe available? Here in the States
that pretty much means that it's your responsibility to ensure that
all valuables are put into the safe.

I wish you good luck. And I hope you get a resolution that meets your
needs.

Oh, and I highly recommend those safes. You set your own combination,
no ones knows it. Whenever I travel, especially abroad, things go
right into the safe. When abroad, it's a great place to keep your
passport and credit cards, travelers checks, etc. and your airline
tickets.