Simple Smart by Xtay João Pessoa

On the night of 15/02/26, I had a terrifying experience during my stay. I got into the elevator on the 13th floor, where my apartment is, and it made a strange noise before suddenly descending faster than normal. Near the ground floor there was a loud bang, and it stopped abruptly. I was trapped inside for about 55 minutes, waiting for the operator to come and get me out. I kept pressing the alarm button until someone outside heard me calling for help and alerted reception. The elevator camera wasn't working, which made things even worse. If that person hadn't heard me, the hotel administration might not even have known I was stuck. I'm claustrophobic and asthmatic, and I didn't have my inhaler with me. I came out in shock, crying and short of breath, and was deeply shaken. Despite how serious this was, the hotel offered no medical or psychological support. What's so upsetting is that the hotel is practically on the same street as the Fire Department and the Manaíra Police Station, but nobody showed the concern or empathy to call for emergency help and make sure I was safe. After I got out, the only people who supported me were my husband and two guests who saw how distressed I was. Nobody from hotel management came to speak to me, explain what had happened, offer help, or even apologize. I still haven't received any contact or official response from the hotel. I thought hard before making this public, but the trauma was so intense that I still fear getting into the elevator, especially alone. I've been avoiding it and have often been taking the stairs up and down from the 13th floor. The serious safety failure was bad enough, but I was also appalled by how cold, unfriendly, and inhumane the treatment was. At a moment when I was extremely vulnerable and needed care and help, I was completely ignored. Thank God I wasn't physically injured, but the fear, distress, and emotional impact have been beyond measure. I still fear riding the elevator alone. I hope the hotel takes the necessary steps so no other guests go through this and so that it fairly makes amends for the harm caused to me.