We haven't done much traveling lately, so Mic and I decided to go to Northern Italy for a long weekend.   While it was a very nice trip, it certainly turned out to be one of the most problematic of our getaways.  Our flight landed on time and we picked up the rental car without incident, but it went downhill from there.  We realized we would be checking into our hotel after hours so we called to arrange for pickup of the key. We were given brief instructions which were supposed to be followed up by a text message with more detail. Sadly, message was never received. We arrived at the office but could not find the key.  Not that we had much opportunity to look around as there was a security guard (who did not speak English) who clearly did not like us looking around the closed office perimeter. No keys, no cell phone number, no directions, no one to turn to for help.  With no other option, we found another hotel for the night - hoping we could get it sorted the next day.