I was shocked to find an unexpected charge on my credit card after checking out of a 5-star hotel. This wasn’t just any charge; it was a “discussionary charge of tips” – a fee supposedly for tips that I was never informed about!
The hotel had claimed they were closing their accounts for the previous day and would send me my invoice later. I naively trusted a 5-star hotel, but my trust was misplaced. I received no invoice and only realized the extra charge when I checked my credit card statement.
When I contacted Trip.com, they informed me about the “discussionary charge of tips.” I was furious! This was a “discussionary” charge, meaning it should have been discussed with me before applying it. However, the hotel claimed it was a non-refundable, compulsory fee.
It’s unbelievable that a 5-star hotel would force a customer to pay a fee without any prior notice. Furthermore, the service was incredibly inefficient, with long delays for room service and housekeeping. I ordered a meal that took over an hour to arrive, and waiting for someone to collect the plates took another hour!
This is not the service I expect from a 5-star hotel, especially when they lack transparency regarding their charges. While I am willing to tip, being charged a “discussionary” fee without my consent is unacceptable. This made me feel unsafe, as I worried they could charge my card for anything they wanted. This is not a “discussionary” fee; it’s a sneaky way to force customers to pay for tips.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences: From Luxury to Disappointment
While my experience with this 5-star hotel left me feeling cheated, I’ve had some fantastic stays at other hotels. One hotel I stayed at was perfect for attending events at the O2 Arena thanks to its convenient location and covered walkway.
The spa was a great addition, though the pool area looked a bit worn. My room was well-equipped, with an incredible river view from the 14th floor, but it lacked some character. Overall, I had a good experience and would happily stay there again.
I also had a wonderful stay at a Holiday Inn. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, comfortable, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. This hotel impressed me more than some 5-star hotels I’ve stayed at! The staff went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
A Hotel That Goes Above and Beyond
My stay at another hotel was simply phenomenal! The staff, especially Tarek at the front desk, were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. They even allowed me to check in early and followed up to make sure I was happy with my room.
The hotel itself was beautiful, with amazing views from the higher floors. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the bar/restaurant had a great vibe. Tarek’s exceptional service, along with the hotel’s overall quality, made this a truly unforgettable experience. I will definitely be returning!
A Clean Hotel With One Major Issue
While this hotel was clean, modern, and well-maintained, it had a significant flaw – the rooms were tiny. There was barely any space for clothes, and living out of suitcases for multiple days was far from ideal.
The breakfast was also just okay, with limited fresh fruit and a disappointing hot breakfast menu. The reception staff was marginally helpful, and no one offered to assist with luggage. Finding a taxi or limo at the front of the hotel was a hassle due to the nearby bus stops.
Overall, the hotel had several annoying inconveniences that made it less enjoyable. For my next trip to London, I will be staying elsewhere.
An Ideal London Hotel with Welcoming Staff
I’ve been a repeat guest at this hotel for years. The location is fantastic, just a short walk from the tube station, the British Museum, and Oxford Street. The rooms are always spotless, the beds are comfortable, and the staff is incredibly friendly. This time, I was even lucky enough to get a complimentary upgrade to a brand-new room.
The hotel also has a fantastic pub that serves meals and has an outdoor seating area with a large screen TV. The pub wasn’t noisy or rowdy, and being at the back of the hotel, I barely heard anything. I will continue to stay at this hotel every time I visit London.
A Nightmarish Hotel Experience
My stay at this hotel was disastrous from beginning to end. The rooms were dirty and run-down, and the reception staff were unhelpful. Our room was located above the tube line, making it impossible to sleep.
The breakfast was barebones, with no hot food and sour milk. The bar was closed for two days because the barman didn’t show up for work! The hotel charged £10 to store luggage while waiting to check in, and numerous other guests were complaining about their rooms. Nothing matched the photos online, and the rooms were poorly maintained.
This hotel was overpriced for the poor quality and is definitely not worth staying at. I would avoid this hotel at all costs!
