It’s a nightmare scenario for any traveler: arriving home after a trip only to discover unexpected charges on your credit card. Sadly, this is exactly what happened to me after my recent stay at a supposedly luxurious hotel.
My initial impression was positive. I checked out of the hotel, confident that everything was in order. The staff informed me that they were closing their accounts for the previous day and would send me an invoice. However, when I saw the extra charges on my card, I realized I had been tricked.
The charges were labeled as a “discussionary charge of tips” – a misleading term for a compulsory tip. It was clear that I had been charged for something I wasn’t informed about beforehand. When I contacted Trip.com for the promised invoice, I learned that the hotel had automatically added this “discussionary” charge without my consent.
I was furious. This felt like a blatant attempt to take advantage of customers, especially since the hotel’s services were far from satisfactory. The rooms lacked basic amenities, the meals arrived late, and even collecting the plates after dinner took an unreasonable amount of time.
The hotel’s lack of transparency regarding these charges left me feeling violated. There was no mention of the “discussionary charge” on any of the paperwork I signed. It felt like a deliberate attempt to deceive unsuspecting guests.
A “5-star” hotel should provide impeccable service and be transparent about its charges. This experience left me feeling cheated and disillusioned.
Outstanding Staff Makes Up for Minor Inconveniences at Holiday Inn Sutton
Sometimes, a hotel’s friendly staff can make up for its shortcomings. That’s precisely what happened during my stay at the Holiday Inn Sutton.
While this hotel may not be luxurious, it more than makes up for its lack of fancy amenities with its warm and welcoming staff. From the moment I checked in, I felt welcomed and valued.
Every single member of the team, from the front desk to the housekeeping staff, went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. The staff’s genuine warmth, combined with their willingness to help, made my stay genuinely enjoyable.
The hotel’s convenient location was also a major plus, allowing me to easily explore both London and surrounding areas.
The staff at Holiday Inn Sutton truly embodied the spirit of hospitality, making my stay memorable for all the right reasons.
A Delightful Stay at a Hotel With Exceptional Service: The Kimpton St. George Hotel
The Kimpton St. George Hotel exceeded my expectations in every way, thanks to the incredible service and attention to detail provided by the staff.
Tarek, at the front desk, deserves special recognition for his exceptional customer service. He went above and beyond to accommodate our early arrival and even followed up with a phone call to ensure our satisfaction.
The hotel’s amenities, including the comfortable rooms, the stylish lobby, and the vibrant bar/restaurant, were all top-notch. We enjoyed the stunning views from our room, the generous portion sizes at the restaurant, and the hotel’s overall ambiance.
While the lack of a business center was a minor inconvenience, Tarek’s willingness to assist us in printing our documents demonstrated the hotel’s commitment to going the extra mile for its guests.
My experience at the Kimpton St. George was truly memorable, thanks to the outstanding service and the overall warmth and hospitality that permeated the hotel.
Clean but Crowded: A Mixed Experience at The CitizenM Tower of London
The CitizenM Tower of London is a clean, modern hotel with a sleek design and a convenient location.
However, our stay was hampered by the lack of space in the rooms. The tiny closets and lack of drawer space made it difficult to unpack and organize our belongings for a longer stay.
The breakfast was also underwhelming, with limited options and a lack of fresh fruit. While the hotel offers a hot breakfast menu, many of the items were not very appealing.
The staff’s helpfulness was inconsistent, with some being more accommodating than others. We also found the lack of assistance with luggage and the inconvenient location of the hotel’s entrance next to a bus stop to be frustrating.
While The CitizenM Tower of London may be a suitable option for short stays, I would not recommend it for extended trips due to the cramped rooms and underwhelming amenities.
A Simple and Classy Stay: My Positive Experience at Zedwell London
My stay at the Zedwell London was a pleasant surprise, offering a clean, simple, and stylish experience.
The hotel’s central location near the tube station provided easy access to London’s attractions, making it a convenient choice for a city break.
The rooms were well-designed, with comfortable beds and a minimalist aesthetic. The lack of a television was a welcome change for me, as it meant my kids slept undisturbed.
The hotel’s absence of unnecessary extras, such as carpeted floors and decorative pillows, was a major plus, as it ensured a clean and allergy-friendly environment.
While the lack of breakfast options may be a drawback for some, the nearby Tesco express and the 24-hour cafe and bar next door provided convenient alternatives.
My decision to leave a review, however, was solely due to the outstanding service I received from one of the reception staff members. His kindness and willingness to accommodate our request for left luggage storage made a lasting impression.
Zedwell London is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable and stylish stay in a central location.
