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A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

This was supposed to be a relaxing escape, but it turned into a nightmare thanks to a shady hotel and its lack of transparency. I was charged a “discussionary charge of tips” on my credit card after checking out. This charge wasn’t mentioned upfront, and I was never sent the promised invoice. The hotel claimed it was a non-refundable, compulsory fee, even though the name suggested it was a matter for discussion.

It’s simply unacceptable for a 5-star hotel to spring a surprise charge on their guests. They should be upfront and transparent about all costs before the actual billing. This experience left me feeling uneasy about providing my credit card information to hotels, especially if they have a history of questionable practices.

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

Beyond the Unfair Charges: Inconsistent Service

The hotel’s service was equally disappointing. I ordered a room service meal that took longer than promised, and I had to call multiple times to get updates. Even after finishing the meal, it took over an hour and two phone calls to have someone collect the plates. This is unacceptable service for any hotel, let alone a 5-star one.

The hotel should be focusing on providing exceptional service and a comfortable experience for guests. The “discussionary charge” was a major red flag, but the poor service was a nail in the coffin. I will definitely not be staying at this hotel again.

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

A Positive Review: A Hotel That Gets It Right

My recent stay at the Holiday Inn Sutton was an absolute delight! The staff, from the front desk to housekeeping, were incredibly friendly and helpful. They made me feel welcome and went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

This hotel may not be a 5-star luxury establishment, but it’s clean, comfortable, and offers fantastic service. It’s a perfect base for exploring London and surrounding areas. The hotel’s commitment to cleanliness and its excellent staff make it a true gem.

I can’t recommend this hotel highly enough. It’s clear that they understand what makes a great stay, and I will definitely be returning soon.

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

Another Gem: Outstanding Service and Attention to Detail

Our stay at this hotel was phenomenal! Tarek at the front desk deserves a special shout-out for his amazing customer service. He was incredibly helpful and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction.

We were able to check in early thanks to Tarek’s help, and he even followed up with us to ensure we were happy with the room. Throughout our stay, he was always available to address our needs. This level of service is rare and truly makes a difference.

The hotel itself is beautiful and well-maintained, with stunning views from the higher floors. The room was clean and spacious, and the bar/restaurant had a great vibe and served delicious meals. We loved our stay and will definitely be returning in the future!

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

A Disappointing Stay: Room for Improvement

While the hotel was clean and modern, our experience was marred by some significant issues. The rooms were incredibly small, with barely any space for clothes. This lack of storage made packing and unpacking a nightmare, especially for longer stays.

The breakfast was just okay, and the reception staff lacked helpfulness. We had to manage our own luggage and transport to the airport, which was inconvenient. The location was also problematic due to the bus stops in front of the hotel, making it difficult for taxis to pull up.

Overall, our stay was disappointing, and we won’t be returning. There are many other hotels in London that offer better value for money and a more enjoyable experience.

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

A Relaxing Retreat: Clean, Friendly, and Convenient

Our stay at this hotel was a true escape! It was so nice to arrive in a clean and quiet environment, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. They made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

The spa facilities were fantastic! We enjoyed using the steam room, sauna, pool, and jacuzzi, and the gym was also well-equipped. The shower in the room was amazing, powerful, and hot – we could have stayed in there all day!

This hotel is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. It’s easy to find, with convenient parking nearby, and it’s located within easy reach of the local pubs and restaurants. We will definitely be returning for another relaxing escape soon!

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

Simple, Classy, and Convenient: A Great City Break

We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel! It’s simple, classy, and perfectly situated for exploring the city. The location is excellent, just steps away from the tube station, making it easy to get around.

The beds are incredibly comfortable, and we loved the lack of distractions. The absence of a TV meant our kids slept soundly, and the minimalist design meant we didn’t have to worry about them touching anything unclean.

The lack of breakfast wasn’t a problem for us, as we easily found fresh fruit and other breakfast items nearby. The 24-hour cafe and bar next door was also a convenient option. Overall, we had a great city break and would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a simple, comfortable, and central location.

A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel

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A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
A Holiday Nightmare: Unforeseen Charges and Poor Service at a 5-Star Hotel
Emily Carter
Emily Carterhttps://londongreens.org/
Emily Carter is a seasoned travel writer with a deep love for London’s rich history and vibrant culture. With over a decade of experience in travel journalism, Emily has explored every corner of London, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems. Her writing is known for its detailed insights and helpful tips, making her guides an essential resource for anyone planning a trip to the city.

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