Imagine checking out of a hotel, confident that you’ve paid for everything, only to find out later that an extra charge has been added to your credit card without any prior notification. This is exactly what happened to me at a supposed 5-star hotel.
After I checked out, I received no invoice, as promised by the hotel staff. When I contacted Trip.com to inquire about the invoice, they informed me of an extra charge labeled as a “discussionary charge of tips.” I was outraged! Not only was I not informed about this charge, but the name itself seemed misleading. It’s meant to be a “compulsory charge of tips“, not a fee that should be up for discussion.
This wasn’t the only issue with this hotel. The service was inefficient, and we experienced several delays during our stay. We ordered room service, expecting a 30-minute delivery, but after waiting for an hour, we had to call again to inquire about the status of our meal. Even after we finished our meal, it took over an hour and two calls to get someone to collect the plates. This is unacceptable, especially in a hotel that claims to be 5-star.
Most importantly, the hotel should have been transparent about their charges. The lack of information on the “discussionary charge of tips” on the room service bill left us surprised and confused. We are not against tipping; however, this blatant lack of transparency and the surprise charge after checkout make us feel unsafe providing our credit card information to the hotel.
A Hotel’s True Value: More Than Just Luxury
This hotel is a perfect example of how a hotel can fail to deliver on its promises despite claiming to be luxurious. However, there are hotels out there that truly understand what makes a stay enjoyable.
Holiday Inn Sutton, for example, provided a truly wonderful experience for us. While it might not offer the same level of luxury as a 5-star establishment, it more than makes up for it with its cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and exceptional staff.
The staff at Holiday Inn Sutton are what truly set this hotel apart. From the front desk to housekeeping, every member of the team was friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. They made us feel welcome and valued throughout our stay.
The morning and evening greetings and the hotel’s overall vibe created a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s the little touches that matter, and Holiday Inn Sutton excels in this area.
Exceptional Service Makes the Difference
Another hotel that impressed us with its exceptional service is [Hotel Name]. This hotel provided us with a phenomenal experience, thanks to the outstanding service of Tarek, the front desk agent.
Tarek went above and beyond, even helping us check in early and following up with a call to ensure we were comfortable in our room. His dedication and attention to detail made us feel truly valued.
The hotel itself also offers many amenities that enhance the guest experience. The views from the higher floors are breathtaking, and the bar/restaurant is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
While the hotel could benefit from a business center, Tarek was quick to offer to print our documents, demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
A Clean Hotel With One Major Flaw
[Hotel Name] is a clean and modern hotel that is well maintained. The rooms are comfortable, quiet, and equipped with functional air-conditioning. The bathrooms are well designed and spotless.
However, this hotel suffers from one significant flaw – its tiny rooms. The lack of usable drawer space and the small, inadequate closets make it challenging to unpack for longer stays. This can be a major inconvenience for anyone staying for more than a couple of days.
The hotel’s breakfast is also only average, offering a limited selection of fresh fruit and underwhelming hot breakfast options.
The front desk staff is also not particularly helpful. We had to handle our luggage ourselves, and no one was available to assist us with transportation arrangements.
This hotel has several annoying features that detract from the overall experience. While some of these could be improved, others are likely permanent issues.
Simplicity and Thoughtful Service: A Winning Combination
Zedwell is a simple, classy hotel that offers a great central London location. It’s ideal for a city weekend break, with easy access to the tube station and nearby tourist attractions.
The beds are exceptionally comfortable, and the lack of a television ensures a peaceful night’s sleep. The absence of carpets and decorative pillows makes for a clean and hygienic environment, especially for families with young children.
While the hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, there are convenient options available nearby. The 24-hour cafe and bar next door also provides a good option for meals.
This hotel shines because of the outstanding service provided by its staff. One member of the reception team, Sherif, went above and beyond by complimentary storing our luggage, ensuring our return visit. This simple act of kindness makes a big difference and proves that a hotel’s value goes beyond its amenities and location.
