Last week we had a great time working in different locations. I might scribble about the enjoyable work some other time. For now I want to write about where we stayed and the different services we experienced.
28th September. York. Park View Guest House.
We were due to arrive late evening; I’d made a note of this on our laterooms.com reservation. I was called several times through the day by the owner, just checking we’re still coming. After the third time I began to find this a little…weird. We arrived to find out that one of the two rooms we had booked was double booked. With apologies and lots of smiles my associate was shown to another bed and breakfast round the corner. His place was pretty much spot on, and my teeny attic room left a bit to be desired but it was clean, and that matters. Breakfast was on time and the service was friendly. I felt a little like the owner hadn’t wanted to tell us about the double booking in case we used that as an excuse to look elsewhere, but overall I’d say good value, an engaging experience.
29th September. Glasgow. Ramada Jarvis City Centre.
Another late evening arrival. Though we were booked into stay at the recently refurbed and allegedly quite swanky Lorne hotel, they called me in the afternoon to say, guess what, we’re double booked! Me, a jinx? Get outta here. The folk at the Lorne assured me they had booked us into an equivalent hotel. I’m going to be really kind and suggest they’ve not been to the Ramada for a long time, a very long time. Fraser on the front desk was great. Friendly and helpful. But that doesn’t make up for being put into a room right next to a night club. I found this out when trying to get to sleep around midnight. I called the Lorne to let them know how unchuffed I was and they promised to call me back in the morning to try and sort something out. Then I padded down to the front desk in bare feet. I was moved to a (slightly) quieter room where the bathroom smelt mouldy and the towels were dirty. The following morning Fraser was very apologetic. Good guy, crap hotel.
30th September. Glasgow. Lorne Hotel
I didn’t get the promised call back so I rang and found that yes, we do have our allocated rooms for tonight. Hallelujah! Arrived at the Lorne around 6.30pm, they weren’t expecting us. D’oh! We did get booked in shortly after on a reduced rate and breakfast was now included by way of a sorry. We paid up front so as to reduce the morning hassle. The following morning the staff tried to charge me for my breakfast and then when I checked out they tried to charge me for my stay again. Despite a few watery smiles I got the distinct impression that guests at the Lorne hotel are viewed as….an inconvenience? I watched two members of staff have a row in the foyer. Nice fight but come on folks, keep it to yourselves eh?
Summary of learning:
The guy who runs his own business is very welcoming, but he might not play it totally straight with you for fear you’ll dump him. Chill out Park View dude, honesty rules.
An engaged employee on the front desk does not a great stay make. Seriously Fraser, get out of there. Alternatively get the folks at Ramada to promote you to General Manager. Something better change.
A refurbished hotel is very nice and all that, but if the staff don’t know if they’re coming or going then the shine and the newness fades faster than my hopes of Tranmere Rovers ever winning the Premier League. And do your research. If you’re going to bounce customers to an “equivalent” hotel, make sure it is. What we experienced reflects badly on the Ramada Jarvis and the Lorne.
