4-Star Hotel Nightmare: Is This Post-COVID Hospitality? Why I'm Leaning Towards Airbnb!

[Anonymous]

“ The floors were covered in hair – everywhere from the bathroom tiles to the walls. Despite requesting a thorough cleaning, they merely spread the hair around while mopping. ”

I don’t care how many stars. This is gross and unacceptable in any hotel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just returned from a week-long stay at a 4-star hotel. Is this the standard for hotels post-COVID? Here's my experience:

The floors were covered in hair – everywhere from the bathroom tiles to the walls. Despite requesting a thorough cleaning, they merely spread the hair around while mopping.

I had to ask twice before they changed the sheets and towels.

The front desk staff seemed inexperienced. They struggled with handling package shipments and providing accurate laundry service timings.

The restaurant staff seemed distracted. Instead of checking on diners or offering refills, they prioritized cleaning up after other guests. One staff member seemed annoyed when I asked for more water, as he was trying to watch a football game.

The breakfast buffet had stale, dried-out food that was rarely rotated. The omelette station was a disaster – the chef didn't seem to know how to prepare omelettes properly, resulting in long queues and frequent burnt orders. To add to the chaos, I witnessed a manager getting into a shouting match with a server.

As I was leaving, a housekeeper aggressively approached me, demanding to know my room number and if I was checking out so she could clean the room. There was no consideration for my schedule or convenience.

Furthermore, the most frustrating part is that I have no direct way to hold this hotel accountable for their lackluster service. On Airbnb, I can leave an honest review and interact with hosts to address concerns, providing future guests with a transparent understanding of what to expect.

In contrast, I've had stays at Airbnb properties where the hosts go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable experience. The personal touches, clear communication, and homely ambiance often surpass what some hotels offer. This hotel experience has further convinced me that sometimes, the charm and dedication of Airbnb hosts can outshine even reputed hotels.

Overall, it was a dreadful and overpriced experience. Given this level of service, I'd rather opt for an Airbnb without all the supposed perks. It felt as if the staff found the guests bothersome and as if it was their first week on the job.

Why can’t you leave a hotel review on yelp or TripAdvisor? Do that. And tell us the name of this hotel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know far too many people who have been robbed at their Airbnb that I’ve decided to never use an Airbnb again.

Going to need some data on this

My friend K and his wife had jewelry and a laptop stolen at their Airbnb in Seattle in a good building in a good neighborhood.

My friend J and his family were asleep in their luxury villa airbnb in Mexico when it was broken into. Wallets, purses, and cell phones were stolen.

I live in Seattle in a meh SFh neighborhood next to a fancy SFH neighborhood. My fancy neighbors have way more break-ins and home invasions.

Any multi family building in Seattle is going to have break ins in any neighborhood, full stop. Seattle has unique conditions that make property crime more likely than elsewhere, and anywhere zoned for multi family housing is especially susceptible.

[Anonymous]

Do whatever you want, I am not staying at an Airbnb, because you had a bad experience with one hotel. Next time, read the reviews!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do whatever you want, I am not staying at an Airbnb, because you had a bad experience with one hotel. Next time, read the reviews!

We stayed at a highly rated Marriot and it felt like a motel 6 experience in a 4 star hotel building, as if someone bought the building of a formerly 4 star place but treated it 2 stars

[Anonymous]

This describes Marriott to a t

https://viewfromthewing.com/review-the-1-7-star-worst-marriott-hotel-in-north-america/

[Anonymous]

Did OP ever name the hotel?
If not, I’m guessing she told her friends about the trip and will out herself if she names it.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never stayed at a hotel that was bad despite all glowing reviews. I guess I am lucky.

[Anonymous]

Since COVID hotels are far more spotty. Many don't clean rooms during the stay. Or make beds.

Room service hasn't returned to all hotels that had it.

Hotels that once had a hot breakfast sometimes do and sometimes don't.

It's too bad.

[Anonymous]

It’s always best to avoid hotel restaurants unless you stick to reliable breakfast items (eggs, toast, etc. cooked to order, not buffet) or they have a highly regarded restaurant.

I think it’s best to find a local bakery or cafe for breakfast…even when the hotel offers a free buffet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since COVID hotels are far more spotty. Many don't clean rooms during the stay. Or make beds.

Room service hasn't returned to all hotels that had it.

Hotels that once had a hot breakfast sometimes do and sometimes don't.

It's too bad.

This is all reflected in recent reviews though. You should never Be surprised like this. Do people really stay at hotels they haven’t read review of? I literally can’t imagine doing this!

[Anonymous]

It does sound a little odd the way it's written...

But they are mostly valid complaints. A dirty room and people who didn't know how to do their jobs. I've experienced the same. In a hotel now and didn't get the level of room we had booked. We don't have enough towels and didn't get more when we requested them. The elevator was broken for several hours, and the place with packed with multiple events going on. The food in the restaurant was cold.

I wasn't expecting top notch, but these seem like basic things. (That said, I hate ABNB so I'm not pushing for that either, just recognizing that the service industry is crap right now)

[Anonymous]

A relative who worked at a hotel chain always tended to stay at the Hampton Inn/ Hyatt place level properties, and when I asked why they said it was because they have so many more people staying they get cleaned and remodeled more consistently, and are actually a better experience. I’ve found this to be true. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised by the clean, inexpensive room with free parking than disappointed by the $400 room that I have to pay for breakfast and valet

[Anonymous]

Why can't the OP hold the hotel accountable or review them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can't the OP hold the hotel accountable or review them?

Because it's made up.