Poor services at five-star hotel

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By Hans

Old palm tree plantations stretching from Diani at the South Coast to Mombasa town create beautiful scenery. Sadly, the road is quite narrow for the heavy tourism traffic.

I was on my way to the Coastal city. I passed through what looked like a slum with makeshift structures. Dirt and garbage was dumped right on the road — not an impressive sight for tourists passing by.

I stayed at Sarova White Sands Hotel in Mombasa and was staggered by the charges for a single room with breakfast — Sh11,000 per night.

I was disappointed by the hotel’s lack of African ambiance. Being a mzungu, this is part of the country’s attraction.

I arrived early but due to the primary school’s National Music Festival that was taking place in Mombasa, the hotel was full and my room was not ready.

After checking in, I requested that my luggage be put in the room as soon as possible but when I returned later in the afternoon, my orange trunk was missing!

Expensive hamburger

In the evening I ordered a hamburger from room service, which arrived after one hour and was tasteless. I also realised later that besides the Sh850, the cost of the hamburger, the hotel also charges Sh300 to deliver it to the room! Wow!

Am I the only one who dislikes buffets and queues for food served in hot water containers? What happened to table service?

I was informed that coffee and tea can be served at the table. After getting hold of a waiter, I requested for coffee and tea. Nothing happened. I again tried to get the attention of another waiter and on retuning from the buffet he brought two cups of coffee! Things were not different the next day.

To check out, I had to sort my account with a receptionist who doubled as a cashier. As I did so, another guest complained about items put on her bill, which she claimed were not hers.

Affordable holiday

What happened to having a more private accounts office to settle your bill?

Later on, I stayed at Papillion Hotel, formerly Fontana. It is basic but with nice and clean rooms, a balcony and a swimming pool. In the garden is an al fresco bar to entertain friends. There is also safe parking. All these for Sh2,500 per night for bed and breakfast.

One night, I ordered room service and requested fried chicken. It arrived within 15 minutes at a total cost of Sh300.

When I got to Malindi, I stayed at Scorpio Villas. It has spacious air-conditioned rooms, three swimming pools, a bar, lounge and restaurant. Charges for a single room and breakfast is only Sh3,000 per night.

This is what I call affordable.