Viva C
August 2, 2024
As an NRI, I booked rooms at Spree Hotels in Thrissur, Kerala, based on online reviews and a previous positive experience with Spree Hotels in Bangalore seven years ago. Unfortunately, this stay was far from satisfactory. Before our arrival, I contacted the hotel reception to inquire about breakfast. I was informed that only continental breakfast was available, with no South Indian cuisine. To my surprise, upon arrival, there was a South Indian spread of good quality. The staff were pleasant, and the breakfast area was clean. The check-in process was smooth, with the receptionist offering early check-in for an additional charge. However, the assigned room (5014) was in a deplorable state. It had a mixed odor of smoke and foul smells, stained bed sheets, black ants, a dusty floor, a non-functional toilet flush, and exposed wires in the bathroom. Exhausted from a 12-hour car journey, we rested before requesting a room change. The housekeeping supervisor promptly arranged another room, but it also had issues like moisture and fungus. We decided to leave a day earlier than planned, as the room did not meet even basic standards. Despite the hotel’s no-refund policy, the manager, Wilson, kindly refunded the early check-in charges. The restaurant on the ground floor had a bad odor, and the low occupancy meant a limited menu. The plates were not clean, and after pointing this out, they were replaced. The food was overly spicy, the chicken tough, and the gulab jamun uncooked inside. We wasted about 70% of the food. Despite booking and paying in advance via net banking, the staff struggled to track my payment, repeatedly asking about it, which was awkward. Overall, this stay was a disaster. I felt more like an auditor inspecting the property rather than a guest on vacation. The staff seem to have potential but need training to meet brand standards, improve their communication skills, particularly in English, and receive better support from management to address these issues. I hope this review helps others in making an informed decision and encourages the management to make necessary improvements.