Someone I may or may not be related to stayed at a hotel in Sandpoint, Idaho recently and decided to give some feedback to the management (different Alex) through the following e-mail:
Dear Alex:
I am happy to provide you some of my observations and recommendations with regard to the logistics, construction, and management of the Dover Bay bungalows.
As you may recall, two of my daughters and I had arranged through Marie to stay four consecutive nights, 2-5 October, in your bungalow 1-D, "Seas the Moment," but we were forced by circumstances beyond your control to cut short our visit. We checked out on the morning of the 4th after having been awakened at 1:00 that morning by fireworks set off right outside our bungalow.
Notwithstanding our rude awakening, we did enjoy most of our time in Dover Bay. Your natural setting could not be improved upon, and all of the service personnel with whom we interacted were friendly and helpful.
When we checked in to 1-D on the 2nd, we found the following deficiencies and defects in the bungalow:
1. Very poor television reception, which was a problem for us because we'd planned to watch the vice-presidential debate that evening. We informed Melissa, who called in a service technician who managed to correct the problem just before the debate began.
2. Missing light bulb in double fixture over the kitchen sink. We had to go to the Market for a replacement bulb.
3. A hole of the approximate diameter of a woman's finger punched through the bathroom door.
4. Garbage disposal problem: Someone had dropped a bottle cap into the garbage disposal; when we turned on the appliance, it made a terrible racket. I finally reached my hand into the disposal--a distasteful task--and pulled out a battered bottle cap. There is of course no excuse for this, and I have to wonder whether it was done deliberately by either the previous resident or someone on the housekeeping staff.
5. Inadequate linens for fold-out couch. We had to go to Melissa for a blanket, which she 'borrowed' from another bungalow.
6. Too much furniture, too little floor space. Big problem here. There was no surface on which to conveniently unpack luggage and no designated storage space other than that provided by the one closet in the "master" bedroom. We would happily have traded at least three of the chairs (two in living room, huge rocker in second bedroom) for a couple of dressers. We certainly did not need the two armchairs that you have crammed in along the wall between the couch and the fireplace. We were forced to live out of our suitcases. This was not restful.
7. Accommodations not as promised in information packet. The floor plan of 1-D shows a closet in the second bedroom. We would gladly have traded the huge, unusable rocker--no floor space for rocking--for a closet or a dresser in that room.
8. Totally inadequate storage space in bathroom. We recommend that you install hooks, shelves on brackets, and a shower caddy for the convenience of your guests.
9. Foul-smelling nightstands in both bedrooms. Try opening the top drawer; the hydrocarbon fumes are terrible and overwhelming! We were unable to use the nightstands for storage. At the very least you need to air out the drawers and cabinets...for several days.
10. Inadequate towel supply. Three women cannot live happily for four days with only four bath towels. I think you need to change your linens policy and provide a fresh supply of towels upon request. Your current policy seems stingy, especially when one considers your rates.
11. Hostile written policy in re: late departures. I certainly understand the need to have departing guests vacate the premises by 10:00 a.m. That is entirely reasonable. But to threaten to charge stragglers $100. per hour beyond check-out time is outright hostile and off-putting and sounds unprofessional. I suggest that you consider rewording your late-check-out policy.
Additional recommendations:
1. Install a handle on the inside of the screen door; otherwise it is difficult to prevent the door from slamming loudly and disturbing other guests.
2. It would be great to have a compact DVD player installed near the TV.
3. Furnish leg rests to complement your wonderful Adirondack chairs, and vary the number of chairs per bungalow to reflect the number of occupants on a given date. We had three people and two chairs and had to haul a dining chair outside. This was awkward. You need the leg rest (ottoman) because the angle of the chair is uncomfortable without support for the lower legs and feet.
I hope you find my comments helpful.
1 comment:
We certainly did not need the two armchairs that you have crammed in along the wall between the couch and the fireplace.
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