Questions and Answers

Greetings,

Something is rubbing me the wrong way but I wanted to reach out to the community to get your perspectives to see if I am taking this too internally.

First trip to Europe. Was staying in Brussels for a day. Arrived at the Ibis Brussels Centre Gare Midi (only because it is right across the station and I had an early morning train to catch the next day.)

I booked a room here for one night in advance for a discounted rate of some $55 for the night. Normal check in time is at 2 pm. I arrived a little bit after 11 am and figured I might see if I can check in early and was willing to pay a fair price (I know, fair here is subjective.)

The receptionists had a sly and almost demeaning attitude. Lifeless yet spoke as little as possible. They told me that it would cost an additional Euro35 to check in early. The only option to leave the my bags were lockers downstairs that were coin operated most of which were already occupied leaving me with the option to either sit down till 2 with my bags and waste a few hours or pay the extra Euro35 and check in.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not a cheapskate but yet felt paying nearly $40 or so to check in less than 3 hours before check in on a $55 booking was a little crazy. I willingly did pay the extra since this was our first trip to Europe and we had full intentions to spending the entire day touring and making the most of what we had.

A few days later, I wrote to the customer service department of IBIS and pointed out the above and requested if they would be willing to refund part of the Euro35 I was charged and charge a fair fee. I also politely acknowledged that if they don’t, I completely understand as it was a choice I was given and I took it.

No response ever.

I know IBIS is not a Marriott or Hyatt but is it too much to expect some basic courtesy? Is it alright to be upset or am I taking this too deep?

They made you an offer and you accepted it. Sure they should have acknowledged your email to them, but move on.

Enjoy Europe and don’t let one hotel’s policy negatively affect your trip.