While in Galway, we stayed at the Amber Bay B&B in Salthill. The location is great as it has sea views and we even had a room with a view. However, there were a few glitches with our stay. First, the water in all of Galway was insafe to drink. In the lobby there was a posting about the bacteria in tap water. While that didn't need to be a big problem, the only warning we had was a letter posted in the entryway. The proprietor never told us about not being able to drink the tap water (which he may or may not have been obligated to do but would have been nice to be told about when we arrived). When we got back home to Dublin, John told us that he had read online that hotels/B&Bs were supposed to provide bottled water. We got one 2 L bottle for three of us during our 4 night stay.
Upon our arrival, the proprietor also questioned that we had three people. I had clearly stated in my email enquiry and on the phone making the reservation that there were two adults and a child. While he didn't have a triple/family room available, he gave us a fold out bed. Shortly after arriving, I went down to pay for our stay since I prefer to pay on arrival than departure. He had quoted a price to me in email and then charged me a different price. I know I should have said something to him but I just didn't feel like it after having driven 4 hours to get there. Upon departure and returning our key, he was going to charge me again. Obviously I didn't pay him twice.
Another disappointment was that the owner didn't talk to us during our stay. We didn't see him initiate conversation with any of the guests. I know it isn't a prerequisite for a B&B owner to be friendly but most are. That is part of the charm of staying in a B&B versus a hotel.
3 comments:
i was so sorry to have read your post. i feel i must clear up some of these issues you have raised. the galway water problem is now over. b+b's in galway **ARE NOT NOW OR NEVER HAVE BEEN** required to supply bottled water, even though amberbay did so out of courtesy. we were required by law to post the "boil water notice" in reception. **we did this**. if you already knew about the problem then why are you making such an issue about it. we apologise about the reservation mix up and the pricing mix up as we had not taken the 3rd person into account. hence the price variation, but again you said that this was not a problem as the child had a fold out bed to sleep on. why did you not mention it at the time? it could have all been sorted out very easily as we had plenty of rooms left that we could have given you, we thought you wanted the bay view room?. we certainly did NOT try to charge you twice, i find this claim very hurtfull. its normal for people to pay on departure. the fact you paid on arrival just confused our system slightly. as you are probobally aware we are very busy in the mornings and there are lots of people checking in and out. all we did wrong was ask you if you wanted your bill (not remembering you had already paid). how can you say we did not speak to any of our guests at all, for the 4 days and nights you stayed?? how could you possibly know this?? its absurd and very unfair as we do our utmost to ensure all our guests are comfortable and happy here. this is a professionally run b+b and we pride ourselves in the services we provide. you also claim i spent all my time in my office , again how would you know this?? and also **i dont have an office**. im sorry you did not enjoy your stay with us and apologise for misreading your reservation as a double instead or a double with child, but take great comfort in the knowledge that almost all guests that have stayed with us leave very happy, and indeed return time and time again as they find this a home from home, where they can enjoy some privacy and peace. i would suggest next time you are unhappy with a hotel/b+b ect, you say something yourselves at the time. i think you will be pleasantly supprised how easily problems can be sorted out, there and then, large or small.
Anthony, I did not say that you didn't talk to guests. I said I did not OBSERVE you talking to them. Which I did not. I pointed it out because it is a contrast to other B&Bs that I have stayed in in Ireland and other countries.
When we were giving you the keys upon leaving, asking if we wanted a bill is asking for payment(we already had a receipt). However, when leaving, you stated the price again. I interpret that as asking for payment. It was handled easily as I reminded you that we had already paid. I also regularly pay upon arrival and have never had an issue with it anywhere else that we have stayed (in Ireland or the rest of Europe). Again as it was part of our experience, I mentioned it. To me it highlighted that it may not be one of the most organized places that I have stayed in (but I have certainly stayed in less organized places).
As for my references to the office, by that I meant the area off the kitchen where your computer and such are located.
Oh, I also mentioned the water issue because not everyone would have been aware of it and it would have been nice (although not required) to have what was safe and what wasn't highlighted to us as your guests. The contaminated water in Galway during our visit also made things a bit more complicated, which was not a reflection on your establishment, just the way it was during our stay there.
I can't believe that someone would put this place down!
It is lovely!!!
The people that work here are beyond helpful, even though I can be very annoying.....nothing seemed to be too much trouble!
Would definitely recommend to anyone and am certain that I will visit again in the very near future!
Post a Comment