Another reason NOT to stay in Masterton

The Internet has enabled instant feedback from traveler's experiences and this has to be a good thing. Hey, the market is always correct and the Internet allows the market to speak in real-time loud and far.

I enjoy following the blog, Oswald Bastable's Ranting and I note that the writer has been on a short road trip and staying at commercial accommodation along the way.

Oswald Bastable's blog faithfully records:

"...opinions on matters of the day that, generally, have pissed me off. Being described as a 'Surly Curmudgeon', by those who meet me on a good day. I have a poor regard for the human species, in general."

*Gulp*....so how is the trip going?

Best leave it to "Oswald" to take up the story of his travels so far:

Blacksmiths Motor Inn. The Faulty Towers of Masterton

I can't complain about the service. There wasn't any.

I visited the above website and found this place to look very pleasant- the wife had attended a conference there and agreed that it was very nice, so I booked a night on-line.

We arrived in the snow (yes- actual snow in Masterton) looking forward to a couple of rounds of drinks by the fireside in the bar.

We found a note on the locked door giving a phone number to call- we had committed the sin of not giving an arrival time (nobody asked) The time was 4pm...

After a few minutes a car pulled up and we were admitted. Here we told that the restaurant was closed. The bar never opened despite there being a couple of dozen 'guests' on site and all that was left of the fire was a smell of woodsmoke. The whole 'reception' area was freezing

We were shown to a room (very nice, I must admit) and left to our own devices. In fact, that was the last time we saw a staff member- nobody showed at the front desk come checkout time, so I tossed the keys on the desk and departed never to return. A conversation with another disgruntled customer informed that this shambles had been going on for at least two days.

If you are reading this (of course you are!) I advise you to seek lodging elsewhere.

I have travelled New Zealand extensively over the years, staying at everything from camping ground cabins to five-star hotels. Never before have I had the misfortune to encounter staff with such a pitiful understanding of the 'hospitality' industry. A quick look at the images in the above link will show you that this is physically an up-market establishment- not some seedy backpackers, so the pathetic service is all the more of a puzzle.

Be afraid, be VERY afraid. Where will the writer of Oswald Bastable's Ranting strike next?

UPDATE

The accommodation provider mentioned in this post has responded extremely well and it would appear that the complainant is most satisfied with the result.

Hey, we all have our "off-days" and often we are judged by how we respond to criticism more so than the original indiscretion. In this case we are delighted that the accommodation provider passes with flying colors!

Read the full exchange HERE.