I had a last minute thing (professional/business) which required me to go down to Canberra with about a weeks notice. After some quick searching I decided to stay at Novotel based on conscience and price. After booking my room for 1 adult for $269 or $279, my confirmation email listed 2 adults, 2 children for $409. I was shocked and confused with this so I called to see what had happened and if it could be rectified. I spoke to Kate, who informed me the change would have been on Novotel’s end. When I asked why, it was delicately put to me that because I am a women, I must be bringing two kids and possibly a husband along with me. A bizarre comment which did throw me off. I explained it was a business related trip and I needed those changes made. I was assured it would be done. A few hours later I send an email confirming these changes. I received a response saying it was now two adults and asked if I still wanted a soft bed made up. I called again because it didn’t mirror what was discussed with Kate. A second lady answered the phone. I explained the situation but she was most unhelpful. She assigned lots of blame, refused to go further back than Kate’s conversation with me and offer anything new; expect being totally unfazed at Kate’s reason for the guest and price hike. Unfortunately I didn’t have many options left so I proceeded with Novotel. On check in, everything was normal until the receptionist said I never provided credit card details. I explain I had and ask why those details hadn’t been recorded. She went red with embarrassment and said they are there but they just want to physically verify the card. That’s fine with me but why lie about it? After this she went through the usual about the location of bar, spa etc and stated breakfast would be charged after 6:30am. I informed her I would be checking out then and do not wished to be charged for breakfast unless I partake. The room was alright. Nothing special. Although it would have been nice if the bed had a fitted sheet. I ordered room service. I asked for a particular food to be excluded due to allergies (no worries). The food arrived in a timely manor. I noticed the food I asked to be removed was substituted with something else; not what I asked for as this too was something I have an allergy to. The next morning I checked out and was charged the extra price for the 2 kids and husband Kate said I was bringing with me. Unfortunately I cannot and will not recommend Novotel Canberra to anyone because of this sexist rule and subsequent price hike.
After booking my room for 1 adult for $269 or $279, my confirmation email listed 2 adults, 2 children for $409. I was shocked and confused with this so I called to see what had happened and if it could be rectified.
I spoke to Kate, who informed me the change would have been on Novotel’s end. When I asked why, it was delicately put to me that because I am a women, I must be bringing two kids and possibly a husband along with me. A bizarre comment which did throw me off. I explained it was a business related trip and I needed those changes made. I was assured it would be done. A few hours later I send an email confirming these changes. I received a response saying it was now two adults and asked if I still wanted a soft bed made up. I called again because it didn’t mirror what was discussed with Kate. A second lady answered the phone. I explained the situation but she was most unhelpful. She assigned lots of blame, refused to go further back than Kate’s conversation with me and offer anything new; expect being totally unfazed at Kate’s reason for the guest and price hike. Unfortunately I didn’t have many options left so I proceeded with Novotel.
On check in, everything was normal until the receptionist said I never provided credit card details. I explain I had and ask why those details hadn’t been recorded. She went red with embarrassment and said they are there but they just want to physically verify the card. That’s fine with me but why lie about it? After this she went through the usual about the location of bar, spa etc and stated breakfast would be charged after 6:30am. I informed her I would be checking out then and do not wished to be charged for breakfast unless I partake.
The room was alright. Nothing special. Although it would have been nice if the bed had a fitted sheet. I ordered room service. I asked for a particular food to be excluded due to allergies (no worries). The food arrived in a timely manor. I noticed the food I asked to be removed was substituted with something else; not what I asked for as this too was something I have an allergy to.
The next morning I checked out and was charged the extra price for the 2 kids and husband Kate said I was bringing with me. Unfortunately I cannot and will not recommend Novotel Canberra to anyone because of this sexist rule and subsequent price hike.