inasmuchas
May 5, 09, 9:08 am
Hello all,
For those who may be interested, this weekend just past I stayed at the Radisson Blu Frankfurt. I stayed on the Gold Points Plus Silver 10% discounted rate, which ended up at €89.
I'd not been to Frankfurt before and was looking forward to my visit. The hotel is not centrally located (nor does it claim to be) but is easy enough to access via taxi or public transport (train and tram).
Architecturally the hotel is quite cool, and the lobby and bar area in the evening were particularly impressive. The pool on the top floor is small, but is a nice space and offers great views across the city skyline.
Our rate was for a standard room, but we asked at check-in how much an upgrade to a 'Business Class' room would cost. We were quoted €50 for the room upgraded, and as it included buffet breakfast in the morning, we agreed to upgrade. When we asked about lounge access, we were told that there was no separate or exclusive Business Lounge for Business Class guests at the hotel.
On entering at the room, I have to say we were surprised and somewhat disappointed with the size of the room. It was particularly small, and to be honest, considering it's a business hotel, the only thing that stood out as being particularly 'Business Class' was the rather ugly sign on the door (which was also printed on the coffee mugs in the room).
We then tried to access the free WiFi, but we kept getting an error message. Feeling somewhat underwhelmed, we discussed whether or not we felt the upgraded room represented particularly good value, and having been in the room for no more than 10 minutes, we decided to head back to reception and request our original room.
The staff member at reception efficiently changed rooms for us, but did so in a matter that was particularly cold and abrupt. I'm not one who goes out of their way to seek trouble, and I apologetically explained that we didn't feel the upgrade represented significant value. We didn't feel we were asking for too much, but were made to feel like we were. We were asked if we had consumed any food from the mini bar in a tone which suggested we were naughty children. Perhaps it was cultural nuances lost in translation, but we felt that the staff member could have handled it much differently.
When we added that the free WiFi was not working, we were told that yes, they were aware of it, that it was an ongoing problem with the service provider, that it was beyond the hotel's control and that therefore nothing could be done. We needed to get online, and given that free WiFi was one of Radisson's key selling points in Europe, we asked whether or not there was a business centre that could be used. There was one onsite which we were able to use, however we were told there were applicable charges for doing so, which were also out of the hotel's control.
I then asked if, given the free WiFi was not available, that perhaps the hotel would waive the internet charges, but alas, this was apparently not possible.
I have to admit I was surprised at the lack of interest or initiative that was being shown by this particular staff member. She really couldn't have cared less. At this stage it was about 7:30pm on Saturday night, and had we been able to access the internet, we would have probably just given up and found another hotel.
As it was, we decided to go and get comfortable in our 'down-graded' Standard Room. We accepted that there would be no WiFi, but were still somewhat disappointed that the staff were either unable or unwilling to suggest a solution.
When we arrived at our room, we found it to be identical in decoration and size to the 'Business Class' room we'd originally checked into. The only difference was that this room had no robes or slippers. The aspect was different, but the room size and furnishings were identical.
Although not to my personal taste, the room was pleasant and comfortable. The bed was firm, and there was a good selection of pillows available. But as this was sold as a Standard Room, I would see absolutely no benefit to upgrading to a Business Class room aside from included breakfast – there was simply no difference.
In the pool area we got chatting to some other guests who made mention of the lack of free WiFi. They said that they had been at the hotel at Easter this year, and had experienced the same problem, so it was interesting to hear that the problem has been an ongoing concern for the hotel.
Interestingly, you can access paid WiFi in the rooms, as we managed to do this. It doesn't get billed through the hotel, as you enter your credit card details. So there's not a problem with accessing WiFi per se, it's just that for some reason the hotel seems to be unable to provide their promised free service.
We ate a light supper in the hotel bar, and the staff were very friendly and genuine. The bar wasn't busy at all, and although there were only the two of us, they managed to forget one of our meals, but were able to rectify this reasonably quickly.
At check-out the following morning we once again explained our disappointment, and although the staff seemed genuinely interested and concerned, they also essentially shrugged their shoulders and said there was very little they could do.
Based on this experience, I would be reluctant to return to this property, which is a shame as I was very much looking forward to my stay. Some aspects of the stay were very good, however on balance, these are not nearly enough to compensate for the significant and numerous negative aspects we encountered.
I'd be interested to hear other's experiences here, and hope that this information is of benefit to those considering staying here.
For those who may be interested, this weekend just past I stayed at the Radisson Blu Frankfurt. I stayed on the Gold Points Plus Silver 10% discounted rate, which ended up at €89.
I'd not been to Frankfurt before and was looking forward to my visit. The hotel is not centrally located (nor does it claim to be) but is easy enough to access via taxi or public transport (train and tram).
Architecturally the hotel is quite cool, and the lobby and bar area in the evening were particularly impressive. The pool on the top floor is small, but is a nice space and offers great views across the city skyline.
Our rate was for a standard room, but we asked at check-in how much an upgrade to a 'Business Class' room would cost. We were quoted €50 for the room upgraded, and as it included buffet breakfast in the morning, we agreed to upgrade. When we asked about lounge access, we were told that there was no separate or exclusive Business Lounge for Business Class guests at the hotel.
On entering at the room, I have to say we were surprised and somewhat disappointed with the size of the room. It was particularly small, and to be honest, considering it's a business hotel, the only thing that stood out as being particularly 'Business Class' was the rather ugly sign on the door (which was also printed on the coffee mugs in the room).
We then tried to access the free WiFi, but we kept getting an error message. Feeling somewhat underwhelmed, we discussed whether or not we felt the upgraded room represented particularly good value, and having been in the room for no more than 10 minutes, we decided to head back to reception and request our original room.
The staff member at reception efficiently changed rooms for us, but did so in a matter that was particularly cold and abrupt. I'm not one who goes out of their way to seek trouble, and I apologetically explained that we didn't feel the upgrade represented significant value. We didn't feel we were asking for too much, but were made to feel like we were. We were asked if we had consumed any food from the mini bar in a tone which suggested we were naughty children. Perhaps it was cultural nuances lost in translation, but we felt that the staff member could have handled it much differently.
When we added that the free WiFi was not working, we were told that yes, they were aware of it, that it was an ongoing problem with the service provider, that it was beyond the hotel's control and that therefore nothing could be done. We needed to get online, and given that free WiFi was one of Radisson's key selling points in Europe, we asked whether or not there was a business centre that could be used. There was one onsite which we were able to use, however we were told there were applicable charges for doing so, which were also out of the hotel's control.
I then asked if, given the free WiFi was not available, that perhaps the hotel would waive the internet charges, but alas, this was apparently not possible.
I have to admit I was surprised at the lack of interest or initiative that was being shown by this particular staff member. She really couldn't have cared less. At this stage it was about 7:30pm on Saturday night, and had we been able to access the internet, we would have probably just given up and found another hotel.
As it was, we decided to go and get comfortable in our 'down-graded' Standard Room. We accepted that there would be no WiFi, but were still somewhat disappointed that the staff were either unable or unwilling to suggest a solution.
When we arrived at our room, we found it to be identical in decoration and size to the 'Business Class' room we'd originally checked into. The only difference was that this room had no robes or slippers. The aspect was different, but the room size and furnishings were identical.
Although not to my personal taste, the room was pleasant and comfortable. The bed was firm, and there was a good selection of pillows available. But as this was sold as a Standard Room, I would see absolutely no benefit to upgrading to a Business Class room aside from included breakfast – there was simply no difference.
In the pool area we got chatting to some other guests who made mention of the lack of free WiFi. They said that they had been at the hotel at Easter this year, and had experienced the same problem, so it was interesting to hear that the problem has been an ongoing concern for the hotel.
Interestingly, you can access paid WiFi in the rooms, as we managed to do this. It doesn't get billed through the hotel, as you enter your credit card details. So there's not a problem with accessing WiFi per se, it's just that for some reason the hotel seems to be unable to provide their promised free service.
We ate a light supper in the hotel bar, and the staff were very friendly and genuine. The bar wasn't busy at all, and although there were only the two of us, they managed to forget one of our meals, but were able to rectify this reasonably quickly.
At check-out the following morning we once again explained our disappointment, and although the staff seemed genuinely interested and concerned, they also essentially shrugged their shoulders and said there was very little they could do.
Based on this experience, I would be reluctant to return to this property, which is a shame as I was very much looking forward to my stay. Some aspects of the stay were very good, however on balance, these are not nearly enough to compensate for the significant and numerous negative aspects we encountered.
I'd be interested to hear other's experiences here, and hope that this information is of benefit to those considering staying here.