Last motel we were at (Comfort Inn) my husband had to call someone up to the room to show him how to operate the shower controls. I came back from swimming and was laughing at him when he told me. He just said "wait and see". I tried and tried and tried and finally seperated the fixture about 1 in from the wall in the effort to pull it out enough to start the water. I'm "elderly" and not that strong. What a Hoot!!! Finally got it to work some with the entire pipe sliding in and out from the wall. Reported problem in the morning at checkout. Person seemed amazed we had a problem. Told them it was now their problem.

Enjoyed the challange of traveling in Europe where every toilet flushes differently, but this shower at the last motel, was by far the most puzzling piece of plumbing I have ever experienced!!!!!!

My husband just reminded me that the problem was not getting the water on, but off. You had to pull the fixture OUT (away from the wall) to turn it off.