A Memorable Stay At Afric Hotel, Algiers
#freehotelstay
I had originally reserved a room at this hotel well in advance, booking a four-night stay from October 30 to November 3, believing my marathon was on November 4. When I discovered my Marathon was on the 4th, I approached the reception requesting if I could check out on the 2nd because I wanted to stay with the other runners on the eve of my marathon and return on the 4th. I was told there was no issue. However, when I discovered I could be picked up from my current hotel on the morning of the marathon by the organizers, I canceled my previous arrangement and decided to spend my entire time in Algeria at Afric Hotel. I simply extended my stay in the hotel by booking an additional two days from the 3rd to the 5th when I will fly out of Algiers.
On the 3rd of November which was the day of the race, I checked out before 6 am knowing I would be picked up for the Start line at 6 am. My plan was to check into the new room I had booked when I returned after the marathon.
When I came back, exhausted, smelly, dirty, and eager for a warm bath, I was informed there was no available room. The elderly receptionist who was on duty was firm in refusing to provide a room, even though I explained that Booking.com had already charged my card, and the payment was non-refundable. I attempted to show him proof, but he insisted he did not want to see any proof because he was sure there were no rooms.
Too fatigued to argue further, I sat down in the reception area and messaged the hotel through the booking app. I fell asleep and woke up to the receptionist attempting to show me something on his phone. The manager was on the line and wanted to speak with me. He profusely apologized and confirmed that there were no rooms available, except for the one I had checked out of that morning. He suggested I take that room for the evening, and my room would be changed in the morning.
I agreed to this arrangement, and the following morning, I was upgraded to a room with a sea view.
Will I return to this hotel? Absolutely! I have nothing but praise for this hotel, and I highly recommend it. I understand that the elderly receptionist may have had an off day, so I'm willing to overlook that minor hiccup.
#AfricHotel #HotelStay #CustomerExperience #TravelExperience #Hospitality #MarathonRunner #CustomerService #RoomUpgrade ##freehotelstay