The Hotel Experience

  Singapore, Singapore
Sunday, August 19, 2007

I arrived at my hotel about 6 AM at Hotel York...I was assured by the school I would be pleased with the accomodations. 
By what I could tell, the location was nice, right near Orchard Road (Very big entertainment/food/shopping area)



Arriving they put me right into a room, and when I entered, I noticed several things that did not please me.  Dust had accumulated around the edges of the room, the telephone was not at the desk, the bathroom was old and there were several telltale signs.  I asked right away for more clothes hangers as there were only 4 in the closet.  They brought me 5 very cheap hangers and I said I still needed more..I got a response with an attitude, How Many More?
I refrained from becoming nasty back and said i would figure it out and let them know.

I started to unpack when i noticed the drawers had an order a little like urine.  I knew I was tired so i just decided to open them and walk down to the desk for my hangers.  I asked for some skirt hangers and they said they did not have any but i could go down the street to buy some.  hmmm....beginning to get upset.  I went back to the room decided to check my mail.  The internet did not work well...off and on and off and on it fluttered.  That was the last straw. 

I got on the phone to the school and told them I was not pleased with the accomodations and they said they would work on it.

I received a call a bit later from someone named Helen from the hotel, wanting to meet with me and have tea...HAVE TEA?  as if tea would solve my problems.  She brought the technicians to the room to check on the internet...they decided to move me rooms as the internet wasn't working.

Meanwhile, i was having tea with Helen.  She was charming and if her hospitality could have solved the problems, I would have stayed...Meanwhile Suri was working on changing me to the hotel i had stayed in previously and enjoyed so much.

Suri called a bit later to say she had been able to move us to the Grand Capthorne Waterfront...sigh...but not until the next day.  I could endure anything for a night.


I went back to my room, rested a bit and then showered (noting the shower did not drain well and had little pressure made me even more glad I was mving).  I then ventured out on Orchard road to walk and to find something to eat.

I ended up at an Italian place...well..sort of...it had italian sort of food but My Pasta Primavera was nothing like what i have at home but it was very good...very spicy.  My Italian Raspberry soda with cream came with a scoop of something that looked like a block of butter...if i was looking for comfort food...instead my senses were experiencing all new sensations. 

Dinner was fulfilling and I was ready for bed...Jet Lag hitting me.

The end of the day...tomorrow I move again.

Saturday I awoke and went downstairs to breakfast....marginal at best.  I spent the morning packing everything and awaiting the driver from the school.  I couldn't wait to leave.

The driver picked me up and we drove away...all the while i was hoping it would be better today...He told me that this was a very congested area to leave from in the morning...another good reason to leave.

Grand Capthorne Waterfront...like going to the ritz after the previous hotel experience.

This time i asked about an upgraded room...I moved to the executive floor for $50 sing a day which entitled me to 2 pieces of laundry a day, entry to the executive lounge, free breakfast, free drinks from the mini bar (non alcholic) and a bigger room with a better view...seemed like a bargain. 

The room was wonderful as the photos will show.  I unpacked with a smile on my face. 

I got cleaned up and went to an international wine fair at Vivo Center (one of their largest shopping centers)

Wine was good...tasting at a mall...don't think that happens here.

I then shopped...bought a phone and local minutes, a couple of things to cook with to keep in my room to warm up dinner I bring home from the school and then ate a rice, chicken and mushroom dish from a bamboo pot before grabbing a taxi back to the hotel. 

I was home.

Tomorrow, I meet the other consultant....she will be pleased that i move our hotel :)