Luxury setting, surprisingly poor service
Luxury Setting, Surprisingly Poor Customer Care
Had it not been for our experience on departure, I would have been writing a very different review.
Shortly before 10:00 a.m., after breakfast, I went to reception simply to let the staff know that we had already vacated our room, in case they wished to send housekeeping to prepare it for the next guests. Having experienced a delay at check-in because our room had not yet been serviced after the previous occupants, I thought this would be helpful. I also made it clear that we were not checking out at that time. As the published checkout time was 11:00 a.m., we intended to take a walk along the beach before returning to complete our checkout and have lunch at the hotel.
Despite this, the receptionist insisted on checking us out immediately and requested that I settle the account immediately. My concern was not with settling the bill, but with the manner in which the situation was handled. I was made to feel as though I might leave without paying, despite the hotel having taken and authorised my credit card at check-in specifically for incidental charges.
When I queried why the card on file could not simply be used if necessary, I was told that the hotel was unable to charge it. This was surprising, as taking and pre-authorising a credit card at check-in to cover incidental charges or outstanding balances is standard practice throughout the hotel industry. The explanation offered simply did not make sense.
The receptionist’s attitude throughout the interaction was, in my opinion, rude, confrontational and condescending. Rather than feeling like a valued guest, I was left feeling embarrassed and unfairly treated.
The incident completely changed our plans. We had intended to return to the hotel for lunch before leaving, but after the way we were treated, we chose to leave instead.
Before posting this review, I contacted the hotel’s General Manager directly to give the hotel the opportunity to investigate the incident and explain both its checkout procedures and the conduct of the staff member involved. I requested a written response to the specific questions I had raised. At the time of writing, no such response has been received.
It is disappointing that what had otherwise been an enjoyable stay ended on such an unnecessary and poorly handled interaction.
Carbis Bay Hotel enjoys an exceptional location and commands premium room rates. At approximately £650 per night for a non-sea-view room, guests are entitled to expect a correspondingly high standard of service, professionalism and customer care. While the setting undoubtedly lives up to the hotel’s reputation, our experience at departure did not. Good customer service is often judged not when everything goes smoothly, but by how concerns are handled when they arise. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the service we received fell well short of the standard I would expect from a hotel that presents itself as a four-star luxury destination.
I delayed posting this review to give the hotel management the opportunity to investigate the matter and provide the written response I had requested. Regrettably, no response has been received, leaving me no option but to share my experience publicly.
3. Juli 2026
Bewertung ohne vorherige Einladung