When 'We Told You So' Isn’t Enough: The Saga of the Old Hotel Rooms and the Refund That Wasn’t
Picture this: You're working at a century-old hotel, the kind with stories in every creaky floorboard and 80s floral furniture that’s now ironically trendy. The paint’s seen better decades, but the beds are new, the mold is banished, and if you squint, the water stains just give the place “character.” Now, imagine doing everything short of sending up smoke signals to warn a travel agency: “These rooms are not for the picky or faint of heart. Please, for everyone’s sanity, book elsewhere.” They ignore every red flag, insist on booking for a notoriously high-maintenance group, and—surprise!—demand a refund when their guests throw a fit. The plot? Predictable. The internet’s reaction? Comedy gold.
The Hotel That Time (Almost) Forgot
Our story starts in a grand old hotel with a split personality: 30 rooms gleaming with modern comforts, and 10 “museum pieces” offered at a deep discount for the adventurous or budget-savvy. The staff know these rooms aren’t for everyone. In fact, as u/supe3rnova (the original poster) says, “You know the rooms are bad when you don’t want them to be sold.”
But here’s the twist: these vintage rooms are shown to guests before booking. Transparency is key. The staff send photos, describe every quirk, and even recommend that picky guests look elsewhere. As u/PonyFlare puts it, “Discounted room simply because it's old and unrenovated? Works for me as long as it's clean.” And that’s the crux: for the right person, a little retro charm is part of the adventure.
Yet, despite all warnings (repeated monthly!), a travel agency insists the rooms will do just fine for their group—known for, let’s say, “exacting standards.” Staff brace themselves for disaster, and disaster arrives right on schedule.
When Warnings Become “I Told You So”
The group checks in. Cue the predictable outrage: “This isn’t what we were promised!” Suddenly, the agency wants upgrades to the modern rooms (which are, of course, unavailable), or for the hotel to find other accommodations—an impossible ask. The best part? The original poster’s boss wisely CC’s the group leader on all prior email warnings, showing the agency was fully informed.
The group leaves behind a mess. The agency, undeterred by logic or evidence, demands a refund.
This, dear readers, is where the internet grabs its popcorn. “Hope the manager does not cave,” says u/NocturnalMisanthrope, echoing the collective wisdom of everyone who’s ever worked in hospitality. “Absolutely no reason to. The agency already has said they won't be using your hotel anymore. And since they pulled this shit, it's not like your hotel should be doing business with them any more either.”
Others speculate about the agency’s motives. As u/LandofGreenGinger62 quips, “Wanta bet the agency was thinking 'yeah, just get' em in, we'll complain and get 'em a free upgrade once they're there, and we'll look great!'... D' oh.” It’s a theory with legs—especially since OP notes the agency may have charged a higher rate, hoping for a last-minute upgrade.
Old Rooms, New Fans: The Nostalgia Factor
Not everyone thinks the old rooms are a punishment. In fact, some commenters pine for the days of floral prints, solid wood dressers, and bathrooms with doors that actually close. “At this point I'd prefer to stay in an older styled room,” says u/FuzzelFox. “Modern styling has become so flat, gray and downright clinical. I absolutely hate it. Bring back floral prints and color!!!”
Others agree. “When I'm travelling, I'm usually only in the room to sleep. As long as the room is clean and I have hot water, I'm good,” says u/LadyV21454. There’s even a longing for the quirks of vintage travel: “I miss rooms with character. Stuff today is so boring so yeah, old rooms are cool by me,” chimes in u/International_Land.
Of course, not all vintage quirks are beloved. Box elder bugs crawling in through the AC unit? That’s a bridge too far for some. But as u/DieHardRennie points out, “Better than roaches or ants, & as long as there weren’t bedbugs I wouldn’t mind a few box elder bugs.” Standards are personal, after all.
The Final Verdict: You Stay, You Pay
So where does this leave our embattled hotel staff? With a sense of vindication, if not schadenfreude. The consensus is clear: the hotel did everything right. They warned, they showed, they advised against booking. As u/MrLimitHoldem succinctly states, “They still used the rooms so no discount or refund. It's not the hotel's fault the tour guide didn't tell the group how the rooms were.”
And the agency’s parting shot—“We won’t work with you anymore!”—is met with a collective shrug. The hotel’s business thrives on regular bookings for the good rooms, not the few “specialty” bookings for the old ones. As OP says, “It’s not a huge loss.”
Conclusion: The Moral of the (Retro) Story
So what’s the takeaway? Sometimes, transparency is its own reward—and its own defense. If you’re selling a quirky, old room, honesty isn’t just the best policy; it’s your legal armor. For travelers, maybe it’s time to appreciate a little vintage charm (as long as it’s clean and bug-free). And for anyone in hospitality, let this be a reminder: The customer isn’t always right—especially when you have the email receipts.
Have you ever stayed in a hotel that was a blast from the past—or a blast you’d rather forget? Share your story in the comments below. And if you love a good “I told you so,” don’t forget to subscribe for more tales from the front desk!
Original Reddit Post: Group wants a refund