Manta Manta Homestay — Hotel in Flores

I booked into Manta Manta Guesthouse , in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia, on May 1st for 4 nights. ||||I was asked on checkin to pay in full. I declined and stated I would pay the night before check out or morning of checkout. The receptionist was insistent, but I declined until checkout. He demanded to know why, and I told him that I had to be satisfied with the Accommodation before I paid. He reluctantly agreed. ||||The first night went without issue and I had organized a trip the next day. On return from the trip my room had not been attended to. Bed was not made, no fresh towels, room not cleaned. Bin full and ants everywhere due to full bin. I went to reception and asked about room not being cleaned and was met with hostility and aggression. I was shouted at, and told as I didn’t ask for the room to be cleaned it was my own fault. But I was never informed that I had to ask as everywhere I’ve stayed in Indonesia it was cleaned daily without asking.||||The following morning I asked at reception for my room to be cleaned, bin to be emptied, ants to be dealt with and fresh towels provided. I went out for the day and returned to a dirty uncleaned room. I went to reception and again asked why my room hadn’t been cleaned after asking that morning to be met again with hostility and aggression. I was shouted at, given the F off finger and was basically told I never asked for the room to be cleaned. I was called a trouble maker and was accused that I had planned trouble from the start by not paying my bill on checkin and all I wanted was the room for free. ||||I asked for the manager who came and did exactly the same, blamed me for my room not being cleaned, that I never asked, though I did twice. They then accused me of trying to get the room for free, and that I was trouble maker. Demanded I pay my bill in full. I declined stating I was not happy to pay in full as my room had not been cleaned, and I was being treated with disrespect, rudeness, hostility and aggression. I was willing to do pay pay 3/4 ||||This went back and forth for a while and then the manager locked my room and refused to allow me access to my belongings, bank cards and passport. All of which we’re in the room. He kept trying to get me to leave the property but I would not without my property and passport etc. I was basically bullied and harassed into paying the full bill before they would return my property and official documents. ||||I was in fear of my safety due to there aggression and believe the altercation May have become violent. ||||I believe this property, and the people who run it are a danger to other travelers particularly if you complain or are not happy that they are not cleaning your room. You are at danger of them holding you to ransom, and them withholding official documents such as your passport. ||||||Please avoid this property at all cost. It will negatively impact on your experience in Flores and your travels in this area. ||||AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID. NOT WORTH THE MONEY, NOT WORTH THE HOSYILIYU...

Opted for the more expensive private room with A/C. When we arrived, the room was not cleaned so we waited about 20 minutes outside the room before it was cleaned. When we got in, the room was spacious and clean. The bed is decent for Indonesia, but not by American standards. The room features a bug net which is nice because there is an open air window where a circulation fan allows bugs into the room. The mosquitos don't seem to bite, but it's still nice to have the net. There is a coffee maker with cups and coffee, a long desk with plastic stools, two night stands beside the bed, drying rack, and a wardrobe that has a couple broken doors. The bathroom has a shower with soap and shampoo dispenser. Very low water pressure from shower head and the spray nozzle on our toilet had a leak that flooded the entire bathroom floor for the first day. The A/C works if you leave it running all day, but it does not cool the room quickly. The room was not cleaned or refreshed during our 3 night stay. From the balcony is a nice view, but they are building a structure that is going to obstruct it. I would say the room is slightly overpriced compared to other places I've stayed...

OK lets clarify some things... I've read a lot of awfull comments on this guest house so I was affraid before coming but... It is absolutly not bad at all!!! Of course its not "western standard" and yes i've seen better places even in Asia, but hey its not that bad for the price... First of all rooms and beds are clean and comfortable! There is a real AC that works! Bathroom are not "modern" and NO there is no hot water but honestly here you dont need it at all! The service is GREAT and the owner is a super nice guy, he will help you for boat trips if you want, and you can leave luggage at reception during your trip (we went with an other company but we leave our luggage there anyway with no problem) Its very well situated super close to harbour and restaurants but not too close so music of bars around is not a problem. I woul totaly recommand this place if you are backpackers looking for cheap and nice place to stay in...