Hotel Inner — Hotel in undefined

We’ve stayed a few times at this hotel , generally the rooms are okay. We had a few minor issues during previous visits such as toilet rolls and supplies not being replenished so had to constantly go and ask reception for things. The rooms we got are basic and the location really good so suited us. Staff were okay, not overly friendly or helpful but it’s a bed for the night and a base to explore, it’s not something I’d bother leaving a negative review over.

However this is the last time we will stay with them. We were booked to stay with them this week but due to heavy snow our flights were cancelled at the last minute and we were unable to get to Amsterdam for several days so we ended up having to reschedule our trip for a few weeks time. Everywhere else we had booked as part of the trip was very reasonable and gave us a credit voucher or allowed us to change our booking as our circumstances were unusual - but not this place.

We had booked a non refundable hotel room which was fine, we weren’t expecting a refund but a little understanding to move it to a later date would have been nice especially as it is only a few weeks from now.

We phoned the hotel first thing when the flight was cancelled and politely explained the situation and asked if there was any flexibility to move our booking to a couple of weeks time, we were told probably not but asked to email reception outlining the situation which I did, but the email was ignored so we had to chase them up.

Despite speaking to them twice on the phone the day of our booking we still got a message from the hotel the following morning asking where we were as we hadn’t showed up so they obviously don’t communicate. We phoned again and explained for the third time why we hadn’t showed up, there was no sympathy or understanding, they wouldn’t budge and the response was just a flat out no there’s nothing we can do.

I would have been willing to pay a charge to change the booking or even just charged for the first night would have been a nice gesture. So the upshot is they have all our money and aren’t interested.

I accept they are within their rights to not move the reservation as per terms and conditions but all hotels have the power to use discretion for exceptional circumstances - such a rigid approach doesn’t get far and I won’t be staying here again. A little understanding goes a long way in customer service, and they obviously don’t value their customers, seems judging by other reviews on here others have also had the same issue in the past. So beware if you book this hotel non refundable and always have travel insurance - fortunately we did but have to now go through the hassle of...

Important read for anyone who is pregnant/expecting couples.

My wife and I were due to fly to Amsterdam and stay 2 nights in XO INNER. Unfortunately my wife suffered a miscarriage in the week of travelling; anyone who has had the same misfortune might be aware that you can't board a plane for a while afterwards. The next day, we contacted Booking.com and explained the situation. Booking.com were very empathetic and advised that while they couldn't do anything themselves, XO INNER had discretion to provide a refund (450EUR in total).

We contacted XO INNER by email, acknowledging the cancellation cost on Booking.com (100%) but provided them with the documentary evidence of our miscarriage, in the hope that they would understand the situation and refund our 450EUR. We were very surprised to receive a 2 sentence reply along the lines of "sorry, no refunds"

I decided to ring the hotel directly to try and explain (sometimes these things get lost in translation). A person called Joe, purporting to be manager, answered; I started to explain the situation but Joe cut me off saying "look, no refunds!". Again I tried to explain that Booking.com had mentioned XO INNER had discretion etc etc but again, Joe persisted with the hard line... no refunds! Then, Joe... hung up the phone!

As this had never happened to me before, I wasn't sure if he had hung up or if we'd been cut off. I rang the hotel again, each time that reception picked up the phone, they hung up again immediately! I couldn't believe it... To keep the money, and to effectively tell the customer to f%#k off...

After the week we had, we could have done without this experience. We understood that they were within their rights, but were hopeful they could provide a refund - or at the very least, sympathise with our situation.

Alas, it wasn't to be. The cash thirsty XO INNER prioritised the meagre fee for 2 nights over any show of compassion or decency (which, I guess, they're entitled to do). I've no doubt that XO will go from strength to strength with such an uncompromising approach to bookings. Tourism in Amsterdam will mean they will never need to worry too much about reputation or repeat business.

But for anyone looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam, I'd urge you to consider paying the extra 20/30 EUR and going elsewhere. For XO, I'd urge you to give consideration to who you let answer your...

If you value your sleep DO NOT stay here! I'm currently staying in the hotel, it's 5:30am and I have not slept, and this is only the first night in.

This hotel is designed to keep you awake, not out of spite, but because of poor design. I will start from the least to the most obvious reasons why this is the case, and why I am giving it one star.

Firstly the bed is extra firm, you're given a small square pillow that is like a hard cushion, theres lights all over the walls which you can't turn off, the walls are thin so you can hear next door talking. The doors to all the other rooms including the corridor door all slam shut and do not have any slowing down mechanism to prevent slamming.

This has been apparent as next door for the past few hours have been coming in and out of their room, the door slamming each time.

However...this is not the biggest problem with this hotel, in fact the reasons I listed above would of still given this hotel a 4* review. What really earns this hotel the lowest score you can get is, is the central heating system.

Above the bed is a large 2'x12" ventilation outlet, you can control this from the switches next to the door, the trouble is you can't turn them off. The reason is the rooms don't have any other means of ventilation, they're essentially a box with no windows, oh yes there's no looking outside in this hotel.

This ventilation system is on 24/7 all day and all night, to give you an idea of how loud it sounds turn on the extractor fan if you have one above your oven at home and try and sleep. That is what it's like, a constant drone that does not stop.

I did go and see reception and ask if this can be turned off, but it can't. He said it's a new system in all rooms, and there's nothing he can do. I did try and sleep, but it's impossible, so I am leaving this in the hope someone who may be looking to book in reads this and I save them the sleepless night I have had to endure.

Please if you value your sleep look elsewhere for somewhere to stay, I urge you, find...