I recently had the unfortunate experience of staying at the Carlton Beach hotel, a supposedly 4-star establishment, and I must say that the hotel service left much to be desired. Despite choosing this hotel specifically for its parking facilities and the availability of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, I was sorely disappointed with the overall experience.

Upon our arrival, we were informed that the parking was completely booked out and that we should have made an advance reservation. Nowhere during the booking process were we informed about the necessity of reserving parking in advance, which was quite frustrating. The receptionist suggested that we try the public parking in front of the hotel, assuring us that it is always available. However, when we arrived at the public parking area, we were faced with the reality that it was not only unavailable but also more expensive than the estimated costs we had anticipated from the hotel parking. This was a major inconvenience and an unexpected additional expense.

Adding insult to injury, the receptionist's attitude was extremely rude and unhelpful. When we expressed our disappointment about the parking situation, she callously blamed us for not booking in advance. Instead of offering any sort of assistance or alternative solutions, she simply dismissed our concerns and made us feel unwelcome from the start. Her lack of empathy and professionalism was truly disheartening.

Furthermore, when we inquired about the hotel's facilities, the receptionist pointed us towards a brochure in our room and suggested that we find the information there. It was as if no effort had been made to provide any kind of comprehensive introduction or overview of the amenities available to guests. This lack of communication and hospitality was completely unexpected and far from the welcoming experience one would hope for.

To make matters worse, our daughter was particularly excited about using the hotel's pool, which according to the brochure had stated that it was open until a certain time. However, when we arrived at the pool around 7pm, we were met with disappointment as it was already closed. It seemed as though the hotel failed to update their information or communicate any changes in operating hours. This left us feeling frustrated and as though our needs as guests were not being considered or prioritized.

Furthermore, to add to the list of disappointments, I must mention that the hotel charged us double for our stay. It was evident that the receptionist failed to check the system properly and ended up overcharging us. This blatant error and lack of attention to detail only further highlighted the hotel's disregard for its guests and their overall satisfaction.

It is evident that the Carlton Beach hotel lacks the necessary level of care and attention that one would expect from a purported 4-star establishment. The combination of the parking fiasco, the rude receptionist, the lack of information about hotel facilities, the inconsistency in operating hours, and the double charge for our stay all contributed to an extremely dissatisfying experience. Paying such a hefty price for a subpar service is simply unacceptable. It is clear that the hotel management needs to reassess their priorities and make significant improvements to ensure that guests are treated with the respect and quality service they deserve. I strongly advise potential guests to seek alternative accommodations that prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the standards expected of a 4-star hotel.