1st complaint! The Ship Inn Hotel

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 18:54

I don't like to complain but I'm afraid I've got string of them to get off my chest this afternoon!



1st one. I went to the Ship a couple of weeks ago to have a look around. My family is coming out to visit us later this year and my parents will be here for a month at least and they asked me to check it out. I reported back nothing but good especially after speaking with some of the guests staying there and another couple who go every Saturday to chill out by the pool and said how great it was that it was open to the public. The reception staff were also extremely helpful. I therefore went back last week for lunch and a swim and it was lovely. Today I went and was told by a waiter that from today the hotel are charging anyone who isn't staying there 20TL per person to use the pool. How nice of him to tell me he wasn't going to charge me today but if I go back he will!!



cont'd ...

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 18:56

I went to reception before I left to check that that is definitely what is happening - even though I was drinking at the bar I would still have to pay.



They just said this is the decision of the management. And, when my family come, if they want to see me they will have to go outside the hotel. I feel so frustrated.



I wouldn't care the hotel is quiet around the pool most times, surely money spent at the bar, however small, is better than no takings.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 19:21

Does Pia Bella, or any similar quality hotels, have the same policy?



An interesting one..........

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 19:23

Yes Tenakoutou, we're both thinking along the same lines, I just posted another thread to invite comments or for bar managers/hoteliers to do a bit of self advertising.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 19:48

Have just read it - good idea, too.



With the scandalous charges commanded for all these filthy, overcrowded beaches - a real health hazard - it's not surprising people will be looking for hotels with bar/pool/lunch facilities - places that make a person feel welcome and not a bludging intruder!

susief


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 19:56

Funnily enough Pippie I took my son down to the Ship today and was told that a "new rule" came in yesterday and that it was because the hotel was busy! I wasn't told about 20tl charging just that people "locals" were no longer allowed to use the facilities. I was approached by the bar man whilst I was actually in the pool - where I had been for a good 40 mins or so - and when I said that I planned to buy lunch he just shrugged and said I should ask at reception. I felt very embarrassed at being approached whilst in the pool - why they couldn't have told me when I first got there I don't know. Needless to say we got dressed, left, and won't be going back again.



It's very short-sighted of them as we would quite happily pay for lunch and drinks there at least once or twice a week so they're losing extra revenue. I could understand it if it was really busy there but it wasn't and they should remember that it's the "locals" who often keep businesses afloat in the off season

susief


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 19:58

Just to add, I considered posting about this but like you, don't like to complain. I also wasn't sure if it was a blanket rule or we'd just been singled out (I thought maybe they didn't like young children who I appreciate can make a bit of noise despite my best efforts!!)

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 20:09

What about those who prefer to pay and thus not use what is otherwise a public swimming pool which can get crowded and noisy whilst not necessarily making money. How would hotel guests feel about the pool being open & free to all?

Carndi


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 613

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 20:13

There are several places putting their prices up. Think it's to do with the lack of tourists and instead of trying to attract people in with freebees such as the use of the pool they bring in a charge.

Wish all the Expats here would only buy essentials for a month and see what the result would be.

Resturants and bars would have to have a rethink.

susief


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 20:15

I can see your point Hector and as I said, I could understand if the hotel was busy. BUT, there were only 6 people (inc. us) in the pool at any one time and there were large numbers of sunbeds unoccupied so I can't see that it was either crowded or noisy.



I would very much doubt that with all the CTA debacle and the worldwide economic crisis, added to the large number of holiday villas available, that any of the hotels are so jammed packed with bookings that they couldn't cope with a few more customers...who are just that...customers giving these establishments their hard earned money, even if it is just for a meal and drinks and not a 7 night stay.

susief


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 20:20

Carndi - I think you've hit the nail on the head and sadly it's a typical example of the "business sense", or lack of it, that I've encountered here. If only they'd realise that if they let us use the pool for free we would actually spend money there buying meals and drinks.

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
04/07/2010 22:49

Surely it is reasonable for a hotel to charge non-residents? I can't see the problem other than they should have a notice up telling people of the change.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 02:30

I feel that as long as you ask first,and stay the day buy drinks and lunch there should not be a problem...stying to stay for most of the day with just a couple of drinks is just taking the biscuit.! and trying to pull a fast one...





Spider,X

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 02:48

20tl seems a bit steep to me. If your eating and drinking there it should be free imho. They should have a notice up saying 'Charge of so and so for non residents'

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 02:56

We do not usually use pools, as prefer the beach/sea. However, one place seems to have got it completely right, IMHO, and that's Silver Rocks.



The place is spotless, the service welcoming and extremely efficient, the food excellent. Nothing is too much trouble. I must admit, it's my favourite spot in TRNC at the moment, so much so that we spend more time there than at the beach. We go to Golden Bay -5YTL for sunbed, umbrella, use of all facilities, including showers, excellent cafe and, once again, excellent staff and nothing too much trouble.



Perhaps I should not have divulged that information?

SAFFI


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 342

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 04:22

I think its only right that hotels should charge non residents for the use of facilties pool etc, how would you feel if you paid for a holiday at the hotel and any one could just come in & use a sun lounger & the pool ?? just using the facilities that you have paid for in advance, I would not be happy if this was allowed as would other paying holidaying guests,

rcroton


Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 192

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 10:26

Saffi i completely agree, people should pay to use a hotels pool, why should it be free?

JoanneM


Joined: 24/06/2009
Posts: 266

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 11:24

Anyone know how much it is to use the 3 pools in Oscar Hotel?

Is the wave pool still open?

frontalman



Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 499

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 11:33

You could look at it the other way, if I had paid to stay in a hotel and use its facilities I might resent anyone just walking in off the street to use the pool. I stayed at the Almond Village many years ago and they charged for outsiders to use the pool. It seemed reasonable to me.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 11:37

Perhaps, if a hotel visitor's bar/restaurant tab exceeded a certain amount - then he/she/they should be entitled to 'free' use of sun lounger[s] and swimming pool?



This, of course, should only apply to either visitors with relatives/friends staying in the hotel, or casuals, and providing the hotel does not have full occupancy.



How much, per person, do forum members think is reasonable............. ???

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 11:38

Jeannie msg 15 you are so right the best place in TRNC

parklanecyp


Joined: 24/03/2010
Posts: 423

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 13:00

Park Lane Bungalows is open every day from 8am so if you do not want to get up cook that breakfast then come along to us a Full English all day Breakfast ONLY...14TL (About £6 per person) Turkish Breakfast ONLY 10TL (About £5 per person) lots on the menu to choose from ...WE ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE 7 DAYS AWEEK ...Come for the day use pool enjoy the peaceful setting the Restaurant is open 8am till 10.30pm ....everyday group bookings are welcome

Tele : 0392 821 25 49-50-51

email : parklanecyprus@hotmail.com

Web : http://www.parklanecyprus.com



We have a great full Menu at great prices Restaurant is open from 8am till 10.30pm

Bar is open from 9am till late

swimming pool open from 10am till late

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 16:46

Mark the Almonds how never charged us.and like i said one must for sure use it for the day and purchase lunch and drinks..otherwise its just not on.!





Spider,X

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 19:01

But perhaps some don't?



I can't see how charging for a parent and child can possibly be seen as being wrong.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 22:23

Years ago, because our ladies, didn't like the 'ladies' and their pimps around the pool at The Riverside, we went looking an alternative. Advised by then Jan and Nasser at The Hut we went to The Almond Holiday Village. Ali said we could use his pool for free....we have holidayed there ever since. With out doubt The Almond is the best....

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
05/07/2010 23:20

Jeannie. Shame on you! )

shayneward


Joined: 01/08/2010
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 19:51

i have been too the ship in on my last two visits and had an excellent time with my family and on both occasions we were welcomed .we did spend a fair bit at the bar on both occasions but having heard about the charge i will be giving it a wide berth so thanks for the info

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 19:58

dont boycott ring them first as it sems many mat take advantage, i not saying any one here has but it does go on, they have beds to clean staff to run aroun etc, it seems that many here are looking for vevues with pools so of course the will impose a charge, then they do not like it x

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 20:28

lilly you been on the gin again or is your spell checker not working, I'm on my third G&T now and enjoying it

shayneward


Joined: 01/08/2010
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 20:37

such a shame really as i liked the place but i see why they might want to charge but we always spend 100 turkish lira at the bar which they will now miss out on

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 21:11

message 30

I will happily spend money on food and drink wife, 2 thirsty and hungry kids can equal £100 a day easy but then people want to charge to use the facilities i wont pay on principal.....

Aeyeofspirit



Joined: 01/05/2008
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
02/08/2010 12:34

Hi - saw your reply re the charging for using hotel pool/bars etc & that prices going up genrally - got to say I think we got ourselves a good deal then with the Pia Bella - it was advertised in Anotolia Sky at £800+ per person for B/B for 2wks - just paid £1,268 total for both of us for 2wks H/B & tranfer from/too Larnaca included - did it by booking flights myself (Cyprus Airways surprisingly? the best deal) - as we wanted to fly from Manchester & then I booked the hotel & transfer with Cyprus Paradise/Premiere (I know we paid slightly over odds for the taxi transfer & could probably have gotten an even better deal if i did it all myself - but took the quicker option).



However the e-mail threads i keep seeing about costs of everything & people being 'ripped off' are worrying as it was our intention to retire to N/C (renting initially) & now we are re-considering (hence the visit/holiday) to sus things out for ourselves



Any advice re where to go would be appreciated



Anne

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
02/08/2010 14:33

Anne

You will be staying in the right place to get advice. Your first priority must be to see Marian Stokes or one of the Home Buyers Pressure Group (hbpg-trnc.net ) who meet at the Pia Bella hotel every Tuesday 12noon -3pm to give free advice and help. You may want to research other parts of the world to retire to other than Cyprus (expatfocus.com ) before your holiday and the various North Cyprus web forums like this one to understand the pitfalls. Buy the Cyprus Today newspaper Wed & Sat.

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
02/08/2010 16:13

if i had paid to stay in a hotel and found out anyone can use the facilities for free i would not be happy, you think hotels should build pools maintain them for free i think not

shayneward


Joined: 01/08/2010
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
04/08/2010 18:45

good point mes34 .maybe the best solution would be to only allow hotel guests to use the facilities and this would avoid many issues

MarkVPiazza


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 530

Message Posted:
04/08/2010 18:57

The trouble with free entry is that people tend to abuse the system.



We have been at places where day visitors use a sunbed/pool/facilities for a whole day and only buy one drink - hardly fair to staying guests, or the hotel.

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
04/08/2010 19:51

We don't often agree Mark but just this once !

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
04/08/2010 19:54

Could hotels not charge. and then credit any drinks against the receipt?



Personally I love The Ship and all its staff. Many great holidays there!



wynyardman

kheme


Joined: 30/01/2010
Posts: 41

Message Posted:
04/08/2010 20:12

well, the pool at the Mountain View Hotel is free to all, as long as you buy drinks at the pool bar. People come in from different places just to use the pool. There's no fee... just buy drinks.

Aeyeofspirit



Joined: 01/05/2008
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
11/08/2010 18:44

Thanks for that advice Hector - will endeavour to get to a meeting whilst there - Anne

Aeyeofspirit



Joined: 01/05/2008
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
11/08/2010 18:49

Thanks for that advice Hector - will endeavour to get to a meeting whilst there - Anne

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
11/08/2010 18:52

in defense of some of the places with very large outside pools.



it does cost a small fortune to maintaine these pools.All the kids phisshing in the pools,people not shoowering before they use the pool,ect ect!



maybe a 15 x 7 pool that is used by the public in a hotel may well cost around £1200 to £1500 per year.



Some 1 has got to pay for it.



Chemicals dont grow on tree,s you know

babygirl


Joined: 13/02/2010
Posts: 109

Message Posted:
11/08/2010 19:39

Given the current tourist situation it does seem a little crazy that some hotels are turning away regular custom, people who will have lunch and drinks throughout the day as well as using the pool etc., the pool has to be maintained whether 1 person using it or many more. The Ship hotel was almost empty of guests throughout July and yet they impose this charge and turn away people who have been using the facilities for years and putting something back into the hotel by buying lunch, going for dinner and were staying at the hotel many times prior to living here on a permanent basis. I telephoned the Ship on Sunday to try to find out why this change of policy and was not in my opinion given a reasonable explanation and I did ask the person I spoke with to pass my views onto the management. It is a shame as the Ship hotel was always so friendly and a lovely place to go.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
12/08/2010 11:43

The easiest way for the hotel to handle this is to make the charge but credit this against a restaurant bill. That gets rid of the freeloaders.



Consider this though on a similar subject.

Both the Sandy Lane in Barbados and the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City have guided tours going around the hotels all day. How would you feel about that when you had paid £500+ per night!

Oh look Horace, isnt that some kind of footballer!!

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
12/08/2010 11:55

Isn't the Sandy Lane where Michael Winner spends Christmas? (Pays around £50k I believe)