RoyalAtNewtonSingapore
Upon arrival I was informed that the hotel had deducted two (I booked for my colleague) nights stay from my credit card. I explained that this did not seem to be in line with AsiaRooms published terms and objected strongly.
I explained the legal position to them that although I had a relationship with AsiaRooms and AsiaRooms may have a relationship with Royal Hotel; the Hotel had no relationship with me until I presented for check-in. I told them they were out of order to make any deduction from my credit card without my personal authorisation.
Reluctantly the hotel said they would reimburse my card.
They then proceeded against my wish, to put a block on my card for the full room charge plus SGD 100 dollars for 'incidentals'. I explained that there would be no 'incidentals' to which they replied I could use mini-bar, watch pay movies, room service, etc. I find his presumption of consumption disconcerting. I have not experienced it elsewhere. In fact, many better establishments do not even put a block on your card.
Then we were both told there were no rooms available (noon) and were advised to wait until 2pm when there 'may' be rooms available. More Singapore 'hospitality'. We objectd again to no avail.
When I entered my room there was loud construction noise and the non-smoking floor room reeked of stale tobacco - even the bed linen.
The best experience I had was checking out - but I have not been able to check my credit card account yet so there may be more Singapore 'hospitality' to deal with.
The hotel needs refurbishment.
Guest lifts are used as a service elevator.
The lifts are badly programmed - when you call a lift and one can be seen standing at say ground floor, it does not move. You must wait while another arrives - and then you can't get in because it is full of laundry bin. Not even an apology. Incredulous!
One day I went to the breakfast area (I refuse to credit it with the word restaurant) to find it in darkness with food gone cold.
