RED FLAG!!! Suzhou: My First and LAST Time!
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Ladies, I’m about to vent some serious frustrations! During our recent trip to Suzhou, staying at a local-run small inn (a type of accommodation similar to Airbnb), the experience was sheer nightmare!
Here's how it unfolded: On the afternoon of the 11th, at around 2 PM, my friends and I were excitedly checking into our booked accommodation. We dropped off our luggage, took a shower at the inn, and then went out happily for some exploration.
But that evening, upon returning to our room around 9 o'clock, my friend found her suitcase surrounded by a mass of ants on the floor while tidying up the room! Oh no!
And from there, our troubles began one after another:
First, we contacted the inn’s staff immediately.
- The staff kept saying in the phone call, "Our cleaning lady has cleaned this place several times," but immediately blamed the previous guests, arguing that “they must have left food around and attracted the ants, such problems never occurred here before.”
- I got quite upset right then and there, as ants crawled over our clothes too! It just wasn’t tolerable to stay any longer.
Then, the inn’s cleaning lady came carrying a bucket with what seemed like an unknown cleaner inside.
- She started wiping the floor while muttering, "The previous guest must've made this mess with their food..." sighing frequently, indicating she might feel like our presence had only been adding to her burden.
As she was cleaning, to my horror, an ant was even moving across the bed!
- The cleaning lady simply grabbed a lint roller and moved it across the beds without changing the bedding or duvet covers.
To be honest, as we saw the cleaning lady scrubbing away, we both felt awkward (though I couldn't quite understand why, when clearly it was the dorm's cleanliness issue).
After the cleaner left, the inn’s customer service called me to compensate us 60 RMB!
- At that point, I couldn't help laughing, given I paid more than 600 RMB for the room. This compensation felt like throwing an insult wrapped in a gift! Moreover, the ant problem was not addressed at all.
When I demanded to switch rooms, they said, "Sorry, there are no available rooms," suggesting we "endure a night here" in return for refunding the next day's fee!
At this point, I could hold back no longer!
I was so upset that every bone in my body screamed, “How could they treat me like someone who can be easily pushed around?”
Considering the already scheduled 12th trip itinerary, at that moment, my friend and I resolved to check out and quickly book a new hotel elsewhere.
Could you imagine the scene? It was just past midnight, two girls in pajamas, loaded with bags of luggage—standing in the streets of Suzhou, the charming urban townwater town in eastern China—what a disaster! (Worst yet, during the rush to switch hotels, I misplaced a package of fish jerky snacks, truly tears in my eyes!)
Important Travel Tips and Precautions
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When arriving at any new accommodation, especially at inns or smaller hotels, upon entering your room, always check the area under the bed, mattress edges, corners, and intended luggage areas carefully to ensure there're no trace of bugs or ants, especially in warm, humid southern China cities like Suzhou.
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Prompt communication is advised—along with evidence preservation—if any issues (such as unsatisfactory cleanliness, damaged amenities) are encountered.
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Never opt for 'compromise' If faced with factors severely impacting your hospitality experience and health safety, like swarms of ants or malodorous rooms, and if the provider fails to give satisfactory solutions like thorough sanitation or room replacement. Your health and safety come first.
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Consider reputable chain hotels as alternatives, to gain more trust in local inns and better-kept accommodation experiences.
For sure, I’ll never choose an inn again after this upsetting experience!
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The hotel I booked is just across the road from Pingjiang Road, and the service was great.
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The hotel I ended up finding was also across from Pingjiang Road.
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No misunderstanding, I'm just a friendly local from Suzhou.
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Yes, there are definitely more good people out there.
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It's right next door to my place.
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Oh really? I didn't come across your place when I was booking online.
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My advice is not to stay near the tourist spots...
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Why is that? Is it because it's expensive? I'm heading to Suzhou in a few days and was curious.
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After looking for a few days, Xiangxuehai Hotel still seems like the most reliable option.
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Is the food good? We were too rushed and didn't get to go.
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I got kicked out of that All Seasons hotel too... Is this a common thing?
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What? That's really unacceptable.
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Oh crap, I just booked it!
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You didn't book the one on the third floor with the terrace, did you?
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There are plenty of hotels out there; we'll just stay in a hotel.
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Seriously, it was so much more comfortable after switching hotels.
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Can I ask which one it was, so I can steer clear?
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I booked it on Qunar. It's called Xitu Shuimo Guxiang! Pic 6 shows their storefront.
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I've used a similar kind of title before and got absolutely roasted for it.