Golden Cross Hotel

The outside looked better than the inside, and that’s not saying much. There was a bad smell throughout the rooms, the place felt scary, and the showers were dirty. It wasn’t worth what I paid. My car also got scratched while parked in the carpark.

I’ve travelled around the world for years and never had such a strange check-in. We booked two nights in the middle of winter, hoping to add two more if it suited us. The hotel and town seemed almost empty of tourists. We arrived 15 minutes early and were told we could only check in if we paid extra. Odd in the off season, but I accepted it and waited in the carpark. Agoda clearly said children could stay free using existing bedding, but she insisted our child couldn’t share a bed and that we needed a three-bed room because of the extra cleaning. I asked why, then cancelled. Before leaving, I asked if she really preferred having no customer over a four-year-old sharing a bed. She emphatically said yes. The glass screen around reception didn’t help the strange feeling. It honestly seemed like she’d rather have no customers. I got really bad vibes, and even younger me has stayed in some pretty sketchy places.

My card was stolen, and someone used it to book a room there, but never showed up. A month later, the motel took the money. When I explained what had happened and said it was money for food for my kids, she refused to return it, said she wasn’t a charity, and shut the door in my face. Update: Replying to the comment, Booking.com emailed you to ask if you’d make a one-off refund given the situation. You replied no. I have a copy of that email and can share it. I called you and you hung up. When I texted, you were rude, refused to discuss it, and said the conversation was over. I can share those messages too. Because of how rude you were, I went to the motel, where you were even ruder. I’m going to the police station tomorrow with proof my card was stolen, and I hope you’ll refund the money then. Looking at your reviews, it seems like taking money from people’s accounts and not returning it may be a common thing for you. If you still refuse, I’ll post your messages on social media so everyone can see how rude you are. People should know what kind of person is running this motel.

We had the room with a double bed and bunk beds, and it was comfortable enough. It’s budget accommodation at a budget price, a good choice if all you need is a bed for the night. We checked in late and left first thing in the morning. KFC and New World supermarket are within walking distance.