Tanston Hotel

I arrived without a booking and asked whether a room was available. I live locally, and that same day I had undergone surgery, so I badly needed to rest. The staff did not seem to take that into account. The payment became a long, upsetting ordeal. At check-in, I asked to use a credit card, but staff kept urging me to pay cash. The POS terminal showed that USD payments were not supported, even though the room price was quoted in USD. I showed the error to the receptionist and was only told to try again later. When I tried a second time, nothing had changed, and staff still insisted on cash. I then asked to pay by card in Tanzanian shillings, but the exchange rate charged was extremely high and, to me, unjustified. I challenged it but was given no explanation or other option. After dinner I felt physically unwell and asked for the third time to settle up so I could go rest. They again asked for cash and even suggested I borrow money from a friend. I found that suggestion humiliating and was shocked by it. I explained I was unwell and just wanted to pay and go to bed. I was willing to accept the higher rate just to finish the matter, but they kept dragging it out. It showed no empathy or professionalism. I eventually went to my room without paying because I was too unwell to continue. I told the staff I would leave early, and hope I can settle the bill and put this terrible experience behind me. This is the first time I have had such a negative experience: no professionalism, understanding, or care for a guest in distress. If they had told me at check-in that the POS would not take USD and that the exchange rate was 2700 instead of 2400, I would have chosen somewhere else straight away. Completely unacceptable.