Super OYO 266 Golden Gate

They wouldn’t let us look at a room before booking. That seemed odd to me, especially since they present themselves as so lovely. I’d steer clear.

We were told the room was an upgrade at reception, even though it was exactly what we’d reserved. That set the tone for a really bad experience. We asked that evening if we could add another night, but they said they couldn’t confirm anything until 10 the next morning. When they finally got back to us the next day, they said we couldn’t stay in that room and would have to move to another floor for a fee. Several hours later, that price had nearly doubled, even though the new room had one less bed. The only explanation seemed to be the city fireworks. I’ve been travelling for almost three months and stayed in lots of hotels, but I’ve never seen the attitude toward a customer change so radically. In France, that would be disgraceful and grounds for dismissal. I can’t recommend this place.

We had to leave early and pay for a Grab and another room because we couldn’t keep using café toilets. I’m a fairly experienced budget backpacker, and I’ve never left somewhere before because it was this unsanitary. The toilet was completely blocked, with water and mess around the seat. The bedding had marks and sweat stains, so I slept fully dressed, and bugs were all over the ceiling. We woke up with lots of bites. The bathroom needs serious attention, smells awful, had no hot water, and the shower pressure was so weak I gave up washing my hair. The woman at checkout seemed concerned only with charging us for the water we’d used. I know it’s a budget motel and you get what you pay for, but my personal experience was awful. Do yourself a favour and don’t book here.

The only things I’ll remember fondly are the location and the minimarket right next door. The beds and covers smelled, the air was stuffy, and the fridge was dirty. The bathroom left a lot to be desired, and the sheets and towels were yellow and dirty. We knew it wasn’t an expensive hotel, but even a cheaper place with few resources can be clean. I didn’t feel comfortable here and can’t recommend it to any European, as it fell far short of our expectations. It feels like a sinking ship, with its best days behind it.