It was to be my last visit to Manchester as a working woman. Due to the popularity of the city’s Christmas markets, my normal choice of hotels were all over my limit and so I headed by cab to the Travel Lodge to drop off my bag before going into the office.
On arrival, the conversation went like this:
Hello, I have a reservation for two nights . Our check-in time is 2pm.
Yes I know this, I just want to drop off my bag.
You can’t leave bags with us, but you could do an early check in for £10.
Will I get the same room and is it available now?
Yes.
So actually, I’m just having to pay an extra £10.
Having reluctantly handed over my credit card, I found my room on the 6th floor which was surprisingly spacious. And although I was told it had a river view, the murky Manchester weather meant I couldn’t see too far.
The double bed was comfy and there were plenty of pillows and tea and coffee making facilities were available, but there were no biscuits. The bathroom was a good size and spotlessly clean but the only toiletries were pump action, shower gel/shampoo and soap.
The next morning, I lathered my hair and realised I’d not see the hair dryer. I looked for the phone to ask where it was, but couldn’t find a phone. I got dressed to go to reception to be told they were only available on demand. Luckily the receptionist found one for me.
That night, I decided to bagsy a dryer when I came back from dinner but everyone must have had the same idea as none were available.
The next day I went to work with damp hair realising that I’m not actually a budget hotel girl – although as I’ll be a pensioner in the New Year, maybe that’s all I’ll be able to afford!
